An inclusive society is a beautiful society.
This profound statement was the theme of ‘Celebration of Inclusion,’ a carnival held at Chettinad Srihari Vikasam — a school with about 100 students with special needs, in Adyar.
At the carnival, the children came together to create sculptures from paper, plastic and other waste generated in their homes, and they seemed to enjoy every moment of the experience. “The theme was chosen by the students themselves,” said Bharathy M.S.S. Nathan, principal of the school.
“There has been vast improvement in the manner in which people look at children with special needs, but there is much scope for improvement. The attitude of parents of children with special needs too has to change,” said Anuradha Mahesh, whose son is a student at the school.
She said mainstream schools had to open their doors wide and accept children with special needs. She also said low-income group families that have children with special needs suffered more in the absence of adequate support from the State.
“Parents should stop living in denial mode,” said K. Balachander, a parent who returned from the Middle East, as he felt there was greater support from society.
However, the government’s support in providing education and other assistance, including medical aid such as physiotherapy, was not available on a scale that was actually needed, he said.
Murshida, a student, said she enjoyed her day at the carnival with her friends and the creation of sculptures from household waste was exciting.
