Providing lifespan services to individuals with special needs...
Strides Newsletter - February 2022 - Issue 189
Counseling & Assessments
From Radhika Sasankh's Desk
....
Early Intervention and V-Excel Remedial Center
From Lakshmi Sudhakaran's Desk
Greetings from the EI/VRC!
Early intervention, for children with special needs is very vital and useful for their skill development. Development in children happens in stages where the child is trained on different skills to accommodate him/her in a kindergarten or school structure. We had five children who were taken with the goal of transitioning to Kaleidoscope Learning Center, our Special School. We first assessed them on their abilities and difficulties.
These children needed therapy for their balance and coordination, pathway walking, standing tolerance, prehension and precision skills, waiting skills, midline crossing, Complex fine Motor skills, ADL, following instructions understanding, pre writing skills, copying from the board, turn taking, group interaction skills.
Therapy programs were designed through activities like pattern walking pathway walking obstacle cross walking, pushing and pulling activities, outdoor games, target throwing, bilateral leg coordination activities, endurance exercises, standing tolerance exercises, hand weight bearing exercises for fine Motor skills, eye hand coordination, midline crossing, mid brain activities, overhead reaching and throwing, prehension and precision skill training activities and waiting skills. These children were also given ADL training.
The children were given Remedial interventions on areas like cognition, social interaction, speech and language, following instructions, understanding, pre writing skills, copying from the board, concepts, understanding pictures, identification, listening and storytelling, understanding WH question, imitation and early speech, waiting skills and turn taking in group interaction.
Though these children might need therapy interventions as an ongoing process, being in a group is very important, that too for longer hours. We are happy to share that these children are transferred to KLC and adjusting well.
Kaleidoscope Learning Centre
From Gita Bhalla's Desk
Teacher development
The month of February saw a “teacher” dedication month. Besides the weekly meetings, where reading is conducted along with the other announcements and sharing stories, this month KLC had two days 11th and 15th February dedicated to training teachers on inner work. On 11th there was a session held on Six Subsidiary exercises for teachers and on 15th it was the four essential qualities in good teachers based on Rudolf Steiner's lectures
On 12th of February, we had a self-healing session by a Lightwork healer Rohini, based out of Delhi who taught a group of teachers a technique called 'Rhope'! Teachers really enjoyed the relaxing and meditation techniques they learnt to quietly catch their breath during the passage of a stressful day.
There was another training done by Kejal Bakshi a curative teacher in Chennai and an ex-colleague on how to organise a day in her classroom where thinking feeling and willing is harmonised. This was held on 9th February, and it was quite an eye opener for teachers to see how beautifully all body work, emotional harmony and thinking skills were balanced in the structure of the day. Very grateful to Kejal for her sharing. This was held from 8-9 p.m. at night and we truly appreciate the time spent on this training.
Learning Physics
In Senior School, the Caring Hearts students were introduced to the concepts of Simple Machines in their Physics Block. They learnt about the 3 laws of motion of Newton's and associated with it they learnt about force, friction, inertia, momentum, gravity and how these are seen and felt in our day-to-day life. Experiential learning and many examples later the students picked up the concept of Newtons laws of motion. Here is a picture of experiencing the 3rd Law – "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction" and the 1st Law – "An Object at rest stays at rest, .... unless acted upon by an unbalanced force."
New Parents Orientation
Parents of the 6 new students admitted in February into KLC met on 14th February, for an orientation. Gita, Shashi, and Neha conducted the meeting where the philosophy, the diet and rhythm and the structure of the day was explained to the parents. The why and how of what we do was elaborated. We hope for a good working relationship with our new parents and forge a friendship with them.
Life Skills
Students from KLC began the farm program for a day. This was the second batch of students who have begun to go to the farm. This will soon extend into the overnight staying plan, as per the farm's schedule and student's settling in.
Students who started coming to school after a long break, had forgotten their skills as simple as eating on their own. Back to regular school and within a few days they learnt these skills under the loving authority and care and of their teachers.
Vocational products
A new plate stand was designed and made by Rander hearts, and a set of sharp wedges chiseled by the same group of children to improve industriousness and hand work skills. Conscious movement like this helps in harnessing the will of children in the spectrum and helps them to calm down.
Two new play mats were stitched on orders received. Both the mats were highly appreciated by the customers, and we thank the friends who ordered these play mats with us.
Therapy sessions
Usha Suresh our versatile teacher is working with Yoga-Ayur therapy for some of our students and teachers. Students have responded well by being more composed and present. A glimpse at the therapies.
