Call to integrate special children into society

Expert encourages parents to adopt non-traditional therapy treatments

ISLAMABAD:

In a society where physical impairments are stigmatised, it is crucial to integrate specially-abled children and make efforts for inclusivity.

These remarks were made by Lord Sarfarz Foundation Programme Manager Irum Haider at an event where a cohort of specially-abled children completed the Level 1 of the Aquine Therapy Programme, conducted by the Lord Sarfaraz Foundation with the aim to enable the children to take part in basic socio-economic activities in the country.

The statement stated that Lord Sarfraz Foundation believes in breaking barriers of social exclusion and creating an enabling environment. In this regard, a certificate distribution ceremony was organised to acknowledge and appreciate these differently-abled children and their abilities for achieving Level 1 of the said programme.

The Lord Sarfraz Foundation is able to offer Equine Therapy as part of its comprehensive balance of psychological, spiritual, and recreational treatment components at its Equine Therapy Center.

Iram Haider appreciated the parents for trusting the foundation and this nontraditional form of therapy and encouraged them to engage their children in physical activities as they have a key role in making these children useful citizens.

She said that The Lord Sarfraz Foundation is committed to create awareness and foster inclusive culture for these children in Pakistan. Only the establishment of special schools is not enough as providing opportunities to these children in every sphere of life should also be our priority.

Programme advisor at the Zamzam Autism Centre Dr Shagufta Jabeen was the guest of honor and presented the certificates to all the star students who achieved the level 1 of the Equine Therapy Programmme.

The ceremony was concluded with a note of thanks to all the participants.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2023.