Providing lifespan services to individuals with special needs...
Strides Newsletter - June 2023 - Issue 204
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!
5th June - The Early Intervention Unit of V- Excel Educational trust has been providing services for children with special needs for the last twenty years. We are happy to inform that we have got an opportunity to serve in the District Early Intervention Centre at Institute of Child Health, Egmore, Chennai. We are providing Therapy services for a Central Government project in the name of Rashtriya Bal Swashthya Karyakram under the guidance of National Health Ministry of India.
We have completed one month of services and here are the updates:
1. We have extended our volunteer services by setting up a Help desk in DEIC with our Qualified and trained Staff in Therapeutic rehabilitation Ms. Sasikala.
2. We started our services in DEIC on 5th of June 2023 and we were able to cater to around 15 students.
3. We are providing services for Children in the age group 1.5 years to 8 years.
4. All the students come have come for the Follow-up sessions regularly. Currently Therapy services are provided every Monday.
The One-on-One session resumed on 5th June Post a Short break.
Re-evaluations were conducted for the students and the IEP Goal sheets planned
Discussion forum was formed for the staff on 24th June on the Topic "Know your Child" where each child's goals was discussed, reviewed as a team.
On 9th June Anandam started their Early Intervention Unit. We are supporting with technical guidance for EI unit also along with the Special School. In connection with this, we conducted the Staff training on setting IEP for the child and provided counselling sessions for the parents.
The importance and benefits of yoga is gaining importance day by day across the globe. As a part of a small contribution from EI/ VRC for this International Yoga Day, our staff was engaged in yoga practises guided by one of our therapists. The children were also engaged in the practice. We are planning to continue the yoga practices for the staff and the children in the coming academic year to make this useful for all.
As part of the staff engagement program, we had our Town hall on 26th June. The day was filled with activities and discussions. The staff selected from every unit were interviewed. The unsung heroes of the play Kadambari were felicitated Mr. Mujbur Rahman and Ms. Mary Stella were interviewed.
Kaleidoscope Learning Centre
From Shashikala Subramaniam's Desk
The new term for the academic year 2023-2024 started in June.
KLC looked fresh and inviting with a new coat of paint, repairs carried out and new classroom utilities . Every few years the perishables like curtains and dhurries are bought afresh so that the school has a neat, beautiful, warm influence on the children who feel more at home in their bodies when the surroundings are cared for. So the school really wore on, new birthday clothes to welcome the new year and the new students to the School. We have 9 new students joining the Junior School.
Teachers came in on the 5 of June and spent long hours in planning and meeting and setting things up for the new year for a week before the children came. School reopened for the students on June 14th, Wednesday.
A well-planned curriculum, schedules for occupational therapy, counseling, festivals and functions during the year, play an important part of an Academic Year. Detailed plans were drawn up. Orientation for teachers was held.
Music programs are never missed by the children in school and this month too, Tarang was specially arranged for the morning, of 15th June at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. The songs on the theme Lord Shiva – were rendered by the students of Isha Samskriti, young boys and girls who performed soulfully and mellifluously, taking the audience into a calm space.
Once a year we get opportunity to meet all staff of the V-Excel family, from all over India – The Annual Townhall Meeting, on June 26th. A talk show where - every Unit of V-Excel had a representative being interviewed with a brief video about them shown started off the day after the introductory talk. This set the stage for the rest of the day where groups with staff from different units interacted with, got to know and bonded with each other. It was an enriching day full of Learning, Joy, Fun and introspection.
We had 2 days of deep listening, sharing, discussions, looking back on last year's happenings between all the heads of the Units of V-Excel on 27th and 28th of June in the Annual heads Meeting. A deep sharing of each person's journey in V-Excel which had brought them to the present position was shared. An exercise in what was good, what could have been done better.
Bakr Eid, the day of sacrifice was celebrated in school on June 28th. Zainambu, one of our parents & teacher ably helped by Mallika explained the significance of the celebration and told the story to all the students and teachers at the school along with a simple prayer.
Vasudha aunty, as she is known to all the students at school, our Founder Director, celebrated her birthday with all of us at school. The students wished her, offered a Dosa Cake for cutting and also learnt a bhajan from her. Lekshmi Ramesh, Co-Ordinator of VRC unit wished her by singing a beautiful and meaningful song.
Vasudha also was given a surprise when staff of all the Chennai Units got together and wished her with a bouquet and cake. But what was most precious was, the collection of quotes from V-Excel staff, from all over India. Each person wrote about which element of nature they saw her as. This was put together beautifully as a power point presentation and given to her.
