Shillong, September 30: A one-day workshop and special training programme on Children with Special Needs (CWSN) was held at the Mini Secretariat, Pynursla, on Wednesday, bringing together 120 teachers from 32 schools in the area.
The programme, titled “Awareness Programme on Children with Special Needs for Teachers,” was jointly organised by the State Resource Centre on Disability Affairs (SRCDA), Civil Hospital Shillong, and Asorphi Academy Higher Secondary School, Pynursla, in collaboration with Riwar College.
The workshop aimed to strengthen teachers’ awareness and understanding of disability, inclusive education, accessibility, government support systems and the educational needs of children with special needs.
The programme was held under the leadership of Dr N.P. Laloo, Additional Chief Executive Officer, SSIRPD, SRCDA, Civil Hospital Shillong, along with Dr Seven Dar Dkhar, Principal of Asorphi Academy Higher Secondary School, and Dr Sashankutlang Khongthohrem, Principal of Riwar College.
In his welcome address, Dr Dkhar stressed the need to create inclusive and supportive learning environments where every child is recognised, respected and given equal opportunities to learn and participate. The programme also highlighted the importance of greater sensitivity and preparedness among teachers in responding to the diverse needs of children with disabilities.
Additional Deputy Commissioner and In-charge of Pynursla Civil Sub-Division G. Warjri attended the programme as chief guest. A team of resource persons from SRCDA and related fields conducted the sessions.
The technical sessions covered different types of disabilities and classroom challenges, the Unique Disability ID system and government schemes, accessibility and reasonable accommodation in schools, as well as the lived experiences of persons with disabilities and the role of education and entrepreneurship in promoting independent lives.
An interactive question-and-answer session and open panel discussion were also held, allowing teachers to share classroom experiences and discuss practical approaches to inclusive education. Certificates and resource materials were distributed during the valedictory session.
According to the organisers, this was the first dedicated training programme on Children with Special Needs for teachers in the Pynursla Block and also the first teacher-focused training programme conducted by SRCDA in this format.
The organisers said the initiative is expected to help schools develop more responsive and inclusive classroom practices and improve preparedness in addressing disability-related needs.
