National community model on social integration is in development for the children with special needs

As reports Finance Time, referring to the “E-Azerbaijan.info”, in Garadagh region of Sahil community social integration program of children with special needs is implemented. The aim of the program is to create opportunities for independent life through exposing abilities of children. In order to integrate for the society, at the Center social-psychological and medical care services, as well as inclusive education system is implemented.

This program is implemented by Holcim (Azerbaijan) and Rehabilitation Center for Disabled Children - “Musfiq” in Sahil community for the last over 10 years.  A large number of professional trainings in various fields, including carpet weaving and small publishing activities, are organized. It should be noted that it's the only center in Azerbaijan equipped with PORTEC as early intervention system for disabled children. As a part of social and psychological works, therapeutic services are provided in 11 streams. As the end of each year, it is also planned to hold exhibition of children handworks, theatrical festival and other events this year.

As a result of Holcim's 10-years support for this program, the following results were achieved: children continue public school education, new approaches are introduced, different mobile services at homes are provided, within the deinstitutionalization process family situation of children with special care needs are improved and through implementation of core social services achieved to community development. This initiative might be used as a national community development model in Azerbaijan on social integration of children with special needs.