MIRI: A rehabilitation centre like the One -Stop Early Intervention Centre (OSEIC) in Kuching should also be set up here for children with special needs.
This will prevent these children from being left out of the education system as well as from upskilling programmes, said Datuk Rosey Yunus, Deputy Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Development I (Women and Childhood Development).
“It is important that the Northern Region of Sarawak has a OSEIC so that children with special needs including those suffering from deafness in Miri, Bekenu, Marudi, Bintulu, Limbang and Lawas have access to rehabilitation,” she said on Monday.
In the Northern Region for the year 2021 to 2022, there were 611 children with hearing impairment and speech difficulties. Rosey was speaking at the closing of a two-day sign language course here.
“Hearing loss in children can lead to speech and language delays, thus, early intervention is critical to make sure that your child’s hearing loss is treated appropriately, to reduce the impact that hearing loss has on her or his education,” Rosey pointed out.
Therefore, the setting up of the rehabilitation centre will provide early intervention,education, retraining for children with special needs.
She also emphasised the role of parents of children with special needs in early intervention to help their children reach their full potential.
“Early identification of developmental issues and a strong support system to intervene can help these children excel and overcome their difficulties,” Rosey said.
To parents of children with hearing loss, she said, they should not hesitate to learn sign language, as it will help them communicate better with their children.
A total 55 staff from the Welfare Departments of Miri, Bintulu, Limbang and Lawas took part in the course here since Aug 21.
Also present was Miri Welfare Department officer Pengiran Mohamad Najib Pengiran Mohamad
