Directorate General of Special Education (DGSE) Hosts Capacity Building Workshop on Supporting Children with Cerebral Palsy
National Institute of Special Education (NISE), the training institution of the Directorate General of Special Education (DGSE), organized an exclusive one week capacity building workshop for teachers and professionals of the National Special Education Centre for Physically Handicapped Children (NSEC-PHC), G-8/4 Islamabad, from 1st to 5th September 2025 on “Practical Approaches to Handling and Supporting Children with Cerebral Palsy in an Educational Setting.” The programme addressed critical areas including the introduction, assessment, and management of CP, socio-emotional challenges and mitigation strategies, speech issues and remedial therapies, as well as the role of physiotherapy and multidisciplinary collaboration in classroom handling of CP children. The presence of Director General DGSE, Capt (R) Asif Iqbal Asif, on the opening day of the training highlighted the pertinence of capacity building in this important area and reaffirmed DGSE’s commitment to strengthening the professional competencies of its workforce. The training workshop was organized in direct response to a comprehensive need-based assessment carried out as part of the Road Map for revamping DGSE, duly approved by the worthy Secretary, Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training. DGSE, as an attached department of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, carries the mandate to provide and strengthen special education and rehabilitation services within the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). Renowned rehabilitation experts from diverse backgrounds facilitated the sessions, including Professor Dr. Qamar Mehmood from Riphah International University, Special Educationist Mrs. Meena Asad, Speech Pathologist and Consultant Mr. Shabaz Akhtar Khalid, and Senior Physiotherapist Mr. Jawwad Afzal. Through lectures and practical demonstrations, these experts provided participants with valuable knowledge and hands-on skills. A total of 26 teachers and professionals of the special education centre attended the training , actively engaging in discussions and sharing their professional experiences. The workshop not only enhanced the capacity of teachers, caregivers, and therapists but also recommended practical steps for strengthening classroom practices. Importantly, it emphasized the need for future training focused on developing Individual Rehabilitation Plans (IRPs) for all enrolled children with Cerebral Palsy, ensuring more structured and child-centered support in educational settings. The Directorate General of Special Education (DGSE) remains committed to advancing quality education, professional development, and comprehensive rehabilitation services for children with special needs within the Islamabad Capital Territory.