Dr. Srijan Gupta continued his healing therapies with everyone in V-Excel in the Sharada building. All the people and the students who experienced the healing process from Dr. Srijan reported deep relaxation and a peace of mind.
Visit to sensory park
On 28th February, the junior school students visited the sensory park which opened recently to the exclusive lot of children with special needs. Teachers and children spent a good two hours and children revelled in the open space and play equipment.
V-Excel Educational Trust
About V-Excel in Media
Do help spread word of the good work so anyone in need can benefit from the same.
#specialneeds #autism #everychildmatters #empowering #vocationaltraining #happycommunity
Training on "Holistic management of children with special needs".
The training division of V-Excel Educational Trust, a knowledge partner of Inkle Weave Educational Training Services Pvt. Ltd., added yet another feather in its cap recently. On the 10th February 2022 we completed a 40hr. training of professionals from Sri Lanka. These included Medical Consultants, Doctor's, Occupational and Physio - therapists, Nursing officers, and other allied professionals from Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) and MJF Foundation, Colombo. A special emphasis was laid on Early Intervention for children with Autism.
This was a golden opportunity to teach, share and advocate a totally new way of looking at the child with special needs.
The faculty consisted of senior professionals from the field of special education, sensory integration and psychology.
We are grateful for this opportunity to be able to impart online training, and for partnering with Sri Lanka on this journey. Special thanks to the Rotary Club of Colombo Reconnections and the Rotary Club of Brisbane for supporting us in this pioneering initiative.
YES supermarket
As a part of our training on independent living and as an extension of our YES supermarket, 16 trainees from YES were taken to Big Bazaar in Express Avenue Mall today. They were asked to bring a list of things that they intended to buy, ₹500 cash and a shopping bag. As the trainees were very familiar with shopping through the YES market initiative. With very little support and guidance, they were able to find things that they wanted, checked the price, carried bought stuff to the billing counter, billed them and got back the change. They also made sure to count the number of items they had bought. It was heartening to see many trainees buying things not only for themself but also for their mother or sister. Definitely need to mention that the mall authorities and the Big Bazaar staff were very supportive and helpful - right from the time we got down the bus till the time we left the mall.
#educationalfieldtrip #socialinclusion #YouthEmpowermentServices #BigBazaar #expressavenue #shoppingfun #independentlivingskills
YouTube e-Tarang
e-Tarang concerts were streamed on Friday, February 25, 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. IST. This featured a concert by popular Indian singer Sai Vignesh. The theme was 'Mixture'.
Please visit our facebook page /freehearts for concert updates.
Training and development
The best development programmes change the way people see themselves - John Bright.
Our Early Intervention unit's staff training workshop was conducted on 26 February 2022. This year's first inhouse training session was on Transactional Analysis in which the key objective was effective communication and analyses of types of communication. Transactional Analysis can be used in any field where there is a need for understanding of individuals, communication and relationships. This is to make sure that collobarative efforts of a team are at its best. These reinforcement sessions are very important and help a team stay together and grow together.
#stafftraining #earlyintervention #specialneeds #therapyservices #supportspecialneeds #traininganddevelopment #inhousetraining #vexceleducationaltrust
Satellite Centers
From Jayanthi Vishwanath in Nashik
February 2022 has been vibrant with all the students returning to school after the State Government allowed reopening of all schools, in the last week of January.
The in-person classes began once again. The teachers and children experienced the return of joy in companionship, after missing each other for almost a month. All activities including sports, yoga and music began.
The VLC students were evaluated for the second time in this Academic year. Many of them performed very well which was a heartening experience for the teachers too.
The BLA students who would be appearing for the final NIOS - OBE exams of A, B and C levels were given extensive training and practices with mock test papers throughout the month.
The VTU trainees learnt the new skill in assembling and packing, Switch gear assembly and electrical components of Control panels.
All the students were overjoyed when they received the trophy and certificate for the inter school yoga competition, from Gharkul Parivar.
Erode
Greetings from Erode team!
This month we planned to have Science Day on February 28th. We decided to teach the children some basic facts through experiments. The following were the experiments and the facts that we tried to demonstrate to our students.
Every day the teachers and students did these through simple procedures so that the children understand them. The enthusiasm of our students was something that motivated us. They would finish lunch very quickly and also follow the instructions carefully. Lot of sharing and caring was observed. This was a learning for all the staff also as we always studied in our younger days to score in our exams and not to understand it fully. We understood that children could take in anything if taught in an interesting and meaningful manner.
A briefing on The Science experiments that were done by prevocational students:
• Balloon experiment using baking soda - the goal of the project was to demonstrate power of gas produced when baking soda and vinegar are mixed. The goal is to blow up the balloon by the gas created.