V-Excel Educational Trust
Inauguration of the V-Excel Educational Trust, Pandharpur Center
Proud moment indeed - Grand inauguration of the V-Excel Educational Trust, Pandharpur center, on Sunday 9th June, 2023. Takes a lot of commitment and perseverance to accomplish this. We wish the new center all the luck, good work and hope all the trainees and their families there are benefited from the services provided. Wish for V-Excel to grow leaps and bounds and touch as many lives as possible.
Tarang musical concert
The monthly Tarang concert held on Thursday, 15th June, 2023 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB), Mylapore between 10.00 a.m. - 11.00 a.m.
The theme of the event was Lord Shiva, performed by the students of Isha Samskriti.
Click here to watch Tarang on YouTube.
International Yoga Day
At YES unit, Mylapore
On 21 June, International Yoga Day and World Music Day was celebrated in style and spirit at YES, the V-Excel Centre in Mylapore.
Yoga session with emphasis on pressure points and whole body movement was held at the centre for all the trainees. Silambam and yoga trainer Mr. Kumar of DTS club conducted the session. He was presented with a small memento.
At VTU unit, Adyar
For the World Music Day, 5 of YES trainees along with Divya and Gayatri participated in the choir singing along with the Sargam choir group. We are grateful to Ms. Sudha Raja, founder of Sargam for giving us this wonderful opportunity.
Vocational Training Unit, the Adyar centre of V-Excel Educational Trust, had a lovely yoga day at Bessi beach on 21st June. It was a awareness to the public and there were people looking at the trainees. We also celebrated one of our trainee Ashwin's birthday by cutting Millet dates cake and distributed Karappati halwa and beet root murukku. Trainee Lokesh lead the team.
At Early Intervention and Remedial Unit, R. A. Puram.
The benefits of yoga is gaining importance day by day across the globe. This year, the theme for International Yoga Day 2023 is 'Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', effectively encapsulating our collective aspiration for 'One Earth, One Family and One Future'. As a part of a small contribution from EI/VRC, a unit of V-Excel, this International Yoga day, our staff was engaged in yoga practices guided by one of our therapist . The children were also engaged in the practice. We are planning to continue the yoga practices for the staff and the children in the coming academic year to make it useful.
Workshops
V-Excel Educational Trust conducted workshop named "Reading and writing in primary grades - Part 2 (A workshop for Teachers of Grade 1 and 2)" on 5th June, 2023 at NSN School, Chitalapakkam, Chennai. Faculty were Mrs. Gita Bhalla, Mrs. Neha Bharadwaj and Ms. Puja Bhalla. 39 participants participated in this workshop.
V-Excel Educational Trust conducted workshop named "Play, lmagine, Learn - workshop for Kindergarten teachers" on 6th June, 2023 at NSN School, Chitalapakkam, Chennai. Faculty were Mrs. Gita Bhalla, Mrs. Neha Bharadwaj and Ms. Puja Bhalla. 42 participants participated in this workshop.
V-Excel Educational Trust conducted workshop named "Teaching through Head, Heart and Hands (A workshop for primary teachers upto Grade II)" on 10th June, 2023 at Madurai Sahodaya Schools Complex (MSSC), Madurai. Faculty were Mrs. Gita Bhalla, and Mrs. Neha Bharadwaj. 73 participants participated in this workshop.
V-Excel Educational Trust conducted workshop named "The Map of Childhood - Workshop for Primary Years (The Heart of Childhood)" on 19th June, 2023 at Alphabet School, Chennai. Faculty were Dr. Vasudha Prakash, Mrs. Gita Bhalla, Mrs. Neha Bharadwaj and Ms. Puja Bhalla. 29 participants participated in this workshop.
V-Excel Educational Trust conducted workshop named "The Map of Childhood - Workshop for Early Years (Understanding the Young Child)", on 20th June, 2023 at Alphabet School, Chennai. Faculty were Dr. Vasudha Prakash, Mrs. Gita Bhalla, and Mrs. Neha Bharadwaj. 24 participants participated in this workshop.
Sundram Educational Trust and V-Excel Educational Trust conducted "A Class Apart - Batch 1, Module 2" workshop from 22 to 24 June, 2023 at Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School, Mylapore, Chennai. Faculty were Dr. Vasudha Prakash, Mrs. Gita Bhalla, Mrs. Parimal Pandit, Mrs. Neha Bharadwaj and Ms. Puja Bhalla. 31 participants participated in this workshop.
Satellite Centers
From Jayanthi Vishwanath in Nashik
All these 3 Centres in Nashik reopened on 12th June. The students were welcomed with flowers. Teachers were delighted to welcome the happy pupils back to school.
