Lagos: Dr. Mudi Nwachukwu, Founder of the Special Educational Needs and Therapy Empowerment (SENTE), has called for a future where kids with special needs grow into independent and working adults. Nwachukwu, in a statement on Sunday in Lagos, ahead of the SENTE Conference and Trade Fair, emphasised that support must last a lifetime, long after the school years end.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Nwachukwu, also the Chair of the Organising Committee for SENTE, highlighted a pressing concern among many Nigerian families raising children with special needs: the uncertainty of what happens after school. She noted that the upcoming SENTE Conference, scheduled for February 12, would focus on addressing this concern and preparing children with special needs for independent and productive adulthood.
Nwachukwu highlighted the struggles many parents and caregivers face with transition planning, employability, independent living, and access to services once children with special needs reach adulthood. She explained that the SENTE Conference is designed to bridge these gaps by providing a practical platform where families can engage with experts, policymakers, and service providers on sustainable, life-long solutions.
The focus, according to her, is on action, equipping parents and caregivers with tools and strategies they can apply within their own communities. The event will feature expert-led panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and exhibitions showcasing services, assistive technologies, and innovations tailored to special needs care and development.
Nwachukwu recalled that the 2025 edition of the conference recorded strong participation from families, professionals, and advocates, reflecting the growing demand for coordinated support systems for persons with special needs. Last year’s conference featured discussions on inclusive education, healthcare access, and advocacy, alongside exhibitions by organisations providing therapy, assistive devices, and support services.
Feedback from participants revealed a clear need to move the conversation toward adulthood, long-term planning, and economic empowerment. These insights directly shaped the theme and structure of the 2026 conference, with increased emphasis on transition planning and future readiness.
Nwachukwu stated that inclusion requires shared responsibility and stronger public-private partnerships, which are critical to closing existing gaps. She described the conference as a key networking hub where families could connect with service providers and advocacy groups offering long-term support.