OT Students Champion Inclusion for Children with Special Needs
OT students took the World Occupational Therapy Day commemorations to Batlokwa National Primary School's Special Education Unit, engaging with learners with disabilities, educators and occupational therapy professionals under the theme “Participation Matters.”
The engagement provided an opportunity to highlight how occupational therapy can support children with special educational needs to participate more meaningfully in learning, play and everyday activities. Discussions explored the importance of inclusive environments, the role of play in child development and the need to create opportunities that recognise every child's abilities and potential.
Putting their training into practice, the students facilitated structured play activities that encouraged interaction, creativity and engagement among learners. Through these activities, they gained practical exposure to working with children with diverse needs while demonstrating how purposeful play can support participation, confidence and development.
Speaking during the programme, Prof. Arnold Gabalape Sejie, Deputy Provost for Academic Services, shared that the College is in the process of adopting the school's Special Education Unit. This signals a commitment to extending support beyond the commemorations and contributing to the continued development of the unit. The College also donated learning materials to support its work with learners.
The initiative contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education by promoting inclusive learning opportunities for children with special educational needs. It also advances SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by highlighting the importance of removing barriers that limit the participation of children with disabilities. The role of occupational therapy in supporting children's development, independence and well-being further connects the engagement to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
For our students, engagements of this nature bring classroom learning into real community settings, strengthening their practical understanding of occupational therapy and the difference it can make in people's lives. They also reinforce the importance of building inclusive environments where every child is supported to participate, develop and reach their potential.