Providing lifespan services to individuals with special needs...
Strides Newsletter - February 2023 - Issue 200
Counseling & Assessments
From Radhika Sasankh's Desk
....
Early Intervention and V-Excel Remedial Centre
From the staff of Early Intervention and V-Excel Remedial Centre
Greetings from Early Intervention and the Remedial Unit!
The aim of the Early Intervention (EI) program, is to provide timely intervention to young children (0-8years) so that they mainstream early in life, and do not face challenging situations later stage due to their initial developmental lags/delay. The primary focus areas include neuro-sensory development, functional independence, school readiness and socialization skills, all these are extremely important for a child's holistic growth. Early Intervention Unit is set up on the principles of sensory integration and neurodevelopmental therapy. The services range from early identification and screening, referral services, diagnostic services, direct intervention programs and even preventing their occurrence, wherever possible. The direct beneficiaries of this project are children who have already developed, or at risk of developing either a disabling condition or some other special need that may affect their overall development. This includes children with Autism, Mental Retardation, Attention Deficit Disorders, Delayed Milestones and Learning disabilities like Dyslexia etc. The normal growth of babies can be categorized into the following areas:
• Gross motor - controlling the head, sitting, crawling, and maybe even starting to walk
• Fine motor - holding a spoon, picking up a piece of cereal between thumb and finger
• Sensory - seeing, hearing, tasting, touching and smelling
• Language - starting to make sounds, learning some words, understanding what people say
• Social - the ability to play with family members and other children
As a part of the free Screening Camp supported by Hexaware Technologies,The Early Intervention unit conducted a Screening camp for children from 0-8 years of age in the Govt school, Velachery from 13th to 15th February 2023. 129 children were screened on their gross and fine motor skills. Reading, writing, spelling, attention, concentration. The evaluation was done based on their responses and categorised into those who needed Home Program and those who need Intensive Therapy. The personalised Home Programs were drafted and handed over to the teachers.
The Early Intervention and VRC team attended the musical event "the Elixir Beats" by the team Symphony in Vani Mahal. They also attended this month's "Tarang" program along with the children.
We are gearing up for the reviews of our children in the month of March and shall be back with the updates in our March strides.
Kaleidoscope Learning Centre
From Shashikala Subramaniam's Desk
The experience of being an "Intern" in the classes of KLC, for various college students who come to work with the students is unique. Both girls' and boys' college students, spend time with KLC students, mostly from senior school, on case studies, group work and individual work. Their interaction is lively, filled with joy, fun and activities enjoyed by the students. The activities are drawn up systematically to suit the capacity of the students. Monesh and Therian, students of Madras School of Social Work, worked on Brain Gym with the KLC students. V-Excel provides a good opportunity for students to intern, and all units could be resource centres for this valuable experience.
A student's consistent fascination to travel on the Metro Train, came true, when his peers with his class teachers set out on a trip to make this true. Vansh, a student of Caring Hearts, always talked about the Metro train and any media which carried a picture of it would attract him, whether it was a newspaper, TV, Advertisement on the road, videos etc. So, 13 students and 7 adults (1 parent) took this trip on February 7th. Vansh could not stop smiling and enjoyed the trip. This experience also taught the students the procedure of buying the ticket, traveling on the escalator, getting on and getting off from the train. They followed the names of the stations that the train passed through and saw planes take off from the airport.
Javate 2023, an inter-school competition for special students, conducted by Lady Andal School, Chetpet, is a yearly occurrence. This year we had 10 students from KLC participating in various categories of this competition – singing, art competition, dancing, talent show. The teachers had them practicing for the competitions, 2 weeks before the date. We observed students who enjoyed music and rhythm, move to the dance steps gracefully. We never knew that we had a body builder in our frail Raza who showed off his moves and strength by exhibiting flawless push-ups. On February 11th, they enjoyed participating in the competitions with joy. Salman, received a prize in the art competition. All the others got a certificate of participation.
The whole team KLC attended Elixir Beats, a fund raiser for V-Excel which was organised on February 11th at Vani Mahal, T. Nagar.T he program started with the teachers and a few students of KLC performing a few songs to the audience. Melodies from Tamizh and Hindi films were sung by musicians from the Orchestra of Pioneer Suresh.
Our school alumni, though they move away from us physically, are emotionally attached to their teachers, peers and the support staff. Mukundan, one of our students, who is now in YES, Mylapore, wanted to visit KLC on his birthday, February 13th and he went around being greeted by his friends and teachers. He asked about his favourite "Chellam - Keshav", a younger student whom he adored and took care of. Keshav has moved to the community living campus CLAPS with his parents and was not there in school.
