Environmental Accommodations - Home
: We need to consider consistency in the environment, schedule, and approach with children with autism/PDD. Children spend most of their time at home. It is the first environment they know. Their favorite people live there, so home can be a place of relaxation and a place of learning.

Sensory Strategies for the home
1. In your home, offer "hide-out" places like bean bag chairs, small tents, pillow corners
2. Use soft objects, rugs, and pillows to absorb noise
3. Decrease visual stimuli and auditory stimuli to decrease distraction
4. Use body pillows, weighted blankets, heavy quits, or weighted vests to offer calming input
5. Have the right type and amount of light for your child
6. Use timers to alert your child to the beginning and end of an activity
7. Try to schedule calming activities in between more-demanding activities to maintain a calm nervous system
8. Pay attention to the type of person to which your child responds well (voice, volume, proximity, style, verbal and facial expression)
9. If your child responds well to movement, have a quiet place in your home to hang a hammock swing or porch swing
10. Be conscious of your child’s response to colour

General Strategies for the Home
1. Minimize clutter, put extra toys and clothes in boxes and label them
2. Have a specific place for objects so that your child (and you!) can find them easily, and encourage your child to return items where they belong
3. Use visual aids to assist in the understanding of tasks
4. Use a schedule to let your child know what will be happening that morning
5. Break chores down into small steps to facilitate learning, give your child enough time to process the directions
6. Use a timer to help your child complete tasks
7. Establish routines and be consistent in following them, this helps your child predict upcoming events and feel calm
8. Prepare for school (clothing, lunch, and homework) the evening before to minimize stress the next morning
9. Prepare your child for changes by using visual and communication aids
10. Use touch to get your child’s attention if calling his or her name does not work
11. Whenever possible, give visual cues when giving directions
12. Enjoy each other's company!

August was a month of celebrations , festivals, events and and activities.

It began with heralding the spirit of Krishna. Krishna is perhaps the most favourite of all the Devatas of the heavenly realms and little surprising because KLC is the home of Krishnas and Gopikas in their very essential being. Sometimes in the welcoming of the spirit of a festival we wonder how easily the transformation happens in a space and the hearts of children who imbibe the real message, the exact feeling and the essence of the festival is what is displayed. This year the festivities went up a notch or two in the elaboration and the involvement of other units. The process and the events happened in KLC through out the week of 7th - 11th. The classes slowly changed from being regular grades to rooms and scenes from Gokul and Brindavan, like every year. The children helped out in setting up the classes wherever possible and the teachers took that extra step in transforming and giving the finishing touches.

In the mood of the celebration our children requested some extra events to be arranged from Wednesday 9th onwards. The teachers came in early the whole week and welcomed their Krishnas and Radhas from the portico, with warmth and a special "Chandan Tikka". The circle time also included songs of Krishna. Wednesday and Thursday also the children wore coloured clothes to celebrate the birth of Krishna. The events that followed from Wednesday onwards is given below:

Wednesday Morning every child in KLC got a "Kadalai Mavu" scrub, to cleanse him / her and to welcome them. Pots which were brought in without being painted were decorated by the children in the afternoon.

Thursday morning after circle time we had a cow visiting Sharada, where a pooja was done by Vasanthi aunty and Vinodhini akka. The children in turn fed it "Agathi Keerai and some grass". Many children came forward on their own without fright and fed the cow. It was beautiful to see them all enjoy the experience.

After the cow went away it was time for some pot breaking. Almost all the children of KLC took turns classwise in breaking pots, while Grade 7 who were learning about the system of pulleys and inclined planes, manned the 2 pulleys prepared for pot breaking, before they took their turns at breaking the pots. It was a calm and enjoyable time for all the children and with the sound of the DHOL played by Neha.

Lunch was a common lunch which meant that some children brought white rice, some channa and some cabbage sabzi for the whole class and they all ate together sitting in a circle. After lunch it was time for the teacher's drama presentation. The teachers of KLC put together a drama about Krishna and Kaliya's fight and the thandav of Krishna on Kaliya's head. Priya played Krishna and almost all the teachers took part in this play.

