On the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day, a group of special educators of a Jharia-based government resource centre visited 10 of their students, giving them educational kits, biscuits and chocolates and spending time with them.

Physiotherapist Manoj Singh and speech therapists Akhalaque Ahmad and Ashfaque Hussain also took stock regarding the progress of their students, and discussed it with their parents. They also gave them necessary advice regarding the training of the students.

Singh, who is the coordinator of the centre, told The Telegraph Online that the institute is currently closed due to the pandemic situation and so they decided to pay these people a visit.

“All of them were quite happy meeting us and shared their experiences. Our regular training for the students focuses on guiding them to perform their daily life work,” Singh explained.

Giving more details regarding people with down syndrome, speech therapist Ahmad said, “People with this genetic disorder have mild to moderate intellectual disability. Though they prefer the company of their parents and family members they can slowly get acquainted with outsiders and make friends with them. They also need delicate handling as they are emotionally sensitive.”

Ahmad informed that they were using smartphones to keep in touch with the students and have also been conducting periodic visits to their homes amid the pandemic-induced constraints.

Amiya Kumar Chatterjee, whose 20-year-old daughter Sushri is a part of the school, said she was really excited to meet her teachers.

“The centre not only helped her with studies, it also helped her improve a lot,” Chatterjee said.

Balmiki Prasad, a daily wager whose daughter Shivani (10) is enrolled in the centre, thanked the teachers for their cooperation.

“Despite the centre being closed, all the teachers regularly guided us by making video calls and sometimes visiting our homes,” Prasad said.

Established under the inclusive education programme of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan at each block, such resource centres are aimed at making special students be able to take admission into regular schools.