SWID Laboratory Model School

About the School

The SWID Laboratory Model School was established in 2009 by the Society for the Welfare of the Intellectually Disabled (SWID Bangladesh).

The school was created primarily to support the Practice Teaching program of students from the SWID Special Education Teachers’ Training College, while also providing specialized education, care, and rehabilitation services for children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDD), intellectual disabilities, and other developmental challenges.

The institution serves as a model learning and training environment where future special education teachers gain practical teaching experience while supporting the development and well-being of students with special needs.

Goals and Objectives

The main goals of the SWID Laboratory Model School are:

• To improve education, care, and rehabilitation services for students with neurodevelopmental disorders, intellectual disabilities, and other developmental conditions.
• To facilitate practice teaching opportunities for trainees of the SWID Special Education Teachers’ Training College.
• To implement collaborative programs and projects with national, regional, and international organizations to enhance services for persons with disabilities.
• To support parents and guardians through education, awareness, and training programs.
• To develop and expand special education services, including specialized schools, vocational training centers, sheltered workshops, hostels, clinics, and rehabilitation facilities.
• To encourage student participation in sports, cultural activities, scouting, and Special Olympics programs at national and international levels.
• To promote equal opportunities, social participation, and the protection of civil and human rights for students with disabilities through awareness and supportive educational environments.

School Management Committee

The SWID Laboratory Model School is managed by a 13-member Management Committee, appointed for a three-year term. The committee is responsible for the overall governance and management of the school. All activities of the school are supervised, monitored, and guided by the head office of SWID Bangladesh through its designated officials.

Levels of Special Education

Similar to the general education system, the special education program at the SWID Laboratory Model School is structured according to the students’ chronological age and mental developmental level. Since children with intellectual disabilities often have differences between their actual age and developmental age, flexibility is applied while determining the most suitable educational level for each student.

The following levels of education are implemented:

Class divisions with Curriculum:

Self-Development and Independent Living

The school places strong emphasis on developing independence and life skills among students.

Key initiatives include:

• Providing pre-vocational and vocational training to help students develop employable skills.
• Supporting students to become socially and economically independent where possible.
• Adjusting educational levels and training programs according to the severity of disability and individual abilities.
• Identifying children with intellectual disabilities at an early stage and ensuring timely educational support to improve their chances of successful rehabilitation and independent living.

Students and Teachers

• Total Number of Students: 170
• Total Number of Teachers: 25

The school maintains a supportive learning environment where trained special educators work closely with students to ensure individualized learning, skill development, and overall well-being.

Student Activities

At the SWID Laboratory Model School, education goes beyond classroom learning. The school encourages students to participate in a wide range of co-curricular and recreational activities to promote their physical, social, and emotional development.

Key activities include:

• Sports and Physical Activities to promote health, teamwork, and confidence
• Cultural Programs such as music, dance, art, and drama
• Scouting and Leadership Activities to build discipline and responsibility
• Participation in national and international competitions and events for students with disabilities
• Training and preparation for participation in Special Olympics events

These activities help students develop confidence, communication skills, and social interaction, which are essential for their integration into society.

Parent Support and Training

Parents and guardians play an important role in the development of children with special needs. The school regularly organizes parent education and training programs to help families better support their children.

Support services include:

• Parent counseling and guidance sessions
• Training on home-based care and learning strategies
• Awareness programs on intellectual disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders
• Workshops to help parents understand behavior management and daily living skills

Through these initiatives, parents become active partners in their children’s education, care, and rehabilitation.

Therapy and Support Services

The SWID Laboratory Model School provides a supportive environment where students receive not only education but also essential developmental support.

The school aims to provide access to the following services:

• Special Education Support
• Behavioral Guidance
• Speech and Communication Support
• Life Skills Development
• Pre-Vocational and Vocational Training

These services help students improve their communication abilities, social skills, independence, and overall quality of life.

Community Awareness

The school also works to increase public awareness about disabilities and promote an inclusive society.

Activities include:

• Community awareness campaigns on neurodevelopmental disabilities
• Collaboration with national and international organizations
• Advocacy for equal rights, education, and social inclusion of persons with disabilities
• Programs promoting equal opportunity and full participation in society