Buds school making strides : KHIZAKKAMBALAM

At a time, when some BUDS special schools across the state are facing a crisis, the one under Kizhakkambalam panchayat has gone an extra mile by introducing ‘Speech Therapy’. It is the first buds school among  31 buds schools registered under People with Disabilities Act in the state to introduce speech therapy.



              Buds special school at Kizhakkambalam panchayat

 BUDS special school for the mentally challenged is a prominent venture of the Kudumbashree, set up on the basis of community surveys and health assessment done by local governments. The children who learn here battle with disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness and speech impairments due to cleft palates.

Merly Thomas, Principal in-charge, said that most students suffer from speech disability and they were in dire need of a speech therapist. “It is difficult to find a good hand as there is a dearth of speech therapists,” she said. It has been a few months since they introduced speech therapy in the school. The speech therapist tutors students twice a week. The school got a grant so `4 lakh the previous year and this year, they received `5 lakh.

The quality of education imparted here draws students from nearby panchayats especially Edathala panchayat to undergo training. “The special schools functioning in nearby areas are run by private managements and the fee is not affordable. Most mentally and physically challenged children in the panchayat belong to the lower strata of society,” Merly Thomas said. 

She said three of their students have successfully completed fourth equivalency examination. “Many have found a suitable vocation and are earning a living,” she said. 

But she said shortage of vehicles was a big hurdle. Since the vehicle has to cover a large area, it has to start early but returns late. “We have only one vehicle to fetch students. The bus which leaves at 8.15 am returns at 10 am which is a bit late. It would helpful if someone sponsors a vehicle,” she said.


Source : The New Indian Express , 30th June 2014