Friday the day of actual Krishna Jayanthi celebration dawned bright and events started sharp at 10 am. There was a pooja for Krishna performed by Vasanthi aunty, followed by singing of songs of Krishna by everybody. Our trainees and students from other units came in early for this celebration. This was followed by a dance performance by KLC teachers choreographed by Priya. VTU trainees and teachers too performed a beautiful kolaatam for us. Then we started "Uri Adi". Our EI Krishnas broke the first pots with the help of their mothers. Then came the BLA students, YES and then VTU trainees. Vasanthi aunty had made AVAL PAYASAM CFGF style for nearly 250 people that day. Everybody enjoyed partaking this payasam which is dear to Krishna. Students visited each other's class to observe and enjoy the decorations and arrangements. That brought an end to the celebrations for that week.

On the 13th, The Penguin Company, a pantomime group from England, came to Sharada and entertained the children of KLC and BLA for nearly an hour between 2 pm to 3 pm. It was a great exprerience for the children and they were all heard chuckling and laughing loudly at the antics of the performers.

In the Friday meeting Janaki Ashok taught the teachers the method of making a stuffed doll. After a hectic week, it was a relaxing time making the doll which the teachers enjoyed.

On Tuesday 15th August, our Independence Day programme started sharp at 9 am. Dr. Indira Hande was the Chief Guest. Peoms written by the students about freedom was read by Puja and the teachers performed Eurythmy for it. Songs of independence, patriotism and well loved songs were sung by the students and teachers of KLC. Some of the parents and guests joined in singing the familiar songs. After flag hoisting Dr. Indira Hande and Vasudha spoke about their experience of being with the children and what Freedom meant to them.

Wednesday most of the grades got back to being a regular classroom, letting go of Krishna. Curriculum work continued as per schedule for the rest of the week.

On Friday Grade 5A celebrated Vidya's birthday by eating lunch out at Saravana Bhavan. Students enjoyed the experience and being out in the public as a peer group.

Friday meeting in Eurythmy teachers moved to the Hexameter with the drum being played by Puja. Announcements was followed by Sacred Space for the teachers to talk about the good, the not so good and their experiences during the last 1 month. This was followed by Text Reading.

Saturday was a working day and the mentors met the class teachers and discussed plans for the new block which is starting on Monday. Vocational teachers were also met by them and plan drawn up for the coming month. Neha and Puja demonstrated " Even while holding a group of students, how do you meet the individual child's needs?" with an example. It was amazing.

We welcomed two new volunteers from our partner organisation in Germany Freunde, Friends of Waldorf Thore and Chiara both 18 year olds who are going to spend the next year with us. We applaud their decision of taking this volunteership on so early in life and hope they have a wonderful period of development while they are with us..

AIMS Media classes have been regularly happening and the 2nd Parents meet took place on 12th August.

Congratulations Jayanthi!

Our Regional Director (West) Mrs. Jayanthi Vishwanath has been inducted into the prestigious inspection team of the Government of Maharashtra to assess the Day-care and residential facilities of the state. Last week, she attended a Workshop conducted by NIEPID-RC in Navi Mumbai, pertaining to the Inspection.

Launch of Thozhi

We launched our product "Thozhi", low-cost sanitary napkins (exempt from GST) at the Olcott Memorial High School in Besant Nagar. These are manufactured and packed at our center in Adyar, Chennai. Mr. N.K. Ranganathan, MD & CEO, Grundfos Pumps India, was the Chief Guest. Other guests included Ms. Mahathi Parashuram (CSR Head, Grundfos Pumps India), Ms. Sripriya Swaminathan (Catalyst Trust), Dr. Vasudha Prakash (our Founder-Trustee) and Mr. Radhakrishnan Iyer (Trustee V-Excel)

We are grateful to Grundfos Pumps, India for funding this project through their CSR initiatives.

