Photo: Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman | The World
Special needs children in Ghana often face discrimination in terms of inadequate health care, education and social engagement. Mary Amoah Kufour, whose 20-year-old daughter has autism and needs 24/7 support, is changing that narrative. In 2016, she founded Klicks Africa Foundation, a center for early intervention and support for children under the age of 5 as well as young adults on the autism spectrum. Although Ghana has an inclusive education policy, parents must enroll special needs children in learning centers that can cost more than $3,000 per year. Kufour, who has 400,000 Facebook followers, accommodates families with highly subsidized rates through donations and personal funds. She is not alone in her advocacy efforts. Model and actor Afi Antonio created Mr. & Miss Autism Ghana to promote social inclusion for youth with autism, and hopes the pageant will open more opportunities for them.
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