A total of 2,000 disabled children gathered at the National Science Centre in Kuala Lumpur to celebrate Special Science Day (SSD) 2024. The event, held over two days, aimed to promote the involvement of people with disabilities (PwD) in activities that promote a culture of science, technology, and innovation. Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal emphasized the importance of the ‘play while learning’ programme with the theme ‘Special World Dimension”.
The programme featured a variety of activities, including science demonstrations, performances by disabled children, sensory games workshops, hands-on creative activities, and an exhibition by agencies and organizations related to PwD. Mohammad Yusof highlighted that the programme was not limited to just the normal population but also aimed to provide opportunities for disabled individuals to experience science.
National Science Centre director Mohammad Fuad Rahman distributed Special Learning Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) kits to school students and organizations present at the event. This gesture symbolized the Centre’s appreciation and support for providing equal learning opportunities in the fields of science, technology, and innovation. Bandar Tun Razak MP, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail witnessed the distribution of the STEM kits.
Mohammad Yusof expressed hope that such programmes would continue in the future, with increased participation from Malaysians. He emphasized the importance of boosting the self-confidence of disabled children in exploring science and providing them with opportunities they may not have otherwise had. The National Science Centre also offered free admission to all disabled individuals, parents, guardians, and escorts throughout the two-day programme, including access to the Obskura XR gallery and Green Guardian Centre.