BlueAfric Media Partners with Seizure Support Foundation
We are proud to have BlueAfric Media as our media partner. Their dedication to driving impact through storytelling, brand strategy, and content creation in the development space is truly commendable. BlueAfric Media has consistently supported initiatives that bring health awareness, education, and social change to the forefront. Their work in media advocacy, public health campaigns, and community engagement continues to create meaningful impact across various sectors. If you’re passionate about health, community safety, or simply want to gain valuable emergency response skills, join us! Let’s build a safer, more informed society together. For more details, contact:📞 08188096087📧 info@seizuresupportfoundation.org🌐 www.seizuresupportfoundation.org #SeizureFirstAid #CPRTraining #CommunityHealth #EmergencyResponse #BlueAfricMedia #SSF #HealthcareAwareness #Development #MediaForImpact If you’re passionate about health, community safety, or simply want to gain valuable emergency response skills, join us! Let’s build a safer, more informed society together. For more details, contact:📞 08188096087📧 info@seizuresupportfoundation.org🌐 www.seizuresupportfoundation.org #SeizureFirstAid #CPRTraining #CommunityHealth #EmergencyResponse #BlueAfricMedia #SSF #HealthcareAwareness #Development #MediaForImpact
HOW COCONUT OIL, BOILED EGGS, AND CUTTING OUT SUGAR & TRANS FAT
True Story What are Seizures? Seizures are a serious #health problem, especially for people with #epilepsy. While #medicine is the main treatment, research shows that #food choices can also help reduce seizures. How #Diet Can Help Control Seizure Using food as medicine for epilepsy is not new. The #ketogenicdiet, which is high in fats and low in #carbs, has been used for a long time to help people whose seizures do not stop with medicine. According to Kossoff et al. (2018), this diet helps the body make ketones, which give the brain energy in a way that reduces seizures. Coconut Oil and Seizure Control #Coconutoil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat that turns into #ketones in the liver. These ketones provide energy for the brain and help prevent seizures. Research by Neal et al. (2009) found that MCT oil, which is found in coconut oil, helped reduce seizures in #children with epilepsy. How Boiled Eggs Help the Brain Eggs are full of choline, a nutrient that helps the brain grow and work properly. Choline is important because it helps make a chemical in the brain called acetylcholine, which carries messages between nerve cells. Zeisel (2006) found that choline helps keep brain cells healthy and reduces #inflammation, which can trigger seizures. Why Cutting Out Sugar Helps Processed #sugar makes #bloodsugar levels rise and fall quickly, which can make brain cells overactive and trigger seizures. A study by Gano et al. (2020) showed that too much sugar changes gut #bacteria and increases brain inflammation, both of which can lead to more seizures. Removing processed sugar from the diet can help keep the brain stable and reduce seizure risks. Cutting Out Trans Fats and Seizure Reduction #Transfats are unhealthy fats found in foods like margarine, fried snacks, and fast food. A study by Chang et al. (2018) found that eating too much trans fat can make brain problems worse, including seizures. Removing trans fats from the diet may help the brain work better and reduce seizure risks. Healthier fats like #coconutoil, #avocados, and #nuts are better choices for brain health. By making simple changes to diet, many people might be able to control their seizures better, improve their brain health, and live a better life.
