The Empowerment of Persons with Special Needs for Independent Living in a Developing Nation

Abstract

Over the years, exceptional persons have contributed immensely to national
development. Their inputs have been felt or noticed in the areas of education, health,
commerce, community service, music, industry, sports and social development, law
and diplomacy, politics and the like. This paper discusses the concept and nature of
empowerment, goals and strategies for empowering persons with special needs, and
factors militating against their empowerment in Nigeria. Finally, some fundamental
recommendations for effective empowerment of persons with special needs for
independent living are suggested. Developing nations should adopt the strategies
towards the improvement of the lot of persons with special needs as obtains in
advanced countries of the world.

LWATI: A Journal of Contemporary Research Vol. 5 2008: pp. 28-36