KARACHI: The government must own differently abled children by ensuring provision of their fundamental right to education. Right now, their institutions are largely being run on philanthropic donations with no official support whatsoever.

This was said at a press conference held at the Ida Rieu School for Blind and Deaf on Thursday. The event was held in connection with the centenary celebrations of Ida Rieu Welfare Association (IRWA), which was established in 1922.

The government was urged to at least exempt specialised equipment and material, such as the Braille paper, from import duties.

Asked about the challenges institutions serving children with special needs are facing, IRWA chairman Syed Zafar Iqbal said it’s an unfortunate situation that the government was failing to provide basic facilities to even abled children.

“Our message is that these children need our attention. They are an asset, a blessing, and can do wonders, if provided with the right care and opportunities,” he said, describing taxes on the import of Braille paper as extremely unfair.

Mr Iqbal also urged the government to ensure implementation of the five per cent job quota reserved for people with disabilities. “It would have been better if the government bound institutions in this regard. At Ida Rieu, we train children according to the needs of specific employment.”

According to him, four per cent of Pakistan’s entire population suffer from some kind of physical and mental disability. It is estimated that the total population of blind people in the country is around 1.2m but there is no exact data on deaf people.

‘No child is refused admission’

Earlier, IRWA members briefed journalists about the facilities available at Ida Rieu Schools and Colleges and said that no child was refused admission except those who suffered from some mental disability.

Currently, they said, nearly 800 students were enrolled in Karachi and Rashidabad campuses where students received education and all facilities including transport, healthcare and vocational training free-of-cost.

“Additionally, hostel accommodation is provided free. Students are offered education from Montessori up to Masters with the help of Braille, sign language and related assistive technologies,” explained Muzna Masood, the school principal.

Over the years, she pointed out, there had been a positive change with regard to employment opportunities for people with disabilities and some institutions looking for specific skilled manpower remained in touch with Ida Rieu which then trained students to meet their requirements.

“Many of our graduates are successfully engaged in teaching, computer operations, music, sports, dressmaking, painting, industrial plant operations and other professions.”

Sharing the objectives of centenary celebrations, Dr Munawwar Hussain, general secretary Irwa, said it’s a tribute to all those who made it possible to empower special children and played a role in securing a better future for them.

“Our school system is the oldest and the biggest institution in Pakistan for the deaf and blind. A number of activities have been planned in coming months to highlight our services and share plans for the future,” he said.

Published in Dawn, January 1st, 2022