On 13th June an online orientation meeting for coordinators was conducted by the Disha team.
On 17th June, an orientation meeting for teachers was held by Disha team at Rusi Irani Special School. Three teachers from our centre attended the meeting.
A parent meeting was conducted at VLC by Vaibhav, Niliesha and Pradnya Apte to update parents about Niramaya health insurance scheme and other beneficial schemes that could be availed for the welfare of the students with special needs.
On 21st June, The International Yoga Day was celebrated across the three centres. Students performed Surya Namaskar and other asanas. Students were enlightened about the benefits of practicing yoga.
The shower of monsoon brings with it an array of religious festivals and Ashadhi Ekadashi stands first in the row.
Many students came dressed in traditional Vaarkari (a devotee of Lord Vittala) attire. Few boys came dressed like Lord Vittal and Goddess Rukmini.
Prayers and spiritual chanting were done by students and staff at all the three centres.
Student devotees placed a Tulsi sapling pot on their head and a procession called 'Dindi' started from the centre to reach Vitthal Rakhumai temple with "Jai Hari Vitthal, Jai Jai Vitthal" chanting. Lord Vitthal is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Erode
International Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21 every year with a motive of spreading awareness about the Vedic practice, yoga and meditation. This year, 2023, was the 9th year of International Yoga day and was celebrated across the world. Yoga is very necessary and beneficial for all human beings if it is practiced by all on a daily basis in the early morning. The benefits of Yoga include:-
• Increased muscle strength and tone
• Increased flexibility
• Improved respiration, energy and vitality
• Maintaining a balanced metabolism
• Weight reduction
• Cardio and circulatory health
• Improved athletic performance
In our center, we have been given regular yoga exercises to our students and as a mark of Yoga day celebration, all the students were engaged in performing the asanas. The students were very enthusiastic and the staff also participated.
The center re-opened after the summer break with fresh painted classrooms and materials. Since the city schools re opened late, our students are slowly resuming their routine and started coming for sessions . Re- evaluations are being done to understand the current level and plan for the IEP.
Every year, we modify our time table to suit the needs of our students and also add more activities. Shall update on this in our July strides.
Solapur
Welcome Day
12-June-2023: A cheerful welcome on the first day of school to make this journey an exciting, fun and happy experience for our children. We organised a "WELCOME DAY On 12th June 2023, school was decked up with colourful balloons. Teachers welcomed our little champs by "Aukshian"- a ritual of waving lit lamp with joyful expression. Another attractive thing in campus was "selfie point" where the children took photos with great zeal and zest. Lastly teachers presented smiley hand-outs to each child and affectionately welcomed the newcomers by holding hands and accompanied them to their classroom with utmost love and care. Welcome day celebration has been the foundation for positive relationship among children and teachers.
Yoga Day Celebration
12-June-2023: V-Excel centre celebrated international Yoga Day on June 21st in a park. Students from all the classes and teachers along with the yoga teacher joined this event. Every year on June 21st, people all over the world observe international Yoga day to promote the practice of yoga and its benefits on physical and mental well- being. This event had a very positive impact on creating awareness about the benefits of yoga in human beings.
Teacher's Orientation Programme For 'Project Disha'
20-June-2023:
Disha Abhiyan organised a meeting in Solapur district at Jeevala MR school on 20th June. V-Excel centre was also invited and our teachers attended. The Goal of Project Disha is to build and disseminate an Assessment Checklist for IEP and a Uniform Curriculum in Special Schools to transform education for children with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities and provide training for the implementation of the same. The Assessment checklist for IEP and the Curriculum for the age group 3-14 years & 14-18 year. This curriculum includes Language, Maths, Environment studies, Art, Yoga, ADL. On this basis the teacher had to make a proper timetable and should follow the same. Says of the importance to communicate with parents about IEP, child development and changes.
Our teacher who attended this orientation programme of "Disha Project" gave training to other teachers in our V-Excel centre. This can surely bring changes in special education schools.
Ashadi Ekadashi Celebartion
28-June-2023: Ashadi Ekadashi is an auspicious day of God Vitthal. This was celebrated on 28th June 2023 with great enthusiasm and to make children aware of our tradition and greatness of Saints who give the importance of social equality and tried to include moral value. The children came to school dressed up as little Warkaries carrying cymbals in their hands wearing rosary around their neck. The older students carried a small attractive palki decorated with flowers and photos of Lord Vitthal. Student chanted Bhajans of Saints and slogan Vitthal Vitthal Hari Om Vittal. Played fugadi and ringan. Lastly, they all sang Vitthal's Arti.
