Sarawak to expand one-stop centres for special needs children to rest of state

KUCHING: Sarawak plans to expand its one-stop early intervention centre (Oseic) for special needs children from Kuching to the rest of the state within five years.

State Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the Sarawak government had agreed in principle for the centres to be set up in Miri, Kapit, Tatau, Samarahan, Betong, Lawas and Dalat.

"This is our expansion programme for Oseic in the whole of Sarawak in five years' time.

"Expanding Oseic to other divisions, including rural areas, is crucial in creating more opportunities for special needs children to have access to early diagnosis, effective intervention programmes and therapy sessions throughout Sarawak.

"This is in line with our state government's initiative towards achieving inclusivity and ensuring that no one is left behind," she said at the Oseic graduation ceremony here on Friday (Feb 24).

The first Oseic was launched at Metrocity here in October 2020 to provide early diagnosis, intervention and rehabilitation under one roof for children aged seven and below with autism, Down Syndrome and learning disabilities.

The Sarawak Society for Parents of Children with Special Needs (Pibakat) was appointed by the ministry to operate the centre with annual grants from the state government.

Currently 438 children are registered at the centre, a rapid increase from 47 when it started.

Fatimah said the expansion of Oseic services would start next month in Dalat, where the welfare complex had been equipped with facilities such as sensory integration rooms and a hydrotherapy pool.

"It is ready for Oseic operations to provide early diagnosis, intervention and rehabilitation services for about 59 special needs children in Mukah division," she said.

On the graduation ceremony, Fatimah said 47 children had completed the programme at Oseic and would go on to primary school.

She said 11 of them would be entering mainstream classes, two in the inclusive education programme and 34 in the integrated special education programme.