Kadambari – our Annual Day play needs the help of all the other units to take her full form and so a meeting with VTU and EI was held to chart out what was needed from them, how to bring about it with their help. Interesting things are brewing and the outcome of all efforts will be worth waiting for...
Casein Free and Gluten Free (CFGF) food diet is part and parcel of KLC culture for the students. Even a Menu with this diet is given to the parents to follow during lunch time at school. Noodles, MAGGI noodles, is not Gluten Free and so is not allowed for the students. We had some exciting news for our students, thanks to Mr. Kannan, Mr. Elangovan and Mr. Ramesh, who have brought into the market certified GF noodles made from millets. The parents and students were very excited and happy with this option, though it was just a test batch.
When it is time for Annual Day in KLC, each and every activity, thought, breath, work is interwoven with the teachers and students in the last few weeks. March 31st is the D-Day of Kadambari and work towards it is happening everywhere. Practice schedule, prop making, costumes, scripting, recording, music, accessories making, all together will bring Kadambari to Life. If you are in Chennai or in and around, please clear your schedule to come and watch our students perform.
V-Excel Educational Trust
Workshops for Corporates, Schools (teachers, parents, students), Hospitals, Police Academy
V-Excel Educational Trust specialises in customising workshops for corporates, schools (teachers, parents, students), hospitals, police academy, and any organisation that needs to enhance the knowledge and skills of their team.
A Class Apart, a three module-based training for teachers from different schools was curated by trainers who have rich and varied experience for many years in the respective fields.
On 2,3, & 4 February, Module 1 was held in Vidya Mandir and was very well received by the attendees. The other two modules will follow in due course.
For any requirements and further details, please do connect with us on info@v-excel.org /044-24956373
A musical event to support V-Excel - The Elixir Beats
On 11 February, 2023, a musical event named The Elixir Beats was organized at Vani Mahal, Chennai, to support V-Excel Educational Trust. The evening consisted of performances by well-established singers who sang Tamil and Hindi film songs.
Tarang musical concert
The monthly Tarang concert held on Thursday, 16th February, 2023 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB), Mylapore between 2.00 p.m. - 3.00 p.m. Thursday
The event named Naadham performed by Keerthana J. B. (Vocals), Charulatha on Veena, Sathya Narayanan on Mridhangam, and Sunilkumar on Kanjira.
GuideStar India's Platinum Seal for Financial Transparency
We are extremely happy and thrilled to share that V-Excel Educational Trust has once again been awarded GuideStar India's Platinum Seal for Financial Transparency.
GuideStar India is India's largest and most reliable NGO information repository. GuideStar India Platinum is a seal issued after thorough due diligence of an organization for legal & financial compliances and a certification that the organization is transparent and holds itself accountable to not just its stakeholders but also to the general public. It is a review based on facts presented by the NGO and verified against documents issued by regulatory authorities, statutory auditors, past donors and key visitors or memberships/accreditations with philanthropic intermediaries.
Paper presentation at the National Conference on Self-Advocacy on the theme of "Vocational Training of PwIDs and Current Trends"
Gayathri Suryanarayanan, the Center Coordinator of Mylapore unit of V-Excel Educational Trust, presented a paper at the National Conference on Self-Advocacy on the theme of "Vocational Training of PwIDs and Current Trends", held in NIEPID, Secunderabad earlier this week. She presented "Case Studies in Effective Transitional Planning from Structured Vocational Training to Open Employment" and her insights covered successes and challenges we have faced in placing our trainees from both our vocational centers in Chennai. Participants at the conference included other NGOs, parents, professionals from NIEPID and many individuals with cognitive challenges.
Satellite Centers
From Jayanthi Vishwanath in Nashik
February seemed to be a very active month for all the 3 centers, with a blend of fun, laughter, sports and exams.
On 10th Feb, Dr. Madan Kataria, a medical doctor from Mumbai, India popularly known as the 'Guru of Giggling' the founder of Laughter Yoga Clubs, conducted a session for the Vocational trainees. The trainees thoroughly enjoyed the session. Dr, Katariya explained that Laughter yoga, or laughing yoga, uses playful movement and breathing exercises to encourage laughter. It's designed to bring out your inner child and promote joy.
On the 14th and 15th Feb, eight students from the Nashik center were escorted to Pune by their teachers, to participate in the district level sports competition. The children participated in Sports activities like running race, soft-ball throw, spot-jump and shot put. It was a completely new experience comprising of a different level of competitiveness and interaction with students from other districts. It was a very-well organized event, conducted in a state of art stadium in Balewadi, Pune.