Ashadi Ekadashi ceremony is generally held in Pandharpur where a huge number of devoties gather to celebrate the festival. It is a religious procession which comes every year during the Aashaad Shuklapaksh. This procession starts in Alandi and ends on Guru-poornima at Pandharpur.
Abhyasa Kendra, Srirangam
V-Excel Educational Trust, Srirangam branch reopened for Staff on June 1st, 2023 (Thursday) and students on June 7th, 2023 (Wednesday) after the summer holidays. From 7th June onwards, Students from Vocational and Remedial units came for the classes regularly. Teachers took Special education, academic and Vocational activities (Greeting Card Making, Tailoring, Podi Making) and therapy for both vocational and remedial students. The yoga instructor and physiotherapist took Yoga classes and therapy (Exercise Classes) on alternate days.
From Outreach Remedial Center, Pollachi
Vocational Training for young adults with special needs was initiated with soap making by our trainer Ms. Sreetha, she taught our students double boiled soap making using soap base and essential oils. Students, were given training one by one, from weighing, cutting boiling, measuring, pouring and packing with labeling. These handcrafted soaps are made using pure coconut oil and are eco and skin friendly with a feel-good factor, as they are made by our young adults with utmost love and care.
From Ananda Karuna Vidyalalyam, Ambattur
Greetings from Ananda Karuna Vidyalayam!
June 8th - Early Intervention unit was inaugurated in memory of Shri. K. Srinivasan, Retd. Headmaster, S.R.M.H.S on his birth centenary donated by his daughter and son in law.
June 8th school reopened for the academic year 2023-2024.
June 9th CHEP India Pvt. Ltd. visited our school and conducted music programme for our children.
June 14th- "lights, camera, inclusion" an acting workshop was conducted for elders with locomotor disability, by film & television institute of Pune from 19th to 25th June @ our school. (A residential programme)
June 20th yoga day celebration by yoga instructors from KYM for teachers and children.
June 21st - World yoga day celebration at our school.
June 22nd V-Excel Educational Trust team (Rahman Sir, Lekshmi Madam, Layanya Madam) visitied Early Intervention unit and conducted parents meeting and had a doubt clarification session with teachers.
June 23rd Madhavi Madam gave motivational speech for NIOS students.
June 26th - Attended V-Excel Educational Trust Town Hall Meeting.
June 29th Donor's visited our school from Mumbai and interacted with children and teachers.
Vocational Training Unit
From Charumathi Sriram's Desk
June started with full enthusiasm, beginning of fresh academic year 2023-2024, with puja on the reopening day, 7th June. The month had full attendance and activities of creating new product samples for the Mindsprint Project, Zumba Movement session, Good Company an initiative to create a platform/ hub for socialising. field trip, International Yoga Day at Besant Nagar beach, Town Hall Meeting for staff and Annual Units Head Meeting.
• VTU reopened on 5th July 2023 for all staff and for trainees on 7th June. New staff Meenakshi joined us as Vocational Trainer.
• VTU made samples of file folders, Jute wine bottle bags, laptop bags, redesigned for the Mindsprint Livelihood Project 2023.
Good Company – An Initiative To Make Special Friends
We all need friends and so do our Special friends. With the support of ESVI Sarada Foundation Coordinator Mr. Rishi Subramaniyam, we started an initiative ‘Good Company’ on Saturdays, where non-V-Excel Special people join us to engage in leisure activities with VTU trainees. We have volunteers who are engaged to be part of this to accompany them during their activities. This happens on all Saturdays and on Sundays. Mr. Natesan, ASD who is now employed in Grundfos visits on Saturdays, plays keyboard and sings along with Rishi and trainees.
Internship @ Grundfos
Trainees Chandra and Supraja continue their internship and their timings have been increased by one more hour. Abirami joined back after her summer vacation as job coach at Grundfos from Monday to Friday and they come back to VTU on Saturdays.
Tarang By Isha Students On 15th June 2023
VTU attended the first Tarang of this academic year where ISHA Music students performed for us. It was a very beautiful and calm melody rendered mostly on Lord Siva. All the trainees enjoyed the program.
• We had guests, Mr. Aravind and Mr. Venkat who were referred to us by Dr. Janani, a psychiatrist who visited us to know about our trainees and activities. They have a startup and would like to explore opportunities for internship and placement for our trainees.
• Two trainees Adrian and Swaminathan have been selected for the independent living program at Sreyes Farm.
