For the Special Ones
InclusionX, a youth-based community service organisation aimed at bridging the gap between people with intellectual disabilities and the rest of the society, organised "InclusionX Cultural Day 2016" to celebrate the diverse talents of children with intellectual disabilities.
Since last year, InclusionX has partnered with EMK MakerLab to engage high school and university students in teaching basic computing skills to children with autism and Down syndrome twice every week. After the conclusion of the second session of the course "Joy of Computing", InclusionX conducted an exam where all the students passed with an average score of more than 80%. This day was arranged to share the success stories of these students with all the guests and volunteers.
The programme started with an introductory speech by Labib Tazwar Rahman, founder of InclusionX, who was thrilled to transform an idea to a sustainable platform for helping students with disabilities acquire life skills and gain exposure.
For some students with intellectual disabilities it's difficult to grasp and retain lessons but then again, even I find it hard to retain concepts of organic chemistry at times," said Labib, "Since no one is perfect, we need to embrace flaws, and do our part to bring out the best in everyone." The students from SWID (Society for the Welfare of the Intellectually Disabled) School, Dhanmondi then mesmerised everyone with their dance and song performances.
Saraf Nawar, a coordinator of Joy of Computing course and student of TU Delft, expressed her gratitude to InclusionX for giving her this chance to connect with students with special needs and remarked, "The joy of seeing my student finally grasp a lesson was unparalleled. The love they have given me is something I will always treasure."
One of the guardians shared her joy when her son finally learnt how to use a computer. "Intellectual disability is still considered to be a taboo in a lot of spheres of our society, and it is high time we battled this culture of mass ignorance that has contributed to the ostracisation of children so full of hidden potential," said Avoy Datta, a student at Stanford University and coordinator of Joy of Computing.
All 65 participants of the programme and the children of SWID School were presented with goody bags from InclusionX. A video containing messages of support for InclusionX and their activities from seven different countries from four continents around the world was also played in the event.
It was followed by an interactive session where the participants were divided into groups and given hypothetical situations where they had to come up with innovative ideas to help integrate children with intellectual disabilities in different contexts.
The event concluded after certificate distribution to all the students and volunteers of Joy of Computing sessions and the participants of the cultural programme.
For more details about InclusionX, visit the Facebook page: facebook.com/inclusionx
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