Families of children living with autism, epilepsy and other disabilities have received food items from Tina’s Autistic and Epilepsy Foundation during a humanitarian outreach in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The food distribution programme, organised by the foundation, was aimed at providing relief to parents and caregivers who shoulder the responsibility of caring for children and adults with special needs, many of whom face significant financial and emotional challenges.
The foundation, established by Aderemi Ajibade, is dedicated to improving the quality of life of persons living with autism, epilepsy, Down syndrome, paralysis, sensory impairments and other forms of disability.
It also provides educational support, raises awareness on developmental disorders and advocates for the inclusion and protection of persons with special needs.
Representing the founder, Mrs. Folawe Akintewe said the initiative was designed to bring hope and practical support to families who often bear enormous responsibilities in caring for their loved ones.
She noted that many parents struggle daily to provide therapy, medication, education and other essential needs for children with developmental and neurological conditions, stressing that the foundation remains committed to complementing their efforts through regular welfare interventions, advocacy and community sensitisation.
Mrs. Akintewe appealed to governments at all levels, corporate organisations, philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to support programmes targeted at persons with disabilities, noting that collective action is required to ensure they enjoy equal opportunities and live with dignity.
A trained nurse, Glory Odunayo, who spoke during the programme, educated parents and caregivers on effective ways of managing children living with autism, epilepsy and other disabilities.
He emphasised the importance of patience, love and understanding in caring for children with special needs.
According to him, parents should avoid allowing the challenges associated with their children’s conditions to negatively affect their psychological well-being, as emotional stability is essential to providing quality care.
Odunayo urged caregivers to seek early medical evaluation, professional therapy and continuous follow-up where necessary, explaining that early intervention significantly improves the development, communication and social skills of many children with developmental disorders.
He also advised parents to avoid discrimination and overprotection, encouraging them instead to help their children develop confidence, independence and social interaction within their capabilities.
Parents and caregivers who benefited from the programme described the outreach as timely, saying the food items would help cushion the effects of the current economic situation on their families.
They expressed appreciation to Aderemi Ajibade and Tina’s Autistic and Epilepsy Foundation for the gesture, describing the intervention as a demonstration of genuine compassion and commitment to the welfare of children and adults with special needs.
They added that the foundation’s advocacy and support programmes have continued to provide hope to many families while helping to reduce the stigma associated with autism, epilepsy and other disabilities.
The beneficiaries appealed to governments, donor agencies, corporate bodies and members of the public to partner with Tina’s Autistic and Epilepsy Foundation to expand its humanitarian interventions and reach more families across Ondo State and beyond.
The event also served as a platform to promote greater awareness, acceptance and inclusion of persons living with disabilities, with participants calling for sustained support to ensure that every child, regardless of ability or medical condition, has the opportunity to live a productive and fulfilling life.
