YASA Foundation to expand support for children with cerebral palsy, persons with disabilities

For some children living with cerebral palsy, access to physiotherapy and speech therapy can make a significant difference in their ability to communicate, move and participate in everyday activities. But for many families, the cost of sustained rehabilitation remains a major challenge.

Determined to extend such support to more vulnerable people, the YASA Foundation has announced plans to expand its humanitarian interventions, focusing on healthcare, rehabilitation, inclusive education and economic empowerment.

The foundation, founded by Yeye (Dr) Afolashade Shona-Aluko, also known as Yeye Bobajiro Oodua, said it would build on its previous interventions, including health outreach programmes for children with cerebral palsy across Lagos State, through which beneficiaries received physiotherapy and speech therapy.

It has also distributed white canes to persons with visual impairments to improve their mobility and independence, while organising training and empowerment initiatives for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable members of society.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the foundation’s official unveiling and launch in Lagos yesterday, Shona-Aluko said the experiences gained from these interventions reinforced the need for a structured organisation capable of sustaining and expanding humanitarian support.

She explained that the foundation was established out of the conviction that everyone deserved dignity, respect and equal opportunities, irrespective of physical condition, economic circumstances or social background.

According to her, persons with disabilities, vulnerable children, women, older persons and underserved communities continue to face barriers to healthcare, education, protection and economic opportunities, making targeted interventions necessary to ensure that no one is left behind.

She said the foundation would concentrate on five major areas: healthcare, rehabilitation and assistive support; inclusive education, skills development and livelihood opportunities; protection and advocacy; disability inclusion and social awareness; and partnerships, institutional development and sustainability.

Under its healthcare programme, the foundation intends to promote access to essential medical services, rehabilitation and assistive devices to improve the well-being and independence of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable individuals.

Its education and empowerment initiatives will focus on inclusive learning, vocational training, skills acquisition and sustainable livelihood opportunities, particularly for people whose circumstances have limited their access to economic advancement.

The foundation also plans to advocate stronger protection for vulnerable children, women, older persons and persons with disabilities against abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination.

Shona-Aluko said it would work to challenge negative perceptions of disability and encourage communities to embrace accessibility, equality and social inclusion.

She stressed that the foundation was being established to translate its vision into practical interventions capable of improving lives.

The founder, however, acknowledged that achieving these objectives would require sustained collaboration with government institutions, corporate organisations, development agencies, traditional and religious institutions, civil society groups and philanthropists.

She urged private sector organisations to support the foundation through programme sponsorship, technical assistance, capacity building and other forms of partnership, describing social inclusion as an important component of corporate responsibility.

She also called on governments at all levels to strengthen policies and programmes that protect vulnerable populations and guarantee equal opportunities.

Appealing to the media, Shona-Aluko urged journalists to give greater attention to the experiences and achievements of persons with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups, saying public awareness was essential to changing negative attitudes.

She said media reports should promote dignity and empowerment rather than portray vulnerable people merely as objects of pity or dependence.