Islamabad: A three-day workshop on capacity-building titiled “Assessment of Special Needs” focused on strengthening the professional competencies of teachers and practitioners by introducing modern assessment approaches and evidence-based practices in special education concluded here on Thursday.
The workshop was organized by Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) in collaboration with EPIC Trainings. The workshop was designed to enhance participants’ knowledge and practical skills in the timely and accurate assessment of children with special needs.
Addressing the concluding ceremony, as chief guest, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Nasir Mahmood said that timely and accurate assessment of children with special needs was fundamental to providing quality education and appropriate educational support. He emphasized that continuous professional development of teachers and specialists was essential for improving educational outcomes and promoting inclusive education.
He reaffirmed AIOU’s commitment to advancing special education through quality training, research and academic collaborations. He also appreciated the efforts of the Department of Special Education and EPIC Trainings for successfully organizing the workshop and expressed hope that the knowledge and skills gained by the participants would contribute to strengthening special education services across the country.
A total of 43 teachers, specialists and professionals from Islamabad and Rawalpindi participated in the training programme.
Participants represented the Autism Resource Centre, Directorate of Special Education Punjab, Directorate General of Special Education Islamabad, Bahria Special Education School and College, Fauji Foundation Institute of Special Education, Umeed-e-Noor Special Education School and several other institutions working in the field of special education.