Our Special Education Scholarship Beneficiaries
We are incredibly touched to share this beautiful image message from our special mothers expressing their gratitude for the support we’ve provided to their children, with special needs. Their words remind us of the impact we can have on families navigating the challenges of autism and seizures. At Seizure Support Foundation, our mission is to empower families, provide resources, and foster a supportive community. It’s moments like these that fuel our passion and commitment to making a difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you to all our supporters, volunteers, and partners who make our work possible. Together, we are creating a brighter future for children and families affected by autism and seizures. 💜 If you would like to learn more about our programs or how you can help, please visit our website (www.seizuresupportfoundation.org) or reach out to us directly via call +2348188096087. Your support truly matters! SeizureSupport #Gratitude #TogetherWeCan
ENUGU SEIZURE FIRST AID AND CPR TRAINING TOUR
Join the Seizure Support Foundation in our mission to create safer, more inclusive communities by volunteering for our Tertiary Institutions-Wide Seizure First Aid and CPR Training Tour! Whether you’re a medical practitioner, student, lecturer, or a passionate individual, your participation will help equip others with life-saving skills, foster empathy, and break the stigma around neurological disorders. . Be a part of this impactful initiative—sign up today by joining any of these teams: Step-by-Step Protocol for Signing Up for Seizure First Aid and CPR Training Sign Up Through Social Media Example Format for Submission Additional Information For any questions or inquiries, feel free to reach out via WhatsApp at +2348188096087. Let’s work together to save lives and create awareness about seizure first aid!
Guide to Driving with Epilepsy
The e-book, Guide to Driving with Epilepsy by Chopra & Nocerino, provides essential information and support for individuals with epilepsy who wish to drive safely. It covers the medical, legal, and practical aspects of driving with epilepsy, including seizure control requirements, the importance of medical clearance, and the variability of driving laws by state. The guide emphasizes the need for both safety and independence, offering tips on risk assessment, lifestyle adjustments, and staying informed about evolving regulations. More than 50 million people across the globe, with 1.1 percent of U.S. adults living with epilepsy, and approximately 10 million people living with the condition in Africa. Driving with this condition requires careful consideration and adherence to safety guidelines to help minimize the risk of accidents or injury. By staying informed and working closely with your healthcare provider, individuals with epilepsy can navigate the road safely and confidently. Chopra & Nocerino made a new guide about the risks and safety tips on driving with this condition. Check it out below: https://www.chopranocerino.com/guide-to-driving-with-epilepsy More than 50 million people across the globe, with 1.1 percent of U.S. adults live with epilepsy, and approximately 10 million people live with the condition in Africa. Driving with this condition requires careful consideration and adherence to safety guidelines to help minimize the risk of accidents or injury. By staying informed and working closely with your healthcare provider, individuals with epilepsy can navigate the road safely and confidently. Chopra & Nocerino made a new guide about the risks and safety tips on driving with this condition. Check it out below: For individuals with epilepsy, driving can present unique challenges, and managing these effectively often requires strong community support. Below, we explore essential pillars and low hanging fruits for harnessing community support to assist people with special needs, like those managing epilepsy, in safely achieving greater independence on the road. Chopra & Nocerino made a new guide about the risks and safety tips on driving with this condition. Check it out below: https://www.chopranocerino.com/guide-to-driving-with-epilepsy
7 Pillars to Effectively Harness Community Support for Managing Children with Special Needs
A community is a group of people who live in the same area or share common characteristics, interests, or values. It represents a network of relationships, a support system, and a collective space where individuals come together for mutual benefit. In the context of supporting children with neurodevelopmental disorders, the community becomes an invaluable resource for providing care, sharing knowledge, and creating an inclusive environment that nurtures these children’s growth and development. Recognizing this, the Seizure Support Foundation (SSF) has identified seven pillars crucial for effectively harnessing community support for managing children with special needs. Each pillar highlights a specific area that, when strengthened, can improve the quality of life for these children and their families. The Seizure Support Foundation’s seven pillars outline a comprehensive approach to community-based support for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. By focusing on education, support networks, advocacy, collaboration, respite care, skill acquisition, and transition plans, SSF aims to create an inclusive society where these children can thrive. When communities come together to support children with special needs, they not only enhance the lives of the children and their families but also foster a culture of empathy, inclusion, and mutual respect. Supporting these pillars is a step toward a future where every child, regardless of their neurological condition, has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
