Qiu hosts fashion show for special needs children

Quest International University (QIU) helped to overcome stereotypes by hosting a diverse fashion show for children and youths with special needs. Students from QIU academics joined those from Ipoh’s Sekolah Semangat Maju and Ohana Centre in modelling their best “Light Up in Blue” themed attire.

The “Summer Runway Show 2023” was held at QIU’s La Place café and featured a total of 19 participants, whose ages ranged from 4 to 22. It was a day of friendship, fun and fashion.

The youths offered something different to the normal runway walk, as their joyful personality shone through on stage, resplendent in dazzling smiles and imaginative clothes. The three best-dressed participants received awards, and all of the day’s brilliant models received complementary gifts.

“Today’s event is important because it shows that children with special needs are able to show their talents. They should not be hidden away. Support and involvement from families and communities are vital, as we should see the able, not the label.” added  Emily Loo May Ling, Principal of the Ohana Centre.

The School of Education at the university, which is a division of its Faculty of Social Sciences, organised the event, providing QIU students an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with individuals who have special needs and organise awareness activities for this admirable cause.

“Inclusivity is vital at QIU. Through our community outreach initiatives, we have consistently worked to empower individuals with special needs and raise awareness about the challenges they face. Today’s event is about breaking preconceived notions and boundaries that are sometimes attached to people with special needs. They are incredibly creative and talented, and it’s all about providing them with the right platform.

Hosting this event also gives our students the chance to glean valuable hands-on experience. It will be particularly meaningful to our Bachelor of Special Needs Education (Honours) students, as the experience will make them better educators in the future.” said Nicholas Goh, QIU Chief Operating Officer.

World Autism Awareness Day

The event is held in conjunction with World Autism Awareness Day with the goal of promoting neurodiversity and inclusivity while also raising awareness about autism and its unique challenges. It also aimed to encourage positive body image among participants by providing them with an enjoyable opportunity to strut their stuff in the spotlight.

“Every autistic person is different— different in strengths,  support needs and challenges throughout their life. In conjunction with Autism Awareness Day, let’s come together to increase awareness of autism and end the stigma and discrimination that autistic individuals often experience. By way of inclusion and acceptance, we can create more opportunities for them to reach their full potential.” said Annie Margaret Lourdes, Principal of Sekolah Semangat Maju schools and Perak Association for Intellectually Disabled Project Manager.