Facilities like district model resource centre, disabled-friendly toilets, and Braille books would be provided by Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) for Children with Special Needs (CWSN) in the district in the academic year 2012-13. Over 1,600 CWSN in the age group of 6-14 were identified in the survey conducted by SSA in April 2012, said District Coordinator, Inclusive Education for Differently Abled, SSA, Coimbatore.
Various measures and schemes for special education and medical assistance were being provided annually by SSA under ‘Inclusive Education’ launched with the technical support of the Department of Special Education in 22 blocks in Coimbatore district, said the coordinator.
According to SSA, many as 5,414 children with special needs were enrolled in Government and Government aided schools while 1,254 were trained through home-based education. Over 350 students attended the 18 day care centres functioning in the district.
As many as 109 special educators, seven physiotherapists and 36 day care centre staff were involved in the project.
Each of the 22 blocks in the district was allotted Rs. 10,000 to conduct awareness campaigns and Rs. 15,000 to conduct medical camps. After screening, corrective surgeries would be conducted and assistive devices at a cost of RS. 1.6 lakh would be provided for the needy.
An amount of Rs. 18,000 had been allotted for monthly expenses at day care centres. An inclusive sports meet would be held in September /October.
Children under home based education system with severe difficulties would be provided Rs.100 for travelling expenses.
After medical screening, the children were provided national identity cards for differently abled persons, provided medical assistance including physiotherapy, corrective surgeries and rehabilitation and in availing various government schemes.
In the academic year 2011-12, around 140 surgeries were conducted in the district under Chief Minister’ Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme. Assistive devices were provided to students with the help of NGOs.
An amount of Rs. 1.5 lakh by SSA for the construction of District Model Resource Room at Government Deaf School, R.S. Puram and the work was under progress, said the coordinator.
Disabled-friendly toilets would be provided in the 22 blocks in the district and Braille books would be distributed to children with visual impairments, said the coordinator.
