Empowering Care Through Knowledge: National Training on Sensory Needs of Individuals with IDDs Concludes at NISE

Islamabad, June 27, 2025 – A three-day national training workshop titled “Understanding Sensory Needs of Individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disorders and Management Strategies” concluded today at the National Institute of Special Education (NISE), Islamabad. The event was organized by the Directorate General of Special Education (DGSE), under the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, and held from June 25 to 27, 2025.

The training aimed to build professional capacity in identifying and managing sensory processing challenges commonly faced by individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disorders (IDDs). Over 60 participants, including special educators, speech and occupational therapists, clinical psychologists, students, and parents from across the country, took part in the workshop.

A distinguished panel of experts led the sessions, including Ms. Saima Kanwal, Consultant Occupational Therapist at Shifa International Hospital; Dr. Shazia Khalid, Head of the Psychology Department at NUMS; and Dr. Laila Khan, Medical Officer at RCCDD Islamabad. Topics covered included sensory integration therapies, motor skill development, environmental adaptations, and communication strategies tailored for individuals with sensory needs.

Participants represented a diverse range of institutions such as the Rehabilitation Center for Children with Developmental Disorders, Autism Resource Centre Rawalpindi, Akbar Kare Institute Peshawar, Inclusive Education Group at ASAS International School, FMH Lahore, BASES Lahore, SSA Islamabad, and Viqar-un-Nisa Postgraduate College Rawalpindi.

The closing ceremony was attended by noted educational psychologist Mrs. Khalida Ahmed and Mrs. Asna Aziz, Director (Admin), DGSE, who distributed certificates among participants. Naureen Altaf, Officer Incharge NISE, highlighted the institute’s ongoing initiatives under the dynamic leadership of Director General Capt. (R) Asif Iqbal Asif, aligning with the Ministry’s vision of inclusive and accessible special education services.

Course Coordinator Muhammad Asim extended heartfelt thanks to the resource persons and participants, urging them to apply the knowledge gained in their respective fields.

The workshop's successful conclusion reflects DGSE’s continued commitment to enhancing special education standards and advancing the government's goal of equitable support for individuals with special needs across Pakistan.