On the 20th, Chhattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti was celebrated in the school. The teachers explained the courage and valour of this great leader who showed undying patriotism for his Motherland.
From 22nd Feb, our BLA students appeared for the NIOS (OBE) exams. Eight students appeared for Level A exams, three students appeared for the Level B exams and 6 students appeared for Level C exams. All the students had prepared well for the exams, with the help of their teachers and support from the parents.
On the 27th Marathi Bhasha Gaurav din was celebrated at the VLC building. All the students came dressed in traditional Maharashtrian attire and sang Marathi songs.
Erode
Greetings from all of us at the Erode Center!
National Science Day
India celebrates National Science Day on February 28 to commemorate CV Raman's discovery of the Raman effect. The same discovery won the renowned Indian scientist the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. Raman became fascinated and curious on his visit to Europe when he saw the blue colour of the Mediterranean Sea. He, therefore, conducted various experiments with transparent surfaces and lights. Raman observed a change in the wavelength after light passed through ice cubes.
Soon after he announced his discovery to the world, a new scientific phenomenon was discovered. Raman's work was considered very valuable. Later on, at the request of the National Council For Science And Technology Communication, February 28 was celebrated as National Science Day.
Every National Science Day observation has a theme. This year's National Science Day theme is "Global Science for Global Well-Being". On this day, various programmes related to science will be held across the nation in all education institutes which include things like public speeches, science exhibitions, debates, and quiz competitions.
As a part of our celebration, we conducted a Science Exhibition involving all our children and staff. Here are the details of the experiments and the scientific reasons behind them.
1. Bottle and candle experiment: Fire needs oxygen to sustain itself. The bottle prevents the fire from consuming any more oxygen. Once the fire in the bottle has consumed all the oxygen fire goes out.
2. Water and lemon experiment: A lemon sink in normal water but floats in salty water because the density of salt water is more than in normal water
3. Air pressure experiment using balloon: When you release the air from the balloon it creates pressure in the bottle and thus pushes water out creating a wonderful water fountain
4. A PH or acid base indicator is a compound that changes colour depending on the PH of the substance that is added to it
5. Valcano experiment : Vinegar is acid and bi carbonate of soda is an alkali . The reaction releases carbon dioxide gas which creates bubbles that you can see. By adding washing soap liquid to your eruption mix with some colors gives the appearance of lava erupting from a volcano.
It was wonderful to see the children and the staff busy during the preparations and the children explaining the procedure. The experiential learning that was possible because of this was going to make learning a concrete and useful one.
Sharing some photos.
Solapur
On 11th and 12th February we had completed "ABA parent training program" which we started from 12th January. 12 parents and 5 teachers participated in this program.Dr.Ashwini Andhare took the training. It was very beneficial for the parents to observe the child, handling their behaviours at home,teaching technics,how to improve communication, language,play and many more things.Parents were very happy with this training.
On 18th February we organised a program for parents.Senior parent of a Down's Syndrome girl, Mrs. Sujata Lohokare, retired officer of education department and Mr.Arun Lohokare, retired Editor of Lokamat wrote a book about their journey. Team of Maitra Foundation read some part of that book.They guided the parents and informed them of schemes for these children given by the government. Session ended with question and answer.
On 19th February Shivaji Night College group celebrated The Great Leader Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti at our center. Our children decorated the room and made flower rangoli, sang Powada and created a great environment.Guest distributed fruits to all children.
On 25th of February we conducted a seminar on the topic *Role of parents in guiding children's future* by Dr. Shrikant Anjutagi - Director of Sumedh Foundation -an NGO. Dr.Janhavi Makhija was the chief guest.
He explained about DMIT test and how the report guides us in a child's training and education.
On 26th of February Rotary club Akaluj, organised a Health Check up camp for special need children at Akakuj (a town in Solapur district).
They invited team V-Excel to introduce the services which are needed for these children.
Our Coordinator Mrs.Sunita Vaidya and Dr.Radhika Honap gave a presentation and guided parents about their training, importance of therapies and early education.
Abhyasa Kendra, Srirangam
In V-Excel Educational Trust, Srirangam center provides yoga sessions for the vocational training unit students on alternate weekdays (Monday, Wednesday& Friday) and 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays (Sports activities).
Asana is one of the eight limbs of classical Yoga and states that poses should be steady and comfortable, firm yet relaxed. The yoga asanas gently encourage us to become more aware of our body, mind, and environment.
