Progressive steps: K-P introduces degrees in special education

Mahboob School of Physiotherapy, Gandhara University has announced it will begin offering undergraduate degrees in special education, a step towards producing individuals with the training to provide children with special needs a quality education.

According to a press release issued on Sunday, the Bachelors in Special Education programme is the first educational qualification of its kind in K-P and Gandhara University claims it is the second institute in Pakistan which offers a degree specifically geared towards the training of teachers for children with special needs.

Addressing the need for a comprehensive method suitable for the education of such children, the federal government has decided to introduce ‘inclusive education’ in schools. It is a concept which allows children with mental disabilities to be placed in normal schools to study alongside children that don’t have any disability.

Studies show that through inclusive education, students with mental disabilities and specific learning disabilities make academic and affective gains at a pace comparable to that of normal achieving students.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 24^th, 2013.