Centre seeks partnerships for 20th anniversary

The Patrick Speech and Language Centre, Lagos, has called on corporate organisations, development partners, and policymakers to collaborate on its next phase as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.

In a statement, PSLC noted that strategic partnerships would enable nationwide touring of its advocacy programme and support the rollout of employability and talent development initiatives.

Founder/Director of the centre, Mrs Dotun Akande, called for a renewed drive towards national transformation in disability inclusion, moving beyond therapy into policy, employability, and large-scale advocacy.

She said, “Over the years, the centre has grown into a key institution in autism intervention, supporting thousands of children and families through multidisciplinary therapy and early intervention services.

“The centre’s impact over two decades has extended beyond clinical support to reshaping outcomes for individuals with developmental differences.

“We didn’t just build a centre; we helped save futures, empower families, and change what is possible.

“We have trained more than 300 therapists, educators, and carers through our academy while also expanding access to services through subsidised and free programmes offered under our non-profit arm, Puresouls Learning Foundation.”

Akande added that, founded in 2006 with an initial N45m investment, PSLC emerged at a time when autism awareness in Nigeria was limited and often misunderstood.

According to her, many beneficiaries who were once non-verbal or excluded are now thriving, demonstrating the long-term impact of early and sustained intervention.

To commemorate the milestone, PSLC has scheduled two public events for 26 April 2026, at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The events include the eighth edition of its exhibition titled “Legacy – Unfiltered Expression”, featuring artworks by several artists, and a documentary screening titled “Unlocking Autism”, which chronicles two decades of autism intervention efforts in Nigeria. Both events are free and open to the public.

Marking its 20th anniversary, PSLC also announced plans to scale its work beyond intervention into broader national impact. The organisation said it is launching a new initiative focused on employability for individuals with developmental differences, inclusive policymaking, and unlocking underutilised talent within the country.

The move signals a transition from therapy-focused services to positioning neurodiverse individuals as contributors to Nigeria’s workforce and economy.

“This is not an extension of our past work; it is a bold leap toward systemic change. The opportunity now is to move from impact at the margins to transformation at the centre,” the organisation stated.

As part of the new phase, PSLC is deploying storytelling as a strategic advocacy tool, including a year-long national campaign anchored on an original dance drama production aimed at reshaping public perception of disability.

The organisation said the initiative would translate complex policy issues into relatable human stories capable of influencing attitudes and driving institutional action.

It added that a detailed proposal outlining programme design, budget, and a measurable impact framework would be made available to prospective partners.

Reflecting on its journey, PSLC said its growth from a single investment into a national movement underscores the potential of sustained vision and commitment.

“This is our moment, not just to celebrate a legacy, but to build a future where inclusion is not aspirational but institutionalised. Together, we can rewrite the story of disability in Nigeria,” it stated.

PSLC, through its therapy services, training programmes, and advocacy efforts, continues to play a central role in advancing early intervention and inclusive development across Nigeria.