Assistance, appliances distributed among children with special needs

Shopian, Aug 04: In a significant initiative towards inclusive education, Chief Education Officer Shopian Monday organised a distribution camp for Children with Special Needs (CWSN) under the aegis of Samagra Shiksha.According to a statement issued here, the camp was graced by the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Shopian, Shabir Ahmad Kullay, as chief guest. During the event, necessary aid and appliances were distributed among the CWSN students enrolled in various educational institutions across the district, tailored to their individual needs. The objective of the camp was to facilitate inclusive education by ensuring that specially-abled children receive the required support to learn and grow alongside their peers. A team of ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India) along-with the team of Special Education Teachers under Samagra Shiksha, Shopian managed the distribution process and provided guidance on the use of the equipment. The aids included braille kits, hearing aids, wheelchairs, walking sticks, and other assistive devices, essential for smooth classroom learning and mobility. In his address, MLA Shopian lauded the efforts of the Education department and assured continued support for such initiatives. He stressed the importance of holding similar camps in remote and far-flung areas of the district to ensure no child is left behind. He further promised to advocate for additional resources to strengthen support for CWSN students in the future. Speaking on the occasion, CEO Shopian, Mukhtar Ahmad Shah, emphasized the importance of empowering children with special needs through education. He highlighted various initiatives undertaken in this direction, such as the construction of ramps, CWSN-friendly toilets, and provisioning of specialised equipment in schools. He encouraged parents to actively support the education of their children, stating, “They are born with special abilities and can achieve greatness if nurtured with care and guidance.” He also cited inspiring examples like Stephen Hawking, who overcame severe physical challenges to become a global icon.