World Day for Disabled was commemorated at Special Education and Training Center (SETC) here at Johar Town on Saturday. The special children presented colourful programmes, while an exhibition of handicraft, manufactured by disabled children also held on this occasion.
International Tennis player Aisam ul Haq was the chief guest, while renowned psychiatrist from UK Dr Akmal Makhdoom, Principal SETC Zarina Farrukh, a large number of parents and children also attended the function. President Mental Health Federation Dr I.A.K. Tareen delivered the welcome address and said that persons with disabilities were more than 15 percent of our population.
The physical disabled persons were 40 percent, 20 percent were mental disabled, 10 percent each visual and hearing disabled, while rest 10 percent were suffering in other disabilities among the disabled persons. Project Director SETC and Professor of emeritus KEMCU Dr Khalida Tareen in her address said this was first institution in country, which introduced inclusive education for disabled and normal children.
There were 200 disabled and 450 normal poor children were getting free education. She said we made a commitment on world disabled day that we would ensure education and technical skills for all children with disabilities. Tennis star Aisam ul Haq distributed prizes among the special children who bagged medals in international Olympics' games.