Only Kashmir News Desk
Srinagar, May 5th: Parents of special needs children in Jammu and Kashmir are facing an uphill battle for adequate education, therapy, and vocational training, as many private schools remain hesitant to integrate special needs students into mainstream education. Despite the applicability of central laws like the RPWD Act 2016, RTE 2009, and JJ ACT 2015 following the abrogation of Article 370, implementation remains lacking, particularly regarding the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) Act, leaving thousands of children at risk.
The heads of various rehabilitation centers, special schools, and daycare centers are not necessarily from a rehabilitation background, a violation of RCI guidelines. This has prompted concerns about the adequacy of treatment interventions and information dissemination to parents regarding therapies, government schemes, diagnoses, and psychological evaluations.
Zaheer Jan, a senior pediatric therapist and professional social worker, notes that many parents are struggling due to a lack of proper information about therapies and schemes. He highlights that despite the presence of rehabilitation professionals in these institutions, coordinators and principals often lack awareness of their respective roles and responsibilities.
In response to these concerns, senior rehabilitation professionals submitted representations to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Rehabilitation Council of India in June 2023, prompting immediate action. Secretary Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and RCI Chairperson called for an investigation and issued guidelines, leading to a circular from Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare Ms. Sheetal Nanda (IAS) and State Disability Commissioner Mr. Iqbal Lone.
Expressing gratitude for the swift response, Zaheer Jan emphasizes the importance of qualified and competent rehabilitation professionals leading such institutions to ensure the best possible care and support for persons with disabilities and children with special needs. He urges all private rehabilitation institutes and special schools to adhere to government guidelines in the best interest of the children.
