Owais, a 15-year-old student at Fahmida Begum School- SEND, faces the challenges of Down syndrome. As the only family member with this condition, Owais experienced developmental delays, particularly in gaining neck control, communication, and even walking properly. While therapy helped him achieve independent walking, Owais still struggles with speech, forgetfulness, and social interaction.
Recognizing his unique needs, his mother, Gul Pari (a sewing instructor at the FBF), enrolled him in the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) program on January 5th. After a period of observation, a personalized care plan was created to address Owais’ specific areas of development. This plan focused on improving his eye contact, engagement in games and activities, speech and communication support, social skill development, and emotional and behavioral support.
The SEND program’s intervention has yielded positive results for Owais. He now actively participates in games and painting activities, demonstrating increased independence by using the washroom on his own. His social skills have improved significantly, although challenges with pronunciation persist. Notably, Owais expresses himself joyfully through singing, showcasing another avenue of communication.
While his educational progress is slower than some classmates, Owais finds enjoyment in using the computer and actively engages in his bi-weekly classes held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 am to 1 pm. This program, designed specifically for students with special needs, currently supports 16 students with a dedicated team of four teachers. The program’s personalized approach and dedicated support empower students like Owais to develop essential skills and participate actively in school life.
