First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah inaugurated the newly established residential facility at the Centre for Autism Rehabilitation and Training (C-ARTS) in Karachi on Monday.
Officials briefed them on the center’s facilities and services during the visit. According to the briefing, C-ARTS Residential is Pakistan’s first dedicated residential facility for people with autism.
The center will provide safe accommodation, care, training and rehabilitation for children with autism and can serve around 250 children.
It also offers respite care for children with severe behavioral needs, giving parents and caregivers temporary relief. A long-term residential care facility will also support autistic children without guardians or caregivers.
The facility will operate with the help of a multidisciplinary team of trained professionals specializing in autism-related programs.
During the visit, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari also launched the C-ARTS portal to make autism-related information and services more accessible.
Speaking on the occasion, she said empowering persons with disabilities is a sign of a civilized and responsible society. She stressed that children with autism deserve education, training and equal opportunities.
She said every child with special needs deserves care, attention and opportunities to reach full potential, adding that an inclusive society leaves no one behind.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said the Sindh government remains committed to using all available resources for the rehabilitation and welfare of people with autism and other special needs.
He said making persons with disabilities active and respected members of society remains a priority for the provincial government.
The chief minister described C-ARTS as an important institution that is bringing positive change to the lives of children with special needs. He added that the PPP government will continue to strengthen the special education and rehabilitation sectors.
During the visit, Aseefa Bhutto and Murad Ali Shah also met children with autism and appreciated their abilities and achievements. Parents, experts and children shared their experiences with the visiting officials.
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