Schools for children with special needs want gov’t recognition, MPO registration

A rights organisation for children with disabilities has demanded the government's recognition and MPO registration of schools for children with special needs and autism nationwide.

Leaders of the Organisation for the Disabled and Autistic Rights (Odar) made the demand at a human chain in front of the National Press Club on Sunday.

Following the demonstration, a delegation of the platform handed over a memorandum to the Ministry of Social Welfare to realise their six-point demand.

The demands include the MPO registration of all schools for children with special needs that are inspected by the social services department; government recognition for the rest of the schools; MPO registration of the schools that applied online in light of the 2009 policy; and the arrangement of grants for all teachers and students under Covid-19 incentives.  

Moreover, the arrangement of at least Tk3,000 as a monthly allowance – including a 100% disability allowance – for all students at schools for children with special needs, and bringing them under the exclusive mid-day meal, are among the demands. 

Gausul Azam Shimul, president of the organisation, said, "By standing by the children with special needs, we are spreading the light of education among them. Further, we are assisting them in various ways, including their treatment, so that they do not lag behind other people in the society."