By Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
The Governor of Ekiti state, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has been commended for his welfarism and social inclusiveness policy.
Commending the Governor for this, Senior Special Assistant to Governor office attached to ministry of Special Education and Social Inclusion, Pastor Akinola Stephen Abimbola described this as “exceptional and unprecedented”.
Specifically, Pastor Abimbola commended Governor Oyebanji for his government’s special attention and care for people with disability in the state.
A statement signed by Pastor Abimbola and made available to Heritage News in Ado Ekiti said, “Since creation of the State, the Government of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji is the first to specially craft out an office headed by a Special Adviser, on Special Education and Social Inclusion.This office is basically concern with the social inclusion of the PWD (people with disability).
“This exceptional and unprecedented action of the Governor granted the participation of Special Schools to participate during the just concluded children’s day and was surprising as these pupils performed brilliantly during the match past competition with their fellow pupils from other schools and yet, the Special School,( School for the deaf) ikoro Ekiti came out as 2nd runner up after the competition.
“These students were never left out in entertainment as one of the pupils from Special School, (School for the Blind) Ikere Ekiti, thrilled the entire audience and co pupils on the stadium with his well arranged hip-hop composed song and same song was choreographic danced to by his colleague from School for the deaf, Ikoro Ekiti.
“This actually establish the common saying that “there is ability in disability” the government of Governor BAO gave them a conducive atmosphere to discover and displayed their talents what a Governor that cares and show affection to people that are naturally rejected due to their nature by the society
“The State Governor in a bid to ensure thorough welfarism and social inclusiveness for students at the Special school, had just furnished 3 therapy studios and 3 Montessori room for the benefit of students with disabilities in all the Special Schools – Government School for physically challenged
“The therapy room and the montessori room at the special Education school is a safe and supportive space for students to receive individualised or group therapy sessions. The room is designed to promote comfort, calmness, and relaxation, and it includes various materials and tools to facilitate therapy sessions.
“Some of the facilities include: Comfortable seating and pillows, Calming colours and decorations, Sensory integration tools like playdough, fidget toys, and weighted blanket. Other Art supplies like markers, paint, crayons, Music and sound equipment like headphones, and instruments, Books and stories for bibliotherapy, Games and activities for social skills development.
“The therapy room would be led by a trained therapist, and a school counsellor, social worker, or psychologist, who will work with students to address specific goals and needs, such as: Social skills development, Emotional regulation, Anxiety and stress management, Self-esteem and confidence building, Coping skills and strategies, Communication and relationship skills.
“The therapy room is a vital part of the special education school’s support system, providing a nurturing environment for students to grow, learn, and thrive.
“Governor Biodun Oyebanji also provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment that fosters independence, self-directed learning, and academic achievement for students with special needs, this is done by equipping all the Special Schools with a Montessori room.
“A Montessori room in a Special Education school is a specially designed learning environment that incorporates the principles of Montessori education, tailored to meet the unique needs of students with special needs. The room is typically prepared to promote independence, self-directed learning, and hands-on exploration.
“The rooms are equipped with
Modified Montessori materials. Adapted to meet the individual needs of students with special needs, such as materials with extra support or reinforcement.Sensory-friendly environment, a calm and organised space that minimises sensory overload, with features like soft lighting, comfortable seating, and soothing colours.
“The room is prepared to promote Individualised learning plans. Each student has a personalised learning plan that incorporates their goals, strengths, and challenges. It is prepared to encourage Adaptive activities. Activities that are adapted to meet the physical, cognitive, and emotional needs of students with special needs through assistive technology. Technology that supports communication, learning, and accessibility, such as tablets, communication devices, and adaptive keyboards
“Apart from this, Governor Oyebanji equally equipped the schools with the aim of promoting Positive behavioural support. Strategies that encourage positive behaviour, such as visual schedules, visual reminders, and positive reinforcement systems.
“These Schools are also equipped with ICT room, The ICT (Information and Communications Technology) room at a special education school is a equipped to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities or special need.These rooms are typically equipped with adaptive technology and software to support students with a range of abilities and learning styles. It equipped with Multimedia resources, including audio and video materials, to support diverse learning styles. Internet access and online resources, such as educational websites and apps, to enhance learning experiences.
‘The Governor targets that the ICT room at a special education school is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where students can develop essential skills in technology, communication, and problem-solving, preparing them for success in their future endeavours.
“These facilities were inspected by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Funmilayo Agboola and along with other SSA, Social Inclusion, Alhaji Fattai Sulaiman, SSA,Rehabilitation and Mental Health, Mrs Funmilayo Fatoba. Special Assistance, Inclusion Mrs Bisi Koka Special Assistance, Disabilities Affairs, Mr Obanise akin Olubenga and myself.
“It is crystal clear that the State Governor is having an exceptional and unique love with people who are naturally unloved due to their various disabilities.BAO is working, the Special People are happy.”