‘Our children are losing precious years’
Srinagar, Dec 03 : As Jammu and Kashmir marks World Disability Day, parents of specially-abled children have once again highlighted a longstanding concern—the acute shortage of special schools across the Union Territory, a gap they say is depriving their children of quality education and essential developmental support.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), several parents expressed frustration, saying that despite repeated appeals, dedicated educational facilities for children with special needs remain virtually non-existent in most areas. They lamented that children are losing precious years due to missing infrastructure.
Parents said the absence of accessible, disability-friendly education centres forces many children to remain confined to their homes.
Nelofar Akhter, a mother from south Kashmir, said countless families like hers struggle daily. “There are so many specially-abled children who simply cannot attend school because there are no special schools nearby,” she said.
Akhter added that her own son would also have remained out of school had it not been for Zeba Apa School in Bijbehara, an institution started by Javed Ahmad Tak, a Padma Shri awardee who himself is physically challenged.
“If this school hadn’t existed, my child would have been at home like many others. There are no government-run special schools that offer such support,” she added.
Other parents said that Abhenandana Home in Srinagar is the only prominent facility available, but it cannot meet the needs of children across the entire Union Territory.
Parents said that children admitted to Abhenandana Home often require a family member to stay with them—something not feasible for most families from far-off districts. “Not everyone can shift to Srinagar to look after their child. We need schools closer to home,” a parent from Pulwama said.
To ease the burden on families, parents suggested that special schools should be established at the tehsil level, ensuring accessibility and reducing travel difficulties and dedicated colleges for differently-abled students should be set up at the district level to open pathways for vocational and higher education.
Creating such infrastructure is essential for helping children with disabilities become self-reliant and confident contributors to society, they said.
Meanwhile, Abhenandana Home Higher Secondary School, Solina Rambagh, run by the Department of Social Welfare, Kashmir, marked World Disability Day with a vibrant and inspiring event.
The programme featured a historic moment as deaf and mute students performed the national anthem in Indian Sign Language for the first time in Kashmir, drawing emotional applause from the audience. Students also presented cultural performances, including a Ladakhi song and a drama, all in sign language.
The event was attended by senior officials, including Child Welfare Committee Chairperson, Dr Khairun Nisa, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare, Sarmad Hafeez, Director Social Welfare Kashmir, Mohd Akbar Wani, DSWO Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, SSP South, Shabir Khan and others.
The dignitaries lauded the teachers and staff of Abhinandan Home for their commitment to empowering children with disabilities.
Sarmad Hafeez reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible society. He called for equal opportunities and rights for persons with disabilities.
The cultural performances, including the national anthem and Ladakhi song in Indian Sign Language, were appreciated by the audience. The play/drama by students showcased the talents and abilities of individuals with disabilities, promoting a sense of pride and belonging.
The event concluded with a call to action, urging the community to work together to create a more inclusive and accessible society for all.