The Power of Pebbles: Turning Everyday Objects into Learning Tools
In 2021, we embarked on a journey, one that has touched lives in ways we could only have imagined. At the Seizure Support Foundation, we have been working to provide children with special needs the opportunity to experience education tailored specifically to their unique abilities. This mission is embodied in our Special Education Scholarship Program, a project born out of love, determination, and the belief that every child, no matter their circumstances, deserves access to education. What sets our program apart is our innovative approach to teaching children with special needs, particularly those with learning disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. Our teaching methods incorporate specialized techniques, one of which includes something as simple and profound as pebbles. A typical day in our special education classrooms, we got most children deeply engaged in learning using small stones and pebbles. To many, these are just everyday objects, but to the children we support, they represent more than that—they are pathways to understanding numbers, shapes, and even letters. For children with special needs, learning isn’t always about sitting in a traditional classroom and following along with a teacher’s instructions. It’s about finding creative ways to reach them, to help them connect with the world around them. Pebbles become tactile teaching tools, allowing children to physically arrange objects, count them, feel their texture, and associate them with the lessons we are teaching. One of the most heartwarming moments was when a young boy with Down syndrome learned to count for the first time using these very pebbles. His face lit up with joy as he realized that he could recognize numbers and patterns, something that had seemed impossible just months before. For us, seeing these milestones reminds us why this work is so important. It’s not just about education; it’s about giving these children the opportunity to realize their potential, no matter how long it takes or what resources we must use. Our Vision: Expanding Impact with Digital Learning and Culturally Relevant Content While our current methods, such as using pebbles, have been immensely successful, we are not stopping there. We understand that to truly reach more children, we must expand our resources, and that’s where our vision for a digital and culturally relevant video library comes into play. We are currently working on developing a comprehensive video library that incorporates video modeling techniques. These videos will be specifically tailored to address the needs of children with learning disabilities and other special needs. Video modeling is a proven teaching method, especially effective for children on the autism spectrum and those with other developmental disorders. By watching videos that show step-by-step instructions or appropriate behaviors, children can mimic and learn at their own pace. But we want to take this a step further. It’s not just about creating videos; it’s about making them culturally relevant. We understand that learning is often more impactful when children can see representations of their own culture, environment, and context in the materials they are consuming. That’s why our video content will be rooted in the cultural experiences of our children. We want to ensure that they see themselves in the lessons and can connect with the content on a deeper, more meaningful level. This digital initiative will allow us to scale our impact far beyond the few classrooms we currently serve. It means that children who are out of our immediate reach, especially those in remote areas, can access these educational materials. Parents and caregivers will also have the opportunity to use these videos at home, empowering them to take an active role in their child’s education. This is what your support can do. Every sponsorship, every contribution, helps us keep children like him in school, where they belong. With your help, we can provide more scholarships, fund our video library project, and reach even more children in need Our journey is far from over, and we need your help to keep moving forward. By sponsoring a child through our Special Education Scholarship Program, you can be a part of this transformative work. Your support will directly impact the lives of children with special needs, giving them the chance to learn, grow, and thrive in ways that were once out of reach. To sponsor a child or learn more about how you can get involved, please call us at 08188096087. Your generosity can help build a brighter future, not just for one child, but for an entire community. Let’s continue this journey together—because every child deserves the chance to shine.
