By Justina Auta
An NGO, Empowering Abilities Through Inclusive Pages (EATIP) Project, has unveiled braille and virtual reality versions of “Awakening Possibilities in Disabilities,” authored by Dr Praise Akobo, promoting inclusive learning among children with disabilities nationwide.
The initiative was unveiled during separate book launch and engagement programmes held at the FCT School for the Blind and Zamarr Institute, a Learning Ability Centre located in Jabi, Abuja recently.
The book was presented in braille and print formats to support learners with varying disabilities, ensuring accessibility and inclusion for children requiring different educational approaches and specialised learning support across participating institutions.
At the FCT School for the Blind, students with visual impairments participated actively during the official presentation and distribution ceremony for the braille edition of the educational book held at school.
Learners received personal copies to encourage independent reading, while visually impaired teachers received braille editions alongside specialised Parent’s and Teacher’s Guides designed to improve inclusive teaching methods and classroom learning experiences.
Teachers without visual impairments also received print copies of the educational materials to support classroom instruction, encourage inclusive participation, and improve communication between learners with disabilities and their peers effectively nationwide.
The event featured interactive reading sessions where students demonstrated braille literacy skills through guided comprehension exercises, highlighting the importance of accessible educational materials in strengthening confidence and independent learning among participants.
One of the learners, Gideon Iliya, said the book changed his understanding and perception about disability, encouraging him to recognise hidden strengths in spite of physical limitations affecting his everyday experiences and opportunities.
“This book gave me a new meaning to disability. Even in my disability, I know there is ability in it,” he said during the interactive engagement session held with participants.
Another learner, Glory Israel, said one of the stories contained in the book inspired her greatly, teaching her not to regard disability as a limitation affecting personal growth, confidence, and future aspirations.
“I learnt about different kinds of disabilities and how to relate with Persons With Disabilities,” she said while sharing experiences gained from participating in the educational reading and engagement activities organised recently.
“I also learnt how to embrace our differences and I recommend this book because it is inspiring for children,” she said.
Similarly, students with autism, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome at Zamarr Institute participated actively during the official launch of the print edition of the educational and inclusive learning book.
Copies of the book and the Parent’s and Teacher’s Guide were distributed to learners and teachers to support inclusive classroom learning, strengthen accessibility, and encourage participation among children with disabilities effectively nationwide.
The programme also featured adaptive learning activities alongside an immersive virtual reality experience based on one of the stories in the book, titled “Patrick Sees with His Heart,” for participating learners.
The virtual reality session was designed to make learning more relatable, interactive, and engaging, while improving immediate understanding among learners through immersive storytelling experiences tailored toward children with varying disabilities and needs.
Speaking during the events, Akobo emphasised that disability did not limit ability, adding every child possessed unique strengths and possibilities requiring nurturing, encouragement, support, and celebration within society and educational institutions nationwide.
She said the project was designed to promote inclusion, inspire confidence, and encourage society to embrace the abilities, talents, and contributions of persons living with disabilities across communities and educational institutions.(NAN)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
