A physically challenged girl with cerebral palsy, who scored 75 per cent in Class 10, is running from pillar to post for admission to Plus One in a government school in Vadipatti here.
T. Dhivya (16), born to parents who are agricultural labourers, completed her Class 10 at the Government High School in her village of Mettu Neerethan here.
Trouble started when she applied for Computer Science group at the Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Vadipatti, the nearest school for her.
“As she had 65 per cent disability and can write exam only with the help of a scribe, the school wanted a special recommendation from the office of Chief Educational Officer (CEO),” said K. Tirupathi, the girl’s father.
He, however, alleged that his repeated attempts to get a letter from the office of the CEO failed.
“They asked us to opt for another group at the government school in Pandiarajapuram, which is far away. She has to change at least two buses to reach the school,” he said.
When the girl petitioned District Collector K. Veera Raghava Rao earlier this month, the office of CEO was asked to resolve the issue swiftly.
“But when we approached them, officials there said that they had not received the petition from Collector’s office,” Mr. Tirupathi alleged.
“I was fed up and even thought of stopping her schooling. But she is adamant about studying further,” Mr. Tirupathi added.
Inspired by her teacher
Dhivya told The Hindu that she wanted to earn a livelihood for which education was necessary.
“My Social Sciences teacher Shoba, who is visually challenged, was the one who motivated me. She suggested that I should become a computer engineer. So I want to become one,” Dhivya said with determination.
Assuring that the girl would be given admission, CEO J. Angelo Irudayasamy said officials wanted to ensure that the course was not stressful for the girl. “The issue has just been brought to my notice. We have special teachers for physically challenged children. They will interact with the girl to understand her needs and aspirations first,” he said.
