Students of special schools, their parents and stakeholders took part in a meeting on the Gandhi Memorial Museum premises here on Saturday to discuss the recently issued State government Order that enabled mentally challenged children above the age of 18 to study in special schools.
Special educator Josephine Isaac said special children took time to learn basic skills and most of them must study beyond 18 years at special schools to overcome behavioural problems and become independent.
Mentally challenged children, their parents and faculty members of Bethshan Special School submitted a petition to the Collector in February after an order was sent to the school by the District Differently Abled Welfare Officer stating that students above 18 years of age cannot continue to be in the school.
Fight“We decided to fight against the order and approached the District Legal Aid Clinic. With the help of parents of our students, we appealed to the State government which considered our plea. Special children take time to pick up skills and it is unfair to send them away from schools like ours after they turn 18,” said R. Ravikumar, Principal of Bethshan School.
Jacintha Martin, District Court Judge, who previously headed the District Legal Services Authority, said safety issues arising out of having children and adults in the same campus might have prompted adverse reaction from the district-level officers.
“While fears regarding safety of children are justified, it is wrong to expect special children to sit at home after they turn 18,” she said.
Efforts appreciatedHer efforts to help the Bethshan special school in fighting against the order issued to them was appreciated in the meeting.
“Many special children come to our schools only after they turn 10 years and we need some time with them to help with skill development and academics,” said S. Visalakshi, Correspondent of Shine Educational Trust.
“Abruptly pulling them out of school will result in behavioural problems and isolation,” she added.
A. Mary Rani of O.L.R. Home for the differently abled said many schools had been focussing on developing the skills of mentally challenged children so as make them employable in the future.
Unaware“Not every special child can be sent to a school and can concentrate on academics. Many people here still remain unaware of special schools and we need time to train the children after they join our schools,” she explained.
