PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
The Governor lieutenant general (retd) Gurmit Singh has said that children with special needs, do not need pity but respect, cooperation and opportunity to progress as per their potential. He was addressing a programme after launching ‘Mapping campaign of children affected by specific learning disability (Dyslexia) and Autism’ organized at ITITI Doon Sanskriti School, Jhajhra here on Tuesday.
“A child’s difficulties should not be seen as a shortcoming but rather as a special need. Don’t let a child’s difficulties define them, let their potential define them,’’ the Governor said.
He said that the objective of the mapping campaign should be to identify each child in a timely manner and provide them with appropriate counselling, expert assistance and necessary resources. “ The 21st century is a century of technology and through these technologies, we can provide assistance and numerous opportunities to children with disabilities,’’ he said.
Giving a call for building an inclusive, sensitive and opportunity-rich Uttarakhand, the governor said that only through coordinated efforts by families, schools, specialists and the administration can a strong support system be developed for children with special needs. Ensuring timely access to specialized services is essential, even for children living in mountainous and remote areas. The Governor commended Tarun Vijay for his efforts to provide education and opportunities to tribal children in the Himalayan and northern regions of the country.
Education minister Dhan Singh Rawat said that 200 teachers have been appointed for children with disabilities in the State’s schools. He said that teachers can identify children’s potential and give them a new direction in their development.
Former Member of Parliament and president of the Dyslexia Society of Uttarakhand, Tarun Vijay said that there is a need for extensive work in the state to identify, educate, treat and rehabilitate children with disabilities. Senior expert at NIEPVD, Surendra Dhalwal, informed about the identification, education and support of children with special needs.
