The specially-abled show off their creative talents

Saturday, 16 June 2012 00:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A non-profit organisation, the Colombo Centre for Special Education specialises in the rehabilitation of mentally disadvantaged males. Many of the inhabitants of the Centre suffer from autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy and are also retarded in their mental growth. Some are slow learners, making their entrance to society that much more difficult.

With the objective of creating awareness about the needs of these individuals whilst showcasing that the specially-abled are talented and can contribute to society the Centre plans to hold an arts and crafts exhibition on 21 June at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery, between 9 a.m. and 6.30 p.m.

The exhibition will be opened by the Chief Guest Sunethra Bandaranaike, who is an avid supporter of this cause. The exhibition will showcase a diverse range of items which include greeting cards, birthday cards, anniversary cards, plain cards, note pads, envelopes, gift tags, book marks, jute rugs, serviettes, dish towels, potholders wrapping paper, woodwork articles, bread baskets and wall hangings to name a few.

Commenting on the exhibition, Colombo Centre for Special Education Executive Director Charika Muttiah stated, “The specially-abled have the potential to be citizens that make a positive contribution to society and it is with this objective that we are organising this exhibition. Also we hope that the general public who attend the exhibition get an understanding of the needs of raising a specially-abled child and the commitment and dedication required to keep such an institution in functioning order.”

Currently the Colombo Centre for Special Education is looking at expanding their services to the specially-abled by providing permanent hostel facilities, to continue caring for them once those in their families are unable to do so. As the Centre functions are entirely dependent on the kindness and generosity of benefactors, the organisers request the general public to attend this exhibition and thereby show their support and encourage those with special needs.