About the Project - Thozhi
V-Excel provides individuals with special needs avenues for productive engagement and earning through systematic training in specific areas. We choose products and services that reflect the realistic needs of a market rather than creating things that people buy because those are made by persons with disabilities. The manufacturing of sanitary napkins is one such vocation we hope to establish as a standard product line.

Purpose of Producing Low-Cost Sanitary Napkins
1. To provide professional vocational training for persons with disabilities
2. To offer a practical and viable vocation that has the potential to be an earning opportunity
3. To make a difference by selling a low cost product to promote health and feminine hygiene


The project will cover the production of sanitary pads from raw materials to the finished product and packaging it in sterilized and sealed packets ready for distribution and sale.

Independence Day Celebrations

India's 70th Independence Day was celebrated by the staff, students and trainees with full enthusiasm at our centers in Adyar and R.A. Puram.

At Adyar, our Chief Guest, Dr. T. Ramasami hoisted the flag. Dr. Ramasami is the former Indian Science and Technology Secretary. Prior to this assignment, he served as the Director of the Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai, India. He is a distinguished researcher and leather scientist. He was awarded India's National Civilian Honour the Padma Shri for excellence in Science and Engineering in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2014. He was awarded the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, the highest award for science in India, for notable and outstanding research in Chemical Sciences in 1993.

At the R.A. Puram branch Dr. Indra Hande, Medical Superintendent of Hande Hospital hoisted the flag. Dr. Hande completed her graduation and post-graduation in Medicine and Anaesthesiology from Madras Medical College.

At both our centers, our students/trainees showcased their talents in oration, songs, and instrumental music. Students and teachers rendered patriotic songs and poems on freedom, written by the students, were exhibited as poster collections.

GuideStar Gold Certification

We are happy to announce that our Guidestar India Gold Certification for financial transparency has now been extended until March 31, 2018.

From the folks at Guidestar,
"Congratulations!
We are pleased to inform you that based on review of your application and information you shared voluntarily on www.guidestarindia.org, your organisation has qualified for “Advanced Level - GuideStar India Gold Certification”. Thank you for your cooperation in providing information and uploading documents as required for the process of Certification. Your certificate is valid till 31st March, 2018. You will be pleased to know that your certification status is now displayed on your summary page at GuideStar India. So please add this link to your email signature and your website

National Summit on Quality in Education

Dr. Vasudha Prakash was a speaker at the National Summit on Quality in Education - Promoting a Positive Approach Towards Inclusive Education, held on August 18, 2017 at the CII Institute of Quality, Confederation of Indian Industry, Bangalore.

She was accompanied by Mrs. Ajita Panshikar, our Executive Director.

She gave a lot of strategies for schools to prepare for inclusion. She spoke of how inclusion cannot be romanticized, but that we need to recognize requirements at various ages and disability conditions, and accordingly adopt an approach. She also conveyed to parents of typical children that they should not resist, but rather, should welcome a special child in their child's class. It is how children can be sensitized to become compassionate citizens of tomorrow.

August, being the month of celebrations, the theme was Indian Independence. The children were involved in activities to help them understand all about India. Even the art activities were based on this - for example, coasters depicting the flags were made and it was very happy to see children coming out with their own ideas. Patriotic songs were also taught. The children of VRC participated in the Janmashtami celebrations organized by KLC. It was a great opportunity given to the children to break the pots during URIYADI and they were amazingly active. The following week, being Ganesh Chaturthi, it was making idols of Ganesha.The German Volunteer, who was with us for two weeks, along with our staff made beautiful charts and models of the Lord.

Many children from Chettinad Vidyashram have been recommended for assessments and remedial, and also tests are being done for older children to find out if they could avail concessions from the Board.

We have more children coming to us for the morning sessions, and two of them are being given two to three remedial sessions along with Occupational Therapy and Counselling as a half day module.

Home visit by Gayathri Sridhar and Daja our German volunteer was very fruitful. The student was very happy that her teacher came to her house. It was a very satisfying experience.

Bridges Learning Academy
Our BLA students enthusiastically participated in the Janmashtami celebrations that was organized by KLC. Our students played Uriyadi. Akash displayed his talent in Silambam.

