Takoradi, March 14, GNA - Government has been asked to initiate adequate measures and to provide the necessary inputs for the training of mentally and physically challenged persons, so that they could be completely integrated into the society.

A comprehensive programme and educational opportunities were needed for the development of impaired persons.

The Reverend Ama Afo-Blay, Director General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), made these requests in an address read for her at the opening of the first national art, music and cultural festival, under the theme "Come and See what I can do", at Takoradi on Friday. She appealed to individuals and organizations to assist schools for mentally and physically impaired children with modern teaching aids to facilitate teaching and learning there.

Rev. Afo-Blay advised the public to desist from making derogatory remarks about people with disabilities but to motivate them to develop their potentials.

She appealed to architects, road contractors and other development partners, to take into consideration people with disabilities, to facilitate their movement.

Mr Kwabena Antwi-Taylor, the deputy Western Regional director of education said, people with disabilities should be assisted to undertake their civic and social responsibilities and to enjoy their rights. He said they required special training, speech and language therapy among others to make them confident, self-reliant and independent. There was an exhibition of handiwork by children and cultural displays.