International Yoga Day @ Besant Nagar Beach On 21st June 2023
On International yoga day, VTU did yoga asanas at the Besant Nagar beach at 3.00 pm to create awareness to the public.
Field Trip - Temple Visit On 23rd June 2023
VTU started their field trip for this academic year by visiting two temples for this month. Trainees, staff, and teachers visited Puri Jaganath temple and ISCKON on ECR. Purohit at the temple narrated the story of Puri Jaganath to the trainees. We all had lunch at Sreyes Griha, reached the center in the afternoon and continued the vocational activities.
Townhall And Annual Unit Heads Meeting On 26th To 28th June 2023
All the staff, teachers and support staff attended the Townhall meeting held on 26th June at SPASTN. They all had fun. Bhagavathi was selected for the talk show and her answers were clear and smart. It was a full day event and trainees were given a holiday. Charu and Usha attended the two days units head meeting and had a good experience by sharing each one’s journey as a leader. We also shared VTU’s last year’s achievements and the way forward for next 5 years.
• Our German donor Mr. Jan Uwe of Yoga Veriengeng Rajagopal, Germany, visited along with Lakshmi Verma on 29th June 2023. They were very happy to see our progress and activities. We are happy to inform that they will continue their support for this year also.
Youth Empowerment Services
From Gayathri Suryanarayanan's Desk
Key highlights for the month of May 2023
• Reopening of YES for the new academic year 2023-24
• Goal setting and revised schedule for all the trainees
• Internal grading for the trainees
• Commencement of Silambam and fitness program
• Resumption of Archery and Yoga after the break
• Choir performance at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
• Townhall meeting
Reopening of YES for the new academic year 2023 - 24
YES, reopened on 05 June after the short annual break for the trainees. The center was cleaned and sanitised to receive the trainees. Trainees came in with full energy and enthusiasm. We also had a pooja to seek blessings from the almighty for a purposeful and successful academic year. Pooja was followed by Vedic chanting.
Volunteer visits have resumed.
Goal setting and revised schedule for the trainees.
Post all the individual review meetings, action plans for the new academic year were jotted out. Goal settings for each trainee were made keeping in mind their progress, challenges, pace of learning, strengths, therapy and counselling needs and transition plan. Based on these goals, a training schedule was prepared so that their needs and requirements were met. The number of hours per trainee, per vocation was clearly calculated and same was being followed.
The schedule also included time for functional academics, group interaction and production work apart from activities for physical and mental fitness.
Internal grouping of YES trainees
To make the training more interesting and motivating for our trainees an internal grouping has been introduced at YES. This helps them understand that they are growing up. The trainees have been divided into 3 groups namely -Training, Production and Internship. Clear-cut eligibility criteria have also been put in place for the trainees and the parents to understand the process. The same was explained to the trainees so that they understand the areas where they want to work in to grow further. On the day of YES reopening, 05 June, all the trainees were given their respective badges and the transition was celebrated.
Commencement of Silambam and Fitness program
This academic year, apart from the archery program, Silambam and Physical fitness programmes have been introduced at YES. Silambam, being one of our traditional martial arts, teaches them self-defense, helps build on their spatial awareness, body rhythm and coordination. Physical fitness plays a very important role in their training program, so they have good stamina and endurance. The fitness program initiative is aimed at working on those aspects and bringing in a routine as well. This program includes general workout, Zumba and Brain Gym. Mr. Kumar, is a known fitness trainer who is visiting YES twice a week and trains them in Silambam art and runs the fitness program.
Resumption of Yoga and Archery after the break
Archery sessions and Yoga resumed after the break. Yoga sessions are conducted twice a week by certified trainers from Vedantha Maharishi Yoga center. Archery sessions are conducted by Mr. V Balakrishnan of Theatre Nisha.
International Yoga Day, 21 June
International Yoga Day was celebrated in style and spirit at YES.
A yoga session with emphasis on pressure points and whole-body movement was held at the center for all the trainees. Silambam and yoga trainer Mr. Kumar of DTS club conducted the session. He was presented with a small memento.
Choir performance at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
For the World Music Day, 5 of YES trainees along with Divya and Gayathri participated in the choir group singing along with the Sargam choir group. We are grateful to Ms. Sudha Raja, founder of Sargam choir for giving us this wonderful opportunity.
V-Excel Townhall meeting
On 26 June 2023, we had the annual townhall meeting at the Spastn auditorium, Tharamani. All members of the V-Excel team were present on that day. The whole day was filled with very interesting activities, and it was all about getting to know and bonding with each other. The day ended with good music and dance. All went back carrying a lot of hope and totally rejuvenated.