Partnership Models Towards Sustainable Social Reforms in Africa: A Comparative Analysis
Africa, despite its immense potential, continues to face significant social challenges ranging from poverty and inequality to healthcare deficiencies and educational disparities. These problems are often exacerbated by systemic corruption, political instability, and underdeveloped infrastructure. In response, governments, NGOs, and granting organizations frequently initiate social interventions to address these pressing issues. However, sustainability and scalability are persistent hurdles. As Africa continues to face complex social challenges that require innovative, scalable solutions, the continent grapples with issues that demand collective action. Governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), grant funders, and the private sector are constantly in search of partnership models that can drive sustainable and scalable social interventions. While individual efforts can make an impact, sustainable reforms often come through collaborative initiatives where resources, expertise, and innovation are shared. Partnerships—whether between the public and private sectors, NGOs and grassroots communities, or international bodies and local institutions—have become essential to overcoming these challenges. The right partnership models can foster innovative solutions, driving lasting social reform across the continent. Africa’s vast population, diverse cultures, and complex socio-economic landscape mean that no single traditional approach can address all its challenges. One of the greatest limitations of traditional social interventions in Africa is the rigid, top-down approach often adopted by governments and international agencies. These strategies tend to overlook local contexts, cultural nuances, and the lived realities of communities, which limits their effectiveness and reach. To achieve meaningful, sustainable change, stakeholders must adopt diverse and flexible partnership strategies that embrace a wide range of collaborators—from grassroots organizations and religious leaders to international donors and technology companies Despite these challenges, the potential for transformative change is immense, and it lies in fostering strategic partnerships. These partnerships can leverage strengths from different sectors—public, private, international donors, and community-based organizations—to create solutions that are not only effective but sustainable in the long run. This article explores four impactful partnerships driving social reforms in Africa, and delves into an in-depth analysis of one of the most successful models to date. Four Examples of Sustainable Partnership Models in Africa The one – off partnership between the Seizure Support Foundation (SSF) and Gemiini Systems was focused on researching the effectiveness of video modeling in teaching life skills to children with special needs in Nigeria. Early research findings indicate measurable improvements in IQ scores among participants, although the degree of improvement varies. These promising results have laid the foundation for the ongoing development of a culturally relevant digital video library designed to teach essential life skills to special needs children. This initiative aims to address the educational and developmental gaps faced by children with learning disabilities in underserved communities, leveraging video modeling as a scalable intervention tool across Africa. Comparative Analysis of the Most Successful Partnership Model in Africa: PEPFAR Among the examples of impactful partnerships in Africa, PEPFAR stands out as the most successful model in driving sustainable social reforms. Several factors contribute to PEPFAR’s success, making it a benchmark for other partnerships: Sustainable social reforms in Africa require strategic partnerships that can deliver scalable solutions. As demonstrated by CwPAMS, the Seizure Support Foundation’s SkillzBoost initiative, Firelight Foundation’s microfinance system in Kenya, and the PEPFAR program, partnerships that leverage local expertise while bringing in external resources and knowledge are essential for creating lasting change. Among these, PEPFAR’s comprehensive and multi-layered approach remains the gold standard, offering valuable lessons in government integration, capacity building, and long-term sustainability. To continue making progress in social reforms across Africa, future partnerships should seek to replicate PEPFAR’s success by combining local ownership, resource mobilization, and community involvement. By fostering collaboration across sectors, Africa can ensure that social interventions are not only impactful but sustainable for generations to come.
Mastering the Button: A Journey in Self-Modeling
Teaching my son how to button his shirts was one of those parenting challenges that tested both patience and creativity. Like many children with special needs, he faced difficulties in mastering this seemingly simple task. As a parent determined to equip him with essential life skills, I turned to video modeling—a method I have proven for its effectiveness in teaching children with learning difficulties. We watched videos together, featuring children his age successfully buttoning shirts. But despite the effort, his progress was minimal. He would try to imitate what he saw on the screen, but the concept seemed lost when he attempted to mirror the actions directly from the opposite position of the model. While video modeling is an excellent tool, it became clear that something more was needed to help him fully grasp the concept. Realizing this, I decided to change my approach. Instead of relying solely on the video, I decided to become the model myself. I put on a shirt and had him stand opposite me. Then, I stood beside him and repeated the process, allowing him to observe from different angles. Finally, I had him carry out the task himself, in front of a mirror. The results were almost immediate. My son quickly learned to button his shirt, perfecting the act with surprising ease. What is Self-Modeling? Self-modeling is a powerful tool used in various therapeutic and educational settings to teach and reinforce specific skills by having individuals observe themselves successfully performing the desired behavior. Unlike traditional modeling, where an external model (such as another person or a video) demonstrates the behavior, self-modeling focuses on the individual’s own actions. This method is especially effective for children with special needs because it reinforces their ability to achieve a task by watching themselves do it. There are several forms of self-modeling, each with its unique applications and benefits: The Benefits of Self-Modeling Self-modeling offers numerous benefits, particularly for children with special needs. It leverages the child’s familiarity with their own movements and cognitive patterns, making it easier to internalize and replicate the desired behaviors. Here are some of the key benefits: Implementing Self-Modeling To effectively use self-modeling as a learning tool, here are some action points: Teaching life skills to children with special needs requires a combination of patience, creativity, and the right strategies. While video modeling is a powerful tool, incorporating self-modeling can significantly enhance the learning experience. By allowing children to observe themselves successfully completing tasks, we can boost their confidence, reduce anxiety, and foster a sense of independence. As my own experience with my son has shown, sometimes, the key to unlocking a child’s potential lies in letting them see the success within themselves.
