Preamble
Special education is instruction that is modified or particularized for those students with special needs, such as learning differences, mental health problems, specific disabilities (physical or developmental) , and giftedness.
Special education is the provision of extra help, adapted programmes, learning environments, or specialised equipment or [/color]materials to support children and young people with their learning and help them participate in education.
Many children and young people have special education needs. This can include learners with learning difficulties, communication, emotional or behaviour difficulties, or intellectual, sensory or physical impairments.
A range of support is available to early childhood education services and schools to ensure children and young people access the curriculum and take part in education in western countries.
If we look at the Islamic world we feel that we are not putting on the required efforts and we lack behind in this regard. Whereas, Islam is a religion which has held the Islamic society responsible for looking after the educational needs for its subjects specially special kids.
[color="#8B0000"]THE CONCEPT OF EDUCATION IN ISLAM
- Men and Women have the right to seek education in Islam.
The meaning of education and of what it involves is of utmost importance in the formulation of a system of education and its implementation.
Education is a process of instilling something into human beings, ‘a process of instilling’ refers to the method and the system by which what is called ‘education’ is gradually imparted; ‘something’ refers to the content of what is instilled; and ‘human beings’ refers to the recipient of both the process and the content.
Education encompasses the three fundamental elements that constitute education: the process, the content, the recipient.
So the : the process, the content of education can be customized keeping in view , the recipient i.e special children.
Needs of Spcial Children at school
Some children with special education needs will have had these needs assessed by early intervention staff before they start school and services will be in place for them as they start school.
In some cases, concerns about a child's learning and development are only identified after a child starts school. Parents with children at school who are concerned about their child's learning and development should speak to their child's teacher or the principal to discuss what support and services their child may need, and the range of support available.
The Deaf Muslims and their education needs – a case study
One group of people that sometimes do not get the Islamic education that they need are deaf Muslims. In general (there are exceptions of course) most deaf Muslims feel that they have not received an adequate education regarding Islam. They feel that they are missing something and they they do not know enough. They only know from what little their parents taught them or from what they have seen. Often, Muslims parents and teachers mistakenly assume that the concept of Islam, the teaching of the Qur'an and in Arabic (those who are from non-Arabic speaking countries) is too difficult for the deaf child to understand. As a result, they do not teach the children as much as if they were hearing. The children grow up not understanding why they can't do some things non-Muslims do, why they have to wear hijab, why they have to pray in a prostrating position. Many do not even understand or know the words to salat. They do not understand what the Imam is saying during the Friday congregation.
Christian churches have sign language interpreters, while most Mosques do not offer interpreters for any deaf people who may be in their congregation. Some Muslims, even the brothers, do not attend the required Friday prayers specifically for that reason.
The truth is that deaf people ARE capable of learning about Islam; everything from how to pray, how to read the Qu'ran, to understanding the spirituality of Islam. Teachers and parents of Muslim children need to remember that their children are capable of learning; that there are many deaf Muslims who have overcome the odds and who practice their faith to the best of their ability.
So the Muslim educators must understand the need for the education of deaf Muslim people and devise some sort of mechanism for the education of these people. A lot is required to be done in this regard like development of special training techniques and sign language
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Documentary on Disabled Kids:
“The Will”, a social awareness documentary film, was screened at the Dubai. The documentary is about the Al Noor Centre and showcases the talents of mentally and physically disabled children and highlights the positive abilities of these children. The Al Noor Centre provides care and education for children according to their abilities. Nayla Al Khaja, producer of The Will, is the first UAE national woman to produce a documentary .The documentary aims to raise awareness and provoke discussion about the issues involved. Its producers hope to screen the film on local television and raise support for necessary facilities for disabled children.
Islamic Teaching Provides Guidelines For Special Children:
You have to make your child feel that he is a part of the family.
Yoy may use practically known rewards that he usually likes
It is advisable that you compliment him with good praises
You should find the best educational institution for best education that can be provide him the needed skills and best children program.
You should always look attentively to his warning signs. Make an effort to observe and study his movements.
Conclusion
Although Islam lays a great importance on the education of special children, but unfortunatley there has been very little effort put up by Muslim educationists in this field. We have a very good system of Zakat and a lot of funds can be channelized for the funding of programs of education exclusively meant for the grooming of special kids
thanx