Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced that Pakistan’s first government-run autism school in Lahore will help ease the financial burden on parents of children with autism.
“Special children are our special heroes,” she emphasized during a meeting, pledging to enhance special education centers and systems across Punjab.
She highlighted that the autism school, currently in the final stages of construction, will offer free treatment to children with autism and is expected to be completed within a record timeframe of one year.
Additionally, 10 autism units have already been established in various special education institutions across Punjab, ensuring that specialized educational facilities for children with autism are being provided. To oversee the construction process, Special Assistant Sania Ashiq has been assigned as the project monitor.
The chief minister was briefed that 9,206 assistive devices have been distributed to special students, including 7,702 hearing aids, 360 wheelchairs, 300 walkers, 344 crutches, and 500 white canes.
To strengthen Punjab’s special education system, 35 schools have been upgraded, and a project to transform 28 special education schools into centers of excellence is underway.
A specialized curriculum for students up to grade 5 has also been developed, featuring a translated version of the Holy Quran tailored for hearing-impaired children. Additionally, skill-based courses for special students are in development, and a job fair in collaboration with private institutions is being planned to create employment opportunities for differently-abled individuals.
So far, 900 students have been registered under these initiatives, with 25 already securing jobs. Furthermore, 14 students have completed the first batch of the Special Education Vocational Matriculation program.
To enhance the special education sector, a School Information System is being developed alongside a smart monitoring app. Additionally, 586 students from special education centers have transitioned into regular schools.
“We are organizing the first grand sports gala for special students,” Maryam Nawaz announced, adding that eight new special school buildings have been completed, with approval granted for the construction of nine more.
A screening tool for slow learners has also been introduced in special education centers to cater to their unique needs.
Stay Connected with ProPakistani
Get the latest education news, admissions updates, and scholarship alerts wherever you prefer.
Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.
