Around 1 lakh intellectually disabled persons in state
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 14 2008: MOST OF the intellectually disabled children were born due to lack of pre-natal care knowledge and awareness among the parents in Manipur's rural areas.

Though no census is conducted on intellectually disabled persons in the state so far, it is estimated that 1 percent of the state's population belongs to this community.

It would be around 1 lakh.

Intellectually disabled children enjoying a sip of juice during MEDFEST at Kangshang

Disclosing this Dr M Akshaykumar, Head of Clinical Psychology, Regional Institute of Medical Science Lamphelpat who is one of the key functionary of the organizer Special Olympic Bharat Manipur Chapter lamented, "We need public cooperation in achieving our goals".

In an effort to explore Healthy athletes among the intellectually disabled population of the state, a day long first ever MEDFEST was held at Kangshang in Khuman Lampak Sports Complex today.

Many intellectually disabled persons mostly children in the state turned up with their guardians to attend the first ever MEDFEST at Kangshang in Khuman Lampak Sports Complex on Friday.

Today's MEDFEST is the first ever free medical health camp for this group of people organized in north east India.

The experts comprising-special teachers, psychologists, doctors in diverse fields used to assess the Intelligent Quotient (IQ) status of these disable persons during the day long camp.

"We're trying to find out Healthy athletes among them for the forthcoming special Olympics" Dr Akshaykumar said,"Our target is 200".Neurologist Dr Th Suraj of RIMS who took part in the day's camp also shared a similar sentiment.

One intellectually disabled W Ranendra of Koirengei had play football for India in Ireland Special Olympics few years back.

As there is lack of awareness, some parents in hills and also among the minor communities were still hiding their children instead of bringing out from the four walls,a special teacher felt.

But according to T Anita, Principal of B B Paul Mental Development home, Mongsangei, unlike the past many parents nowadays started to send their children to their home.

Most of the parents believed that their children will gain something once they go to school regularly she felt.

There are as many as eight special schools in Manipur including Ch Ibohal Institute, Changangei, Mangal Special Home, Porompat, Mangwa Special School, Motbung, DDRC Thoubal, PASS Churachandpur, Sindamsang, Konthoujam and SSA Thoubal.