Role Of Siblings In Inclusive Development

of Children with Multi-Sensory Impairments

Pauzagin TonsingExecutive Director, Centre for Community Initiative

Malsawm Ability Resource Centre (MARC), Pearsonmun, Churachandpur 795128, Manipur

www.communityinitiative.in

Sibling relationship outlast marriages, survive the death of parents, resurface after quarrels that would sink any friendship. They flourish in a thousand incarnation of closeness and distance,

warmth loyalty and distrust.

~ Erica E Goode

As a parent, I am concern as to what will happen to my child with VIMD after I left this world! However, if my son’s siblings are -- sensitized- empowered - acceptedThen - they will take care of their siblings with disabilities-I can rest assured of my child’s welfare- security to take care after I’m gone - my child will get the best possible care from his sibling- within a secure family and society .

PARENTS CONCERN

- longest - lasting relationship no matter their abilities- learning from each other and support each other- understand each other better than anyone - unofficial translators to their parents and their outside world.

So, The Malsawm Initiative involved siblings in the life of their siblings with disabilities so as to lead to inclusion in the society.

SIBLINGS’ RELATIONSHIP

THE MALSAWM INIATIVE(A School for Children with Special Needs)

Siblings can be a change agent for inclusion

SENSITISATION1. UNAU (Siblings) Annual Meet

2. Social Inclusion Campaign

EMPOWERMENT1. Sibling training

2. Sibling as Volunteer

ADVOCATE 1. Street play

2. Social programmes

THANK YOU