The asanas are much more than just stretching. They open the energy channels, chakras, and psychic centers of the body while increasing the flexibility of the spine, strengthening bones, and stimulating the circulatory and immune systems. Along with proper breathing or pranayama, asanas also calm the mind and reduce stress.
Ms. Sumitha Ashok is a yoga teacher.
Ms. N. Latha is a physiotherapist, who is handling the exercise sessions remaining 2 days (Tuesday and Thursday).
Ms. Ambika Senthilkumar, Ms. Sathya Parameshwaran and Ms. Thenmozhi Jaisankar help both instructors whenever they are free.
Ms. Sumitha Ashok teaches children with special needs to do the Yoga Asanas on their own. Children do the asanas without support.
Asanas List:
Arthasirasasana, Sasangasana, Sirasasana, Yogamudra, Dirga Pranayama, Bhujangasana, Vakrasana, Trikonasana, Janushirasana, Paschimottanasana, Viruchikasana, Unjalasana, Dhanurasana and Suryanamaskaram.
From Ananda Karuna Vidyalalyam, Ambattur
Greetings from Ananda Karuna Vidyalalyam!
2nd Feb – The month of February started off with the PTA meeting. The II term performance sheets were given to the parents and the parents expressed their views, almost everyone was very happy about the progress of their child and expressed their gratitude.
4th Feb – Two faculties from MDA visited the school as a follow up of MDA class attended by the teachers. They were very happy about the systematic approach of every teacher, how they attend each child in the classroom and very impressed by the school set up.
11thFeb – Some of our students participated in "JAVATE" 2023, competitions held at Lady Andal School, and 2 of them won the II prize in solo dance junior and coloring junior categories.
13th to 18th Feb – the teacher's attended the ABA training programme organised by the Rotary Club Chennai Chapter at THANC Hospital, Kilpauk. The program done by the trainers from Belgium.
14th Feb – The Staff of BIS (one of the donors) visited the school, and they sponsored the lunch for our students and staff, and they had the lunch with all to mark the Valentine's Day celebration.
16th Feb – Lekshmi Ramesh Madam from V-Excel Educationa Trust visited for the follow-up session of the Early Intervention program done in the govt school Kallikuppam. Teachers came from Government school to attend the home programme training given by Lekshmi Ramesh Madam.
20th Feb – The Belgium team of ABA trainers visited the school and were very impressed by the work being carried out here. They met all the trustees and wanted to document the school as a model.
23rd Feb – Weekly lunch for students and teachers was organised on 23rd as a every week programme.
25th Feb – Fire safety talk and demo was done by R. Govindarajan, M.A. Retd, Asst. Divisional Fire officer (a fire safety consultant).
25th Feb – As a part of Home Science practical's, best out of waste, handwork was taught to the NIOS students
• Paper bags from newspaper.
• Mats from old cloth.
26th Feb – Some of the students performed with the music teachers at the Anandam Prayer Hall.
Success Story of Maadhesh to V-Excel
Maadhesh – 9 years – A Child with Multiple Disabilities and having various behaviour issues joined this school in June. He was running and throwing things on others, dashing, hitting others and did self-injury. The staff could not control his behaviour. With the intervention of Rahman Sir from V-Excel, the teachers could understand what were his strengths and weaknesses and how to handle him in the classroom. After a multi-disciplinary therapeutic approach, his behaviour could be controlled gradually. He now sits in one place doing all the activities on the table and attends the school full time. He interacts with peers and responds to teachers. Now the mother is attending a care giver course, leaving the child with us till 5.30 p.m. A leap of improvement in the child gives immense happiness to us as special educators and the parents as well.
Vocational Training Unit
From Charumathi Sriram's Desk
February month was busy in raising fund for the music program organised for V-Excel, coordinating for the Annual Trip and end of the month left for the trip.
V-Excel Fund Raising Event By Pioneer Music Group – Elixir Beats – Feb 11, 2023
Manivannan and Charumathi organised all the fund-raising at VTU and known circles.
We all attended the Fund-Raising Event Elixir Beats organised by Pioneer Music Group exclusively for V-Excel. All the staff, teachers, students, trainees, parents and well-wishers attended the event. Various artists rendered peppy and melody songs from Hindi and Tamil films. They raised good amount and donated to V-Excel.
V-Excel Trainees Internship At Grundfos
Supraja, Chandra and Savari attended internship at Grundfos and updated about their activities once they reach the center everyday.
