AN INITIATIVE TO EMPOWER CAREGIVERS NURTURING DIFFERENTLY-ABLED CHILDREN

'Every Step Counts' Caregivers' Workshop

- By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe

In their efforts to champion a world of inclusivity and diversity, the Branch for the Differently Abled Guides at the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association (SLGGA) recently concluded a workshop for caregivers and parents who are primarily looking after differently-abled children titled 'Every Step Counts'. The programme was held in view of this Branch reaching its 100-year milestone, while the SLGGA celebrates its 108th year of serving society.

Branch for Differently Abled Guides

Established in 1924 at the School for the Deaf and Blind in Ratmalana to provide equal opportunities and activities for girls and young women with disabilities, the Branch is active across the country and offers tailor-made programmes, workshops, and resources to support members with hearing and sight impairments, Down Syndrome, and other learning difficulties.

Today this branch has expanded to all provinces, institutions and schools spanning from Kaithady, Jaffna, to the South, to Uva and Sabaragamuwa Provinces, to Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and the recent addition in Anuradhapura. What is quite unique about this branch is that during the tenure of each successive commissioner, it has improved and expanded to reach out to more differently-abled children, caregivers and parents.