Research evidence suggests that children with Down syndrome develop best academically, intellectually and socially in an inclusive educational environment, where they study and grow alongside their typically developing peers. However, the concept of inclusive education is not too prevalent in Pakistan, despite its benefits for both children with Down syndrome and typically developing children. Therefore, KDSP’s Education Department has launched the following programs to promote the inclusion of children with Down syndrome into mainstream educational institutions.
EPEP was launched in August 2017. This is an in-house one year program especially designed to prepare a child with Down syndrome for a confident transition and settlement in an inclusive school environment later on. The main goal is to equip the child to learn basic social, academic, fine motor, gross motor, communication and self-help skills to build a foundation for their learning in later years.
PIE was launched in 2016. Under this program, children with Down syndrome are facilitated for admission into mainstream partner schools. Partner schools are institutions that KDSP has formed partnerships with, where teachers and special needs coordinators receive training by KDSP on developing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and using pedagogical tools required to promote optimal learning in the classroom. KDSP also provides facilitation and awareness sessions to inclusive schools to meet the needs of students with Down syndrome enrolled at their campuses.
TAP was launched in November 2019 to provide academic assistance to children as an after-school program, and help them develop personal and social skills that enhance their learning experience. The primary objective is to provide tailored assistance for basic level numeracy and literacy alongside life skills for self-sufficiency and independence.
RELY was launched in April 2020 as a homeschooling program to equip caregivers with the information and online resources to create an education plan for their children with Down syndrome at home. The Education team continues to provide guidance on how to cultivate an environment at home that is conducive to the learning of a child.
Launched in 2019, the Remedial Teacher Training Course is designed to increase the pool of qualified professionals in the field of Remedial Education for children with Down syndrome in Karachi. It equips parents and professionals (teachers, special educators, counselors, school administrators) with the knowledge of special educational needs, and the tools to support and facilitate the personal and educational needs of individuals with Down syndrome. It inculcates the skills required to cultivate an inclusive classroom environment conducive to specialized learning.