Different abilities in focus/ Challenges and needs of children in Korça

2025-12-03 12:45:00, Qyteti im CNA

An activity was held today in the special school of the city of Korça as part of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. There are about 2 thousand people with disabilities in this city, while 40 children receive services every day at the community center, which includes developmental therapy, group therapy, speech therapy and physiotherapy. In recent years, an increase in the number of children with disabilities has been noted, which also increases the need for support and special structures. For many parents, the challenges are numerous and daily. They face a lack of centers and appropriate spaces, but also the difficulty of acceptance by society.

Kristina Ndini, the mother of a son with disabilities, says that the moment of diagnosis is often accompanied by emotional shock, but then the phase of strengthening and facing reality begins to provide the necessary therapies and support.

Different abilities in focus/ Challenges and needs of children in Korça

" Today it is very difficult to have a child with disabilities because it is the pain that we have and face every day seeing that your child cannot do what they should do. Today there are many difficulties because they are not accepted, there are many shortcomings in many things, from the way they should be, because you cannot always keep them with you. He is not free to go out like any other child. There are not many centers where they can stay, to be like all children. My child is now in school here, he receives services here ," she said.

In the case of Kristina's son, who attends services at this school, the adjustment has been good, thanks to the constant care and supportive environment that the institution provides. She emphasizes that love, acceptance and being close to a child are crucial for his development, while the lack of acceptance from others is seen as the biggest obstacle to integration.

"My son has adapted. If you give him love, stay close to him and treat him well, he will adapt to it directly. There are also children who do not adapt and it is even more difficult, but this is not the case with my son. When I found out that he was disabled, it did not feel good and I thought "Why me?". But you have to be strong. For those who do not accept it, it is a crime. If we do not accept those who brought them into life, the other person will never accept it. You have to fight and cope so that the child feels good, with difficulty but we have accepted it ," said Kristina.

Today's activity aimed to bring attention to the real challenges faced by families and children with disabilities, emphasizing that December 3rd should not be just a symbolic date, but a reminder of the necessity of support and inclusion in social life./CNA