Bhubaneswar: On World Autism Awareness Day on Saturday, Bhubaneswar-based Zain Foundation Trust, in collaboration with Odisha’s very first Special Education Needs (SEN) cell at KiiT International School, organised a 12-km long cycle and roller skate rally to raise awareness on Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Around 200 participants comprising students from KIIT and KISS and a professional cycling group Iron Monks Sporting Solution, took part in the rally starting from the KiiT International School campus, Patia, till the Zain Foundation premises at Baramunda.
The rally was flagged off by KIIT and KISS founder Achyuta Samanta, SSEPD Minister Ashok Chandra Panda and Director (intelligence) Lalit Das in the presence of Chairperson of KiiT International School Monalisa Bal, and chief trustee of Zain Foundation Trust Gargi Bhattacharya.
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Following the rally, President of KIIT & KIIS, Smt Saswati Bal felicitated them with medals. On the occasion, 11 parents of children with special needs were also felicitated for their tireless efforts to integrate the kids into the social framework.
“More such awareness activities and advocacy exercises are needed as the cases of autism have increased over the years,” said chief trustee of Zain Foundation Trust Gargi Bhattacharya.
The organisers said they were happy to receive support from the SEN Globe at KIIT International School in organising the awareness rally as it is the only school in Odisha that is attempting inclusion of those with autism in their normal primary curriculum at present.
