The First National Workshop on Inclusion in 2006:

IISB in collaboration with Nayantara Communications organized a half-day workshop on Inclusive Approaches for Children with Special Needs on the 26 August, 2006 at the Samaj Seba Bhaban Auditorium, Agargaon, Dhaka. The purpose of this workshop was to orient people about different approaches of inclusiveness in education and development. In the workshop, presentations were given on the concept of inclusion by Mohammad Tariq Ahsan, who is the Assistant Professor in IER, Dhaka University and the Secretary General of IISB and on renowned television program Sisimpur & inclusion (Bangla version of the Sesame Street, USA) by Mr. Shah Alam, Director, Outreach Program, Nayantara Communications. Mr. Hafizul Islam Miah, Director General of the Department of Social Services, Ministry of Social Welfare were present as the Chief Guest. Ms. Sara Zaker, Project Head of the Nayantara Communications, Prof. Nazmul Huq, Research and Development Secretary of IISB and Professor-IER, Mr. Mosharraf Hossain, Country Representative, ADD & Mr. A.H.M. Noman Khan, Executive Director, CDD were present as the Special Guests. Principal Razia Hussain, Chairman of IISB chaired the session. People from government, NGOs, universities, and both national and international development partners participated in the workshop.

Inauguration of the Education Stipend Program (ESP) in 2007:

IISB runs a program titled Education Stipend Program for the Children with Special needs who are currently studying in Inclusive/regular Settings. The formal initiation of the ESP was done on the 26 December, 2007 through an inauguration program at the SWID Bangladesh Auditorium, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka. Famous film artist and the Honorable Member of the Parliament Ms. Sarah Kabari was the special Guest of the program. Mr. Hafizul Islam Mian, Director General of the Department of Social Services, Ministry of Social Welfare was present as the Chief Guest and Principal Razia Hussain, Chairman, IISB will chair the session. Students with special needs who are facing financial hardship in continuing their education in the inclusive settings were given stipend Taka 500/= per month. Students were selected from the inclusive schools of Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC), Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed (CRP), Bangladesh Protibondhi Foundation (BPF), schools run by the Department of Social Services (DSS) of the MOSW. Students were selected by a committee formed by the IISB.

IISB Milon Mela 2009 (ESP Get together):

IISB organized a get together with the stakeholders (Children with Special needs, their parents, teachers and also the school authority representatives) of the Education Stipend Program (ESP) in April 2009. The purpose of the get together was to assess the impact of the ESP. All the stakeholders were given opportunity to share their views on the issue. Their opinions were documented as feedback for the ESP activities of IISB.

Support Programs:

Supporting Other Organizations: IISB also provides professional and technical supports to other development organizations in conducting trainings and workshops through its expert personnel and assisting them through logistic supports.

Home Support for the Children with Special Needs:

Since 2007, IISB started home based intervention program for the children with special needs to assist them to be included in the social, communication and academic events. Skilled professionals having formal degree on special and inclusive education are engaged to provide assistance to those children. This team of professionals works directly with the children, as well as with their parents and also in schools where they are placed.