Starfruit (malangkota.go.id) – Having a child with special needs (ABK) is certainly a great mandate for parents. Not only do these special children need support and motivation, but parents certainly need support to provide special assistance and care for their children. In the framework of International Disability Day 2023, the Malang City Education and Culture Office (Disdikbud) through the ABK Education Service Technical Implementation Unit (UPT) held a Motivation and Parenting activity 'Becoming a Smart and Resilient Parent', Thursday (7/12/2023).
Becoming a smart and resilient parent must start with the ability to see children as bright shining stars. Parents of special children are certainly those who have extra strength because educating special children requires a long process. Activities that provide motivation, parenting tips, and space to exchange experiences and stories will certainly strengthen parents to accompany their children towards success. Therefore, in the activity held at the Savana Hotel and Convention, the Malang City Education and Culture Office invited Rian Proyo Hardi, CPST and Dr. Amelia A. Daeng, M.Psi, Psychologist as motivators and speakers.
Head of the Malang City Education and Culture Office, Suwarjana, SE, MM said that his party is trying to provide understanding and confidence to the community that the government is here to provide inclusive education services. "We want the community to know that we do not differentiate between children. Their rights are the same as ordinary children, so we will also serve them equally with those who are not special. Through this activity, it also shows the concern of parents for their special children," he said.
Suwarjana also explained that the Special Needs Education Service Unit located in Tlogowaru apparently does not only provide services for special children from Malang City, but also children from outside the region. "In this service, we do not see where they come from, but if they are special children, we must serve them. Because it turns out that in their area there may not be services like in Malang City. God willing, we can still serve friends from outside Malang City. Don't worry, we will not favor those from Malang City. Our principle is that education is for all citizens," he said.
On this occasion, the parents of these special children had the opportunity to 'confide' to the Head of Education and Culture regarding educational services for their children. Various experiences and concerns felt were conveyed frankly in this forum. In response, Suwarjana promised to continue to improve services for these special students.
"If in the field, the service for these children is still lacking, we will definitely emphasize and socialize it. Like we already have the innovation of Interesting Learning with Special Students (Jarik Ma' Siti) which was initiated by SMPN 10 Malang City, and has now begun to be replicated by both public and private schools. So parents do not need to be afraid that their children will not get an equivalent education," he explained. (ari/yon)
