Govt autism school to offer free treatment

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that the establishment of Pakistan's first government autism school in Lahore will reduce the financial burden on parents of the students.

"Special children are our special heroes," she said during a meeting while vowing to improve the special education centres and system.

She said, "Free treatment of children with autism will be provided in Pakistan's first government autism school, whose construction is in the final stages of completion. The autism school project will be completed in a record period of one year."

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said 10 autism units had been established in various special educational institutions of Punjab. "Provision of special educational facilities required for children with autism has begun."

She assigned Special Assistant Sania Ashiq to monitor the construction of the autism school.

The chief minister was informed that 9,206 assistive devices had been provided to special students, including 7,702 hearing aids, 360 wheelchairs, 300 walkers, 344 crutches and 500 white canes.

In addition, 35 schools have been upgraded from the middle to secondary and primary to middle levels to improve the special education system in Punjab.

The chief minister was informed that a project had been launched to upgrade 28 special education schools to centres of excellence.

A curriculum for special education up to class 5 has been prepared, which includes translation of Holy Quran for hearing impaired children.

Officials said skills courses were being prepared for special students. A job fair for differently-abled students is also being planned in collaboration with private institutions.

About 900 students have been registered and 25 of them have been employed so far.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said 14 students had succeeded in the first batch of Special Education Vocational Matriculation.

"A School Information System is being developed to raise the standard of special education in the province," she said, adding that a smart monitoring app for special education was also being prepared.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz noted that 586 students from special education centres had been admitted to regular schools.

"We are planning the first grand sports gala for special students. The construction of eight new special school buildings has been completed and approval has been given for the construction of nine more buildings," she added.

She highlighted that a screening tool had been introduced for slow learners in special education centres.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said is her message on World Wetlands Day that Under the protection and restoration of wetlands and other natural systems was being given top priority under a climate policy formulated for the first time in the country.

"Construction of watchtowers and check posts is under way to monitor wetlands and other natural treasures," she added.

She said wetlands and other natural habitats were being preserved for recreational and research purposes.

She underscored that the fishing system in the province had been regulated and penalties imposed ven for violations.

The chief minister said no action that could damage the natural balance of wetlands or other areas would be allowed.