PSLC Celebrates 20 Years, Unveils Plan to Shift Disability Narrative to Economic Participation

Funmi Ogundare

The Patrick Speech and Language Centre (PSLC), weekend, unveiled a national initiative aimed at championing employability for individuals with developmental differences and advancing inclusive policies across Nigeria, as well as drive a shift from stigma to economic and social inclusion, as part of efforts to commemorate its 20th anniversary.
The centre provides autism and developmental therapy services in Nigeria through therapy, training and advocacy,
Speaking at a press conference, in Lagos, the founder and Director of the centre , Mrs. Dotun Akande noted that the new phase of its work seeks to move beyond therapy services to systems-level change that positions neurodiverse individuals as contributors to the country’s workforce and economic growth.
Established in 2006 with a foundational investment of ₦45 million, she stated that PSLC emerged at a time when autism awareness in Nigeria was limited. “Over the past two decades, the centre has supported thousands of children and families through multidisciplinary therapy services and early intervention programmes,” she said, adding that it has also trained more than 300 therapists, educators and caregivers, while expanding access to services through its non-profit arm, the Puresouls Learning Foundation.
According to the director, many beneficiaries who were previously non-verbal or excluded are now thriving, demonstrating the impact of early intervention and sustained support.
Akande noted that the organisation’s journey has gone beyond building a therapy facility to empowering families and transforming outcomes for children with developmental challenges.
As part of its anniversary activities, she announced plans to launch a year-long national advocacy campaign anchored on storytelling and performance arts.
“The initiative will feature an original dance-drama production designed to address societal perceptions of disability, promote inclusion, and stimulate policy engagement,” Akande noted.
The founder described the use of performance art as a strategic advocacy tool intended to translate policy issues into relatable human stories, influence public attitudes and encourage institutional action.
Additional activities to mark its 20th anniversary also include an art exhibition themed ‘Legacy: Unfiltered Expression’ as well as the unveiling of a documentary film titled ‘Unlocking Autism’, scheduled to hold at the Terra Kulture Art Gallery, Victoria Island, on April 26.
The arts exhibition will feature the works of Preye Azazi, Funom Oti Wenyang, Oluwadamiloju Yomi-Adeyemi, Odinakachukwu Ozor and Chijindu Chukwunonso Ijomah. The documentary film 20 years in the making, will also chronicle the journey, challenges and triumphs of autism intervention in Nigeria
The events, according to Akande, are part of efforts to deepen public engagement, serve as powerful prelude to PSLC’s national advocacy campaign, using art and film to shift perceptions and inspire actions.
She called for partnerships with corporate organisations, development institutions and policymakers to support the initiative, adding that the programme would tour the country, promote talent development for neurodiverse individuals, and drive sustained advocacy for disability inclusion reforms.
” Detailed proposals outlining programme design, budget and measurable impact frameworks would be shared with prospective partners,” the director stated.

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