Children with Disabilities

COVID-19 has impacted children with disabilities and other special needs, as well as their parents/caregivers, the most. For children with disabilities or special needs, it is important to keep your child safe and seek help and support from the school. All family members should share the responsibility for taking care of the child with disabilities. Be supportive, empathetic, and loving. Communicate with your child, reinforce the positive and strengthening routines. All children, including those with disabilities, need love, respect, nurturing, and time, especially during difficult and uncertain times.

You must ensure that as far as possible these children are not left alone, encourage them to interact with family members, encourage them to follow a routine, and maintain hygiene. Do fun activities together,read out to them, help them to do simple physical exercises, and make it part of the daily routine. Engaging siblings and neighbours during play time can be highly beneficial while maintaining all COVID protocols. Online therapy may be considered for children who need special interventions. You can avail Individual Education Plans (IEP) for your child from school for facilitating learning. You may make weekly plans, reward charts for children with the help of counsellors and special educators. But most importantly, give them the confidence that you are always there and together you can overcome all challenges.

There are many resources available for Children with special needs. Such resources and assistance may be explored. You may approach teachers who can guide you in this regard. There are other agencies, and organizations that provide facilitates Information about such avenues that could be sought from SMCs/Gram Panchayat,school administrators etc.

Source : Ministry of Education