Theory of Change: Ensuring Educational Access for Children with Neurological Disorders and Learning Disabilities, and Other Special Needs in Nigeria
In Nigeria, access to quality special education and the journey towards inclusivity for children with neurological disorders and learning disabilities remains a formidable challenge. Yet, as societies strive for equity and accessibility, the need for specialized educational interventions becomes paramount. In 2023, the Seizure Support Foundation (SSF) conducted a comprehensive root cause analysis on the educational exclusion faced by these children, crafting a Theory of Change (ToC) aimed at transforming their educational experiences. This article explores the crux of SSF’s findings, focusing on how evidence-based interventions, financial support, and inclusive practices can dismantle barriers and pave the way for these children to thrive in educational systems. Understanding the Barriers Children with neurological impairments and various special needs often encounter a myriad of obstacles that impede their educational journey. These barriers include a lack of access to tailored educational resources, financial constraints, and societal misconceptions about their capabilities. Traditional educational systems are frequently ill-equipped to address their unique requirements, leading to a cycle of exclusion and underachievement. Neurological disorders and learning disabilities can manifest in diverse ways, affecting a child’s ability to process information, communicate, and interact with peers. Without appropriate support, these challenges can exacerbate, resulting in increased dropout rates and limited future opportunities. This exclusion is not only detrimental to the individual but also a significant loss to society, which misses out on the potential contributions of these children. The Theory of Change SSF’s Theory of Change posits that by providing children with neurological impairments access to evidence-based special education instructional interventions and scholarships, the potential for educational exclusion can be significantly reduced. The ToC is built on several key tenets: Impact on Enrollment and Educational Outcomes The implementation of SSF’s ToC has the potential to transform educational systems and significantly impact enrollment and outcomes for children with special needs. When these children are provided with appropriate interventions and support, their educational experiences become more meaningful and rewarding. Increased enrollment is not merely a statistic but a testament to a society’s commitment to inclusivity and equity. With the right resources and support, children with neurological disorders can achieve remarkable academic success. Studies have shown that evidence-based interventions can lead to improved literacy and numeracy skills, enhanced social interactions, and greater self-confidence. Furthermore, financial support through scholarships can reduce dropout rates, allowing more children to complete their education and pursue higher learning opportunities. Realizing the Vision of Inclusivity The journey towards inclusive education is ongoing, and realizing this vision requires collaboration among educators, policymakers, and communities. SSF’s Theory of Change serves as a guiding framework, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices, financial support, and inclusive policies. To effectively implement this vision, governments and educational institutions must prioritize funding for special education programs and research. Teachers should receive continuous professional development to equip them with the skills needed to support diverse learners. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can help dispel misconceptions about neurological disorders and promote understanding and acceptance. In conclusion, SSF’s comprehensive root cause analysis and Theory of Change highlight the transformative potential of evidence-based interventions, financial support, and inclusive practices in addressing the educational exclusion of children with neurological disorders and learning disabilities. By breaking down barriers and creating a supportive learning environment, we can empower these children to reach their full potential and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. The path to inclusivity is not without challenges, but with commitment and collaboration, it is a goal within reach.