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Accepting them as they are
By Tharangani Perera
Dayamina, located in Ambuldeniya and run by the Sisters of Charity provides education and training for approximately 50 children with learning difficulties such as Down’s Syndrome and autism.

Their annual exhibition to be held at the Lionel Wendt on October 18 and19 will bring into focus the skills and aptitude of these children. With the participation of two similar institutions, 150 differently-abled children will display their talents to the public.

This exhibition will focus on raising public awareness that differently-abled children are capable and skilled in their own way and should be appreciated for their efforts to lead a normal life. One of the aims of the organizers is to make people understand that society needs to be patient with such children and allow them to progress at their own pace.

“An event of this nature is important as public knowledge about the nature of people suffering from Down’s Syndrome and other chromosome disorders is deplorably low,” says Sister Deepthika, a staff member at Dayamnina.

Though there is no present cure for Down’s Syndrome or other chromosome disorders, these differently-abled children can lead productive lives. Just like other children, these children will be able to learn basic skills, such as sitting, walking, talking, toilet training and bathing, but they will do so at a delayed pace. Early intervention with special services such as physiotherapy can help strengthen muscles for these basic motor skills, while speech pathology can be employed to help their development and learning.

Some of Dayamina’s differently-abled adults live with their families; some live in group homes with others with similar conditions; and others live independently. Many are employed and earn a living.

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