For making the special a part of everyday life

How would you treat a special child in your school?

Be friends and sit next to him/her, involve him/her in activities, and above all, respect the person: this was the message carried by a group of students of School Of Success at a press conference here on Thursday.

To get across the message that every child has the right to education, the students are planning to stage a play along with a group of children with Down’s syndrome, which will be staged at the 30 anniversary celebrations of Matru Mandir on November 16, at AVM Rajeshwari Kalyana Mandapam.

“Parents have to be told that their children have a right to be educated. The teachers have to be trained so they know how to handle such children and make them feel comfortable,” said Rekha Ramachandran, chairperson of Down Syndrome Federation of India.

Deepa Aathreya, founder, School Of Success, said inclusive education helps build a child’s character. “Left alone, children communicate well with each other. It is a humbling experience for children and has a lifelong impact,” she said.

Actor Arvind, who is involved in the production of the play, said it was nice to see the children work together. “Children with Down’s syndrome will be doing a dance in the play. They are doing it so well, and it’s a pleasure working with them,” he said.