The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sheikh Arif Bulbon

A 14-year-old boy, intellectually disabled, can now draw pictures. He said, "I love to draw. My madam taught me how to draw." One of his framed pictures has been put on display in an exhibition, which showcases similar illustrations by children with autism, intellectual and multiple disabilities.

A five-day art exhibition titled 'Play with Colour' featuring works of the children with disabilities is being held at the Bengal Gallery at Dhanmondi in the city. The show was inaugurated on September 19.

The exhibition was jointly organised by SEID (Special Education for Intellectually Disabled) Trust and Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts in association with Golden Harvest and Action Aid Bangladesh.

Korean Ambassador in Dhaka Suk Bum Park inaugurated the show as chief guest, while Women Entrepreneurs Association of Bangladesh President Nasrin Awal Mintoo, Director of SEID Trust Dilara Satter Mitu, Managing Director of Bengal Foundation Luva Nahid Chowdhury, Chairperson of Golden Harvest Group Zaheda Khatoon also spoke on the occasion. SEID Trust Chairperson Dr Naim Ahmed chaired the session.

The speakers underscored the need for a collective effort to ensure welfare of the children with disabilities. Children with disabilities have the rights to get services, they said.

The Korean Ambassador said, "I congratulate this wonderful outcome with the hope that it would work for them as a bridge over the troubles they have endured for a better world."

Naim Ahmed in a message said, "Our goal is to participate in the efforts and struggles of children with disabilities to overcome the barriers imposed by the society. We share the indomitable spirit of our children and their continuing effort to enjoy life to its full."

As part of advocacy to raise awareness about the rights of people with disabilities, SEID Trust arranged an art competition in June this year where 115 such children took part. A total of 60 works, produced by children with intellectual and multiple disabilities as well as autism, are on display at the show.

Dilara Satter said, "10 per cent of total population in county suffer from disability and three percent of them are intellectually challenged."

SEID Trust, the non-government organisation, provides medical support, special education, educational materials, speech therapy, vocational training, nutritional support and transport services to the children with autism, intellectual and multiple disabilities, she said.

The exhibition remains open till September 23 from 12:00 noon to 7:00pm.