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Strides Newsletter - July 2023 - Issue 205

Counseling & Assessments

From Radhika Sasankh's Desk

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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!

8th July - Observation Review of Early Intervention Children of Anandam.

10th to 12th July - Conducted a Sensitization program for a Group of Special Educators, Teachers & Therapist of Jayam Foundation - Bharathi Rehabilitation Centre for Special needs, Coimbatore and also administered Assessments for 45 neuro diverse children of the Rehabilitation Centre.

15th July - The Early Intervention unit focuses on group play activities apart from the individual therapy plans. By participating in a group activity, children learn from each other and function as each other's role models. They also learn how to be part of a team and therefore develop social skills. Teamwork promotes problem-solving to achieve a common goal. This year, we have planned for group play activity sessions for our children on Saturdays. The Program commenced today with yoga as a warm up activity followed by turn taking games like running hopping and balancing. The children were then given a break where they were engaged in social interactions and ADL training. They were then introduced to some traditional games that had rules to be followed. It was a good beginning and looking forward to more exciting and fun filled sessions.

As part of the Outreach program - Phase 2, we had set up a resource room on 13th July in one of the municipal schools in Korattur and also started the Intervention for the identified children with difficulties & Disabilities.

As part of the Employee Engagement, Staff training was conducted on 22nd July. The topic was “Let's Stay Calm- Calming Strategies”. The Training was conducted by Mr. Arunkumar- Therapist of EI/VRC. Apart from the unit staff, we had participants from our Outreach Center - Anandam as well. The Session was very lively and filled with Demo Sessions, Activities & Strategies sharing.

We are happy to inform that V-Excel Educational Trust has partnered with Tata Power for their Pay Autention- Autism Support network in Tamil Nadu. This is majorly for: Training and sensitization of public workers (Aanganwadi workers, ANMs and primary school teachers as early identifiers and support providers for children with Autism.

Identification and support services for children with neurodiversity in Tirunelveli.

We had the first set of training workshops in Tirunelveli on July 26, 27 and 28, 2023 for 60 Aanganwadi workers, 45 Public health workers and 97 primary school teachers over a period of 3 days.

Kaleidoscope Learning Centre

From Shashikala Subramaniam's Desk

Reflections:

Love is the quiet maturing of a fruit which serves humanity on a plate without a sound - Preethi

July dawned with the richness of this maturing fruit in many student groups and their exemplary writing which makes every effort by the teachers and the environment they create worthwhile. They are like reflections and the fact that there was so much outpouