A special school for the differently-abled, making a difference in Kashmir

On the sidelines of various measures for bringing normalcy to Jammu and Kashmir, a special school in the Kashmir Valley is making a small, but significant contribution to the lives of differently-abled kids.

By Parvez Butt

Srinagar, May 11 : On the sidelines of various measures for bringing normalcy to Jammu and Kashmir, a special school in the Kashmir Valley is making a small, but significant contribution to the lives of differently-abled kids.

The Society for Human Welfare and Education Deaf and Dumb School in Srinagar, has been making efforts to provide education to hearing and speech-impaired children of the region for the past three decades.

A staff of four teachers and 150 children form the core of this State-run institution where free education is imparted. These students are taught by speech therapy through special instruments donated by the State police department.

Apart from regular lessons, these children are active participants in sports. They also have their own 'Deaf Association', which organises annual sports meets in the school.

"Many of our students, after passing out from the school are better placed. One of our girls is working in a bank. Anybody who wants to study will surely achieve success in life," says T.K. Mehta, the school principal.

The classes for these special students are held in separate sections, where normal children also study.

"I feel that these children are no different from the normal kids. I interact with them on a day-to-day basis, play with them, and go on trips together. I don't feel that they lack anything. In fact, they are just like normal kids," said Ashia Sidiq, a teacher at the school.

ANI