Kampala — PARENTS of children with disabilities have been criticised for denying them a chance to go to school.

The Vice-President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, said disabled children were like any other child and could be successful in life. He was recently speaking while receiving 51 wheelchairs from the Indian community at his home in Kakiri, Wakiso district. Bukenya commended the community for starting industries, which, he said, had provided employment to the youth.

The leader of the Hindu spiritual community, Swami Satyamitranand, appealed to other organisations to help the needy. Some of the chairs were given to Wakiso Secondary School for the Deaf and others to the elderly persons in Kakiri village. The Wakiso Secondary School head teacher, Theresa Akorimo, said parents of children with disabilities needed to be supported.

"Parental guidance helps children with disabilities realise their potential," Akorimo said. She said there was need for more resources to take care of children with emotional, mental and behavioural difficulties.

"Extensive support for teachers in terms of motivation is needed. Special salaries should be paid to them since their work is demanding and requires additional training," Akorimo added.