SPED-UEW Hosts Seminar on Disability Inclusion and Empowerment
The Department of Special Education (SPED) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) hosted a student-led seminar on special education, advocating for the removal of barriers that restrict the full participation of persons with disability (PWDs) in society.
The seminar, organised by final-year students and held at the Registrar’s Conference Room on Thursday, 14th August, 2025, brought together educators, disability advocates and students to discuss inclusive teaching practices, the role of language and media in shaping disability narratives and practical approaches to overcoming social and structural barriers.
Ms. Hilda Ohene-Nyarko explained that inclusion means removing the barriers and walls that prevent learners with disability from enjoying the same experiences as their peers. She highlighted differentiated teaching methods, assistive technologies such as screen readers and Braille books and stigma-free classrooms as essential to fostering equality. “Inclusive education is not an act of charity. It is a commitment to justice, equality and unlocking the full potential of every learner,” she remarked.
Ms. Emmanuella Makafui Tsekpo, another presenter, focused on “changing the narrative” regarding how disability is represented in the media and everyday language. She cautioned against stereotypes that portray PWDs as objects of pity or inspiration, instead advocating for authentic representation. “Changing language changes perception and changing perception changes reality,” she stated, urging content creators and journalists to involve PWDs directly in storytelling.
The main speaker, Ms. Grace Baidoo, a Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) practitioner, illustrated the practical realities of inclusion by engaging the audience in a live exercise featuring a young participant with a physical disability. She underscored that societal barrier ranging from inaccessible infrastructure to discriminatory attitudes often disable people more than their impairments do. “Inclusion is not a favour; it is a right,” she stated, urging participants to translate advocacy into everyday practice.
Other contributors, including Dr. Emmanuel K. Acheampong and Mr. Eric Odoom, reiterated the need for inclusive policies at both institutional and national levels. Mr. Odoom urged the government to go beyond providing free tertiary education for PWDs by enforcing employment quotas and ensuring accessible environments.
The seminar concluded with a call to action for students, teachers, policymakers and communities to break down barriers together and promote equality, empathy and empowerment for PWDs.
