KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- Taarana, a school catering to students with special education needs, organised Taarana Sports Day 2024 on Saturday (May 4), serving as a platform for disabled children to interact with the community and enhance their social and life skills.
Taarana principal Dr S. Sunitha said that the annual event aims to provide children with disabilities with an opportunity to engage in activities that might not otherwise be easily accessible to them.
“In addition, parents of disabled children often feel reluctant to take their children to various programmes or places due to concerns about societal perceptions,” she said during the Taarana Sports Day 2024 at Dewan Serbaguna Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya.
Sunitha further elaborated that Taarana School offers several programmes to aid in the development and progress of children with disabilities, such as the Early Intervention Programme, Transition Programme, Targeted Intervention Programme (TIP), and Communication Programme Models.
“Typically, upon a student’s enrollment, we conduct assessments with our expert team to determine the most suitable programme based on the child’s abilities and needs.
“For those unable to be independent, aged between four and six years, we enrol them in the Early Intervention Programme. Conversely, if they are capable of independence, we register them in the Transition Programme,” she explained.
Additionally, she highlighted upcoming programmes like Zero Waste@Taarana, which empowers Taarana School students through recycling, and the Taarana Cafe initiative, aiming to operate a food and beverage outlet this September.
“The Zero Waste programme recognises students’ unique abilities, providing meaningful opportunities for learning, growth, and contribution to sustainability.
“Through hands-on recycling, workshops, and art projects, it instils environmental responsibility, promotes social inclusion, and prepares students for future employment,” said Sunitha, adding that the Taarana Cafe introduces students to the practical aspects of running a cafe, fostering skills in food preparation, customer service, and teamwork.
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr Annapurny Venkiteswaran, a parent of a Taarana student, complimented the event’s transformative impact.
“Seeing my child flourish amidst the inclusivity of Taarana fills me with pride, reaffirming my belief in the importance of environments that celebrate neurodiversity and nurture individual growth,” she shared.
Her sentiments echoed the emotions of many parents, underscoring the event’s crucial role in fostering acceptance of and confidence among the children.
-- BERNAMA
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