KARACHI: First Lady Begum Samina Arif Alvi stressed need of promoting inclusiveness of differently-abled persons in all spheres of society and collective efforts were required to empower them socially and financially.

Inclusiveness of persons with disabilities (PWDs) was vital for country’s sustainable development of country, she said, adding as over 12 percent of population of Pakistan was facing disability in different forms or manifestations their participation must be ensured in all social, economic and political activities.

Addressing certificate distribution ceremony for successful students of NAVTTC and SSC Inclusive Group organised by Deaf Education and Welfare Association (DEWA) Trust at DEWA Institute of Special and Inclusive Education she called for an inclusive education system that “Supports learning of differently-abled children along with other children in general schools so that they can learn coping with difficulties of life”. Teachers should be trained and curriculum be improved to cater to inclusive education for children with disabilities, she added.

She urged people to not disrespect or ridicule such persons but encourage and support their participation in educational, social and economic activities. She said reservation of 3 percent seats in general educational institutions for ensuring admission of differently-abled children following directives of higher courts would promote inclusiveness in education sector.

She appreciated DEWA Academy for their efforts for education and rehabilitation of differently-abled children, particularly promotion of their inclusive education and urged need for replication of efforts by other educational institutions across country.

DEWA Chief Executive Officer Rizwan Ahmed Lodhi said institute had been working for education and rehabilitation of special children for 50 years and it was first institution in South Asia to offer graduation degree for students with hearing impairment. Institute is providing sports facilities and assistance to differently-abled children for getting employment, he said. Earlier, students presented tableau and National Anthem in sign language.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 11 2023

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