Charu and Usha went to Grundfos to observe the intern’s Chandra and Supraja work. Supraja was 90% independent in the scanning and saving process. Chandra though knows the full process but is slow while doing it practically and gets distracted. It was good to see them work silently and professionally. Work hours have been increased.
Vocational Activities
Varun and Vishal were independent in the process of jute pen stand.
Vishal is trained in tailoring with great focus.
Nehal and Varun started training on scanning project. They were able to understand the process and a time table has been scheduled to learn with Prerna being the mentor.
Counselling and therapy sessions went on as scheduled every week.
Trainees and staff attended Tarang for this month.
Annual Experiential Trip To Pollachi/Coimbatore – Feb 27th To Mar 3rd March 2023
Charumathi Sriram, Usha Rajagopal and Manivannan C. P. coordinated and planed with officials at Anamalai Tiger Reserve and place of stay for the VTU Annual trip to Pollachi
Left for the experiential learning annual trip to Pollachi and Coimbatore for 4 days.
Youth Empowerment Services
From Gayathri Suryanarayanan's Desk
Key highlights for the month of February 2023
• Vocational training program, Counselling and Therapy services.
• Archery assessment
• Participation in the event organised by EA
• Bread making
• Participation and paper presentation at National Conference on Self Advocacy, NIEPID, Hyderabad
• Hexaware volunteers visit
• Admissions
• Production
Vocational training program, Counselling and Therapy services
After a busy month of January 2023, with outstation trip, Pongal and Repubic day celebrations, YES got back into more focused vocational training with a new schedule for the trainees. Schedule was made in such a way that each trainee spends about 3 days/week in his/her primary vocations and 2 days/week on his/her secondary vocations. Their schedule also includes time for therapy, counselling, music and art and other physical activities.
Volunteer visits happened with full energy. Lot of new initiatives and very creative activities were planned during February 2023. Volunteers participated in all the activities with lot of enthusiasm and excitement.
Need-based counselling sessions were held during the month of February. Counseling sessions for the placed trainees and parents were also held in a parallel way.
Therapy sessions were happening regularly.
Farm visits happened with a break of 2 weeks in the month of February.
Archery Assessment
On 01 February, an assessment was conducted for all the trainees in the archery program to gauge their progress and challenges. Each trainee was given 2 rounds of 6 arrows to shoot. They were assessed based on their form and position, focus, target hits, dependencies and most importantly conceptual knowledge. Most of the trainees did well, while 3 of them were very good.
Participation in the event organised by Express Avenue
In acknowledgement of our awareness campaign for Autism Day last year, the management of Express Avenue Mall invited us to their annual function. We were honored with wishes and a cheque for ₹ 50,000/- as a token of appreciation of our services.
Bread making at YES
After many trials, experiments and failed attempts, YES started with bread making during the month of February 2023. It was with the help of Ms. Sonia, a home-baker, who volunteered to help YES through the breadmaking process including purchase of ingredients, making of bread, choice of variants, packing and labeling and even marketing. The bread loaves came out very well and internal QC was also done.
Participation and paper presentation at National Conference on Self Advocacy, NIEPID, Secunderabad
Ms. Gayathri Suryanarayanan from YES got the opportunity to participate and present a paper on open employment for special adults in the National Conference on Self-Advocacy on the theme of "Vocational Training of PwIDs and Current Trends", held in NIEPID, Secunderabad on 21 February 2023. She presented "Case Studies in Effective Transitional Planning from Structured Vocational Training to Open Employment" and her insights covered successes and challenges we have faced in placing trainees from both our vocational centers in Chennai. Participants at the conference included other NGOs, parents, professionals from NIEPID and many individuals with cognitive challenges.
Hexaware volunteer visit
After a break of about 3 years, the Hexaware employee engagement program at YES resumed last month. On 25 February, 11 volunteers from Hexaware came to YES to spend time with the trainees. This being the first session after the break, focus was on greeting and understanding each other. Volunteers played games, danced and interacted with the trainees. It was also decided that volunteers will visit YES on the 4th Saturday of every month. All the trainees had a great time. After the trainees left for home at 1 pm, the volunteers had team lunch with the YES team.
Admissions
YES had 2 consultations and 1 admission in the month of February 2023. The other enquiry might join on the month of May 2023.
Production
YES, completed orders of Millet laddoos, cut vegetables, printed mugs and water bottles, soaps and notebooks. We also completed internal orders for receipt books and voucher books. The laundry is going very well and has satisfied customers due to the good work and timely delivery.