• Balloon and pin experiment - When we use a single push pin, there is lot of pressure on the surface of the balloon only at one point. The point of contact between the balloon and the sharp end. The reason inflated balloon pops is more pressure concentrating on the smaller area over the balloon.
In the second trial of the experiment when the pins are grouped and arranged in a cluster form, the pressure distributes among all the pins along the larger surface of the balloon skin. The pressure distributes differently among the pins, if the pierce is not enough the balloon stays inflated.
• Lemon experiment - When we put a lemon in simple water it sinks because the density of lemon is higher than the density of water. On the other hand, when we put lemon in salt mixture then it floats because the density of lemon is lesser than the density of water.
• String telephone experiment - When you talk into the cup, your voice sends sound waves inside the cup, vibrating the bottom of the cup. The vibrations are transferred across the string and into the bottom of the other cup. The sound waves become vibrations inside the second cup, transferring the sound of your voice.
On the whole. It was a very fulfilling experience for our team of students and staff.
Solapur
February 2
We celebrated the birthday of our very own talented student Navneet at the center. Because of anxiousness of covid he had not gone anywhere from last one and half year. So we all decided to celebrate his birthday at the center following all the covid related guidelines. He also donated funds to our center from his own earning. That was a really very happy and proud moment for us.
February 13
Our speech therapist, Dr. Rushikesh Chougale, conducted a lecture on "Speech Therapy" techniques in which he covered all the necessary points related to oral motor activities, stages of language development and importance of communication. Many parents participated enthusiastically. Session ended with question and answer.
February 19
We started the parents training program. After covid many new admissions were done. From which we noticed that there is less awareness of Autism amongst parents. We decided to take a parent training program by Dr. Ashwini Andhare. In that she explained Autism characteristics. She introduced - How to apply ABA techniques for improving eye contact, sitting tolerance, handling behaviour, play, engaging child, structure and schedule, importance of communication, language development? This program was being conducted on weekends, between 19th February to 19th March. 15 parents and 2 new teachers participated in this training program.
Vocational Training Unit
From Charumathi Sriram's Desk
February began with full enthusiasm as all the trainees were back in action after the COVID scare. The attendance was full, new admission, executing order, group counselling for teachers and staff and ended with a field trip to the Sreyes farm.
New trainee Lokesh joined and he was very cheerful and happy to start half day for the first week. He adapted quite well and got involved in jute braiding and paper bag making.
Lakshmi Sudhakaran visited and discussed about assigning a new therapist for VTU and sheltered workshop of vegetable packing.
Margaret Buch our art and crafts volunteer resumed her regular visits. She was in the tailoring unit with trainees stitching bags for Sringeri.
Counselling session for trainee Sriram was arranged, he expressed that he was not comfortable working in the housekeeping department. Charu took him to Blue Lagoon and he felt very happy after meeting Mr. Kanagavel (earlier his supervisor). Sriram requested Mr. Kanagavel to employ him back. He was given the opportunity to work for a week on trial basis. Thereafter, based on his performance was offered placement at Blue Lagoon.
Charu attended the Units Head Meeting in person and Usha virtually.
Counsellor Jayadevi, had individual sessions with trainees and parent counselling.
Counsellor Jayadevi, conducted a group therapy session for all the teachers and staff. She addressed the topic on “How to be professional in the work place?” She had activity sessions among the team that made them express themselves. It was very useful and entertaining. This session will continue every alternate month for all the staff.
Dance Therapy student, Ms. Madhumitha came for observation. She will come and start the internship from next week. She will have a group dance therapy program for our trainees and teachers.
Charu and Gayathri visited Blue Lagoon to meet our trainees who are interning as well as placed. Feedback received with regards to Sriram was that he is doing a very good job but needs to improve his personal hygiene.
Usha and Charu discussed with Sivaprakash regarding arranging a therapist for VTU.
All trainees were busy with usual vocational activities of executing orders of Sringeri bags, jute lunch bag order by measuring the jute with template, stitching, SNEH block printing, jute pen stand, Grundfos CSR Project Digitization of Records – Scanning along with Functional Academics, yoga, games and kitchen activities.
Field Trip of the Month - Sreyes Farm - A Special Space
This month we decided to have a field trip to the Sreyes Farm and enjoy nature with some activities. Seven trainees along with three teachers, staff and coordinator left in the van. Plan was for male trainees to be be back on the same day while girl trainees were to stay back. We reached the farm at 10.30 am and were received by the farm trainees and team. Akshayanathan, Surya and Mahesh were very happy to receive the VTU trainees and their hospitality was overwhelming. All the trainees were split into groups – one group cleared the paved area, other group chopped vegetables for the kitchen team. Charu and Usha had a meeting with the Farm coordinator, Mr. Rajagopal and Teach for India Program Director. The team from Teach for India were to visit the farm next day, to have a tour of bio dynamic farming and VTU activities. Male trainees left after lunch with two teachers and admin staff and the girls and one teacher stayed back at the farm with their craft activity materials. They were relaxing in the evening and helping in the kitchen activities. Next day morning both farm and VTU trainees were ready with usual schedule and received the Teach for India fellows and team leaders. Our trainees showcased the deshelling of groundnut, making of dung balls, jute braiding, stitching on the mould, CD coasters, bead work, process of paper bags, tree pasting, composting and bathing of cows. Trainee Vishal enjoyed bathing the cow and asked the people from TFI to be part of the activities. Looking at his reaction they were motivated and volunteered to bathe the cows.
At the VTU activity room, trainee Chandra greeted them once the teacher prompted. There were 16 TFI people who came in batches of four. She taught braiding to each one of them and gave them feedback about their work. She was very clear in her communication and patiently taught them the full process. Sailakshmi, was busy showing the process of braiding and stitching the pen stand. After a delicious lunch they all left Sreyes farm and headed back to Chennai.
Youth Empowerment Services
From Gayathri Suryanarayanan's Desk
February 2022, the shortest month of the year, saw a comeback for YES trainees after a short break during the month of January due to the pandemic. Month was filled with activities and the center was buzzing with activities.
Key highlights for the month of February 2022
• Vocational training activities, Counselling services and OT services at the center
• Booster vaccination shots for the staff
• Field trip – Shopping experience at Big Bazaar
• Placement cell activities
• Admissions
• Birthday celebrations
• Production
Vocational training program, Counselling service, OT service, Farm program
February 2022 started with lots of positive vibes as trainees started attending the center after a break of 2 weeks during the end of January due to the surge in the count of active corona cases. Gradually towards the second week, center had almost 95% attendance. All the vocational activities resumed with full energy. Revised schedule was prepared and a few trainees were moved to different vocations for observation.
Exclusive sessions for functional academics, life skills and social skills have been started and these have been included in the daily schedule. These sessions are apart from the functional academics taught during the vocational training time.
Volunteers were visiting every Friday and involved the trainees in different activities.
Counselling sessions were happening continuously without any interruption. Staff counselling sessions also started this month after a break of 2 months.
There has been a long break in the OT services due to the lack of a therapist. Unit is taking all possible steps to resume the same as early as possible
Farm visits happened as usual.
Booster vaccination shots for the staff members
YES has been following all the safety protocols in order to keep our staff members and the trainees safe and healthy during the pandemic situation and we continue to do that. As a part of that, all the staff members got their booster vaccination shots on 12 February 2022.
Field trip – Shopping experience at Big Bazaar
As a part of our training on independent living and as an extension of our YES supermarket, 16 trainees from YES were taken to Big Bazaar in Express Avenue Mall on 16 February 2022. They were asked to bring a list of things that they intend to buy, ₹500 cash and a shopping bag. As the trainees were very familiar with shopping through YES market initiative, with very little support and guidance, they were able find things that they want, check the price, carry to the billing counter, bill them and take the change. They also made sure to count the number of items that they have bought. It was heartening to see many trainees buying things not only for them but also for their mother or sister.
Placement cell activities
Counselling sessions for our placed trainees are continuing to happen. Though the needs are varied from the basic counselling advice, workplace ethics, job oriented to marriage counselling and independent living, they need a bit of handholding and support. All the sessions are scheduled and a few times they are need based also. As an organisation striving to provide life span services to individuals with intellectual and cognitive disabilities, these sessions are very critical and needed.
Admissions
During the month of February 2022, we had 4 enquiries and 2 admissions. We have trainees Imail and Eshvar joining us from last month. Both are under the observation period now after the initial assessment.
Birthday celebrations
During the month of February 2022, we had 2 birthday celebrations at YES. Trainees Prasanna and Sanjay celebrated their birthdays at the centre with their friends wishing and singing for them.
Production
Laundry services has been going as usual and the new team for laundry has set in very well.
Printing & Documentation – Digital printing orders on bottles.
Kitchen – In order to increase the product range of YES product range, we have added 2 more items to our product list namely, Kanji podi and Paruppu podi. For both samples were made and sent to the regular customers and well-wishers. Both the products received wonderful reviews and they have been included in our product list along with the cost.
Arts and Crafts – Clay mutkas were painted and delivered to for an order from SNEH.