This month's theme was Indian Independence. They expressed their talents through charts that were displayed. Classroom focus is on academics, social communication, emotional regulation, daily lifeskills, and pre-vocational training. Students were exposed to a small school environment that is sensory friendly with reduced auditory and visual stimuli.

Three skills were introduced for the students of BLA-
1. Food Service
2. Grocery
3. Retail
These Module exposed students to and taught them a range of concepts, &vocabulary and jobs related to the topic.

Students participate in the following retail activities:
• Buttoning Shirts
• Folding Towels
• Matching and Folding Socks
• Folding Shirts

Separate curriculum, NIOS timetable was set for the all levels of BLA. First class test was conducted for Students. This time 3 students are appearing for the board exam in the month of October. Samacheer board by one student and two students appearing NIOS board.

First Parents meet was conducted on August 19 2017 and we received a good response. It is very heartening to note that the children have started involving in healthy group interactions, and are happy to come to school.

From the NEEV desk
Neev schools worked with enthusiasm of creativity and endeavor. Though there were hindrances due to national holidays and rain, Remedial work was in full flow with the IEP made for every child. Children who have been here since last year have improved to read sh/ch/th words in Olcott. Library set up is attracting children to pop in to the reading corner. Spelling strategies, using configuration of flap and punch method is followed. Workshop for parents, in Malathi School and Cathedral School showed good response with increase in the number and parents showing more interest to enhance home interventions. Teachers in-service helped to reform themselves with strategies. Buddy system was introduced which aims at helping new teachers interact with senior to discuss and clarify doubts, thus aiming improvement. Activities by children like finger painting and chart with their birthdays aroused their self-esteem and joy.

Nalandaway Project
The girl Kamali is 13 years old and is in grade 5. She is a child with Down Syndrome. She loves playing with puzzles and doing activities. She enjoys making shapes with play doh. She decided that she wanted to make Lord Ganesha last week. After a few trials and practice she was able to successfully make this Ganesha by herself. She is very proud of her achievement.

The month of August has been eventful for our Center with lots of festivities, events and joyous celebrations.

On 4th August, Raksha Bandhan was celebrated in the school. The girls tied Rakhis to all the boys in the school

Our National Independence day was celebrated on August 15th. Mr. B. Ramamoorthi, Managing Director, SR Fibreglass Auto Pvt. Ltd., hoisted the National Flag. Some important Industrialists from Nashik Industrial Estate attended the function. The children came dressed in white attire. They sang National songs and danced to Patriotic music.

Our regional Director Mrs. Jayanthi Vishwanath attended a seminar organized by NIEPD in Navi Mumbai to devise new Assessment tools for Inspection of Day care centers and Residential facilities for persons with Intellectual Disabilities.

Mr. Arun Vishwas Sonawane, a relative of our Special Educator Ms. Vaishali Sonawane, celebrated his retirement from Government service by distributing Educational material to the children of the school. We are thankful to Mr. Sonawane for this noble gesture.

Gokulashtami was celebrated with the usual fervour, both at the special school and YES unit.The boys came dressed as Krishna and girls as Radha and danced to peppy tunes. Later the customary "Curd pot "was broken by one little Krishna and goodies were given to the children.

The trainees from YES unit were taken to the bank for field trip this month. The bank employees received them with reverence and explained to them about basic banking operations. Some of the trainees stood in queue to make payments at the counter. It was a different experience for the trainees and the bank staff as well.

From Gopal Jahagirdar in Solapur
On 7th August Raakhi Poornima was celebrated in our center all parents are participated in this event students enjoyed the function.

On 14th August Dahi Handi Program was celebrated.

On 15th August 2017 Independence Day was celebrated in our center Dr. Chesalwar, Senior Physiotherapist was the Chief Guest of this function. In addition to his speech, he sang patriotic songs which evryone liked very much and we decided to include it in our prayers and music program. Mrs. Neha Kulkarni (parent) honoured Dr. Chesalwar. Dr.Tapsale was the president of this program.

From Abhyasa Kendra - Srirangam
Ten trainees accompanied by two staff from Abhyasa Kendra centre got an opportunity to take part in a program which involved planting tree saplings at Thirupancheli, 10 kms from Trichy, on August 5th. The event was organised by Thulir foundation in association with Srimad Andavar college. Our trainees got an opportunity to meet new people and improve their social skills and it turned out to be a good learning experience for them. Our sincere thanks to the students of Andavar college and Thulir foundation.

At VTU Sreyes, August has been a very busy month. With two streams of trainees working simultaneously, the unit is buzzing with activity and movement.

The Foundation Group has found its feet. The trainees have completed a month of "settling-in" period and are due for their reviews the coming week. They were exposed to a variety of activities individually as well as in group and their skillsets and levels of proficiency have been assessed. Parent meeting has been scheduled for IEP of the group.

The production group has been very productive. They have executed large and small orders alongside regular ongoing production. They have been extra active as mentors to the new entrants.

The interns from KLC have been a welcome addition to the group. Their participation in the activities thrice a week has added colour and spirit to the unit. While the older trainees were familiar with them, having them in the unit and share and cooperate as well as mentor them is a new experience. Both the trainees as well as staff enjoy the same.

Foundation Group:
The Foundation Group trainees went to the library and were guided to select books for reading. Two new trainees have joined our Foundation Course. They were able to adapt to their new study environment. Trainees make tea daily for the VTU staff as a part of kitchen activity. Vocational Activity:
- Sanitary napkins made by us were distributed to the girl students of Olcott school. On this occasion Mr. N.K. Ranganathan, MD & CEO, Grundfos Pumps India, was the Chief Guest. Other guests included Ms. Mahathi Parashuram (CSR Head, Grundfos Pumps India), Ms. Sripriya Swaminathan (Catalyst Trust), Dr. Vasudha Prakash (our Founder-Trustee) and Mr. Radhakrishnan Iyer (Trustee V-Excel).
- New products have been designed for the Dassara sale and samples have been made with the trainees.
- Jute Bags for Sringeri Mutt have been stitched and couriered.
- Art and Craft the trainees have done bead work on bags.
- Our trainees cleaned and white washed the flag post and the garden bricks as a part of vocational skill building exercise and preparation for the Independence Day.
- As a part of Swachh Bharat our trainees conduct an awareness campaign in public by cleaning the pavements in the area around the centre.

Vocational Activity:
- The therapy assessments for all the trainees have been completed and programs for the therapy have been planned. The therapy sessions will be starting from the following month.
- On August 15th we celebrated our Independence day along with the trainees and staff members of YES and staff members of EI. Songs were sung and short speeches made by the trainees. Dr. T. Ramasami ... the distinguished chief guest for the occasion appreciated it all.
- The unit celebrated Vinayagar Chaturthi . All the trainees and the staff members made clay idols of Lord Vinayagar under the Guidance of Mrs. Margaret Buch. It was followed by prayers and songs by the trainees themselves.
- The unit is looking forward to orders for Dassara gifts.

From Youth Empowerment Services:
From Rama Nagarajan's Desk Our trainees placed in Sangeetha Bakery are met by our counsellors regularly. They are very comfortable and well settled there. We cater to the outside orders of chocolates, cookies and cupcakes regularly.

In Laundry, we receive regular washing orders from Natural Spa. We have a new customer in Mrs. Amrita Yugi Sethu.

Our on-the-job trainees of Annamalai University were impressed by our laundry work. They started giving regular orders for washing and ironing.

An occupational therapy and physiotherapy assessment were done to all our trainees this month. Our counselling department is taking care of our trainees behavioural issues. The instant attention given to the trainees, help a lot in their training process.

In our printing and documentation unit, we have printed 300 visiting cards each for Mr. Kandaswamy and Mrs. Pushpa Kandaswamy. For the EI unit, 100 certificates were printed. For Sringeri Mutt 5 mugs were printed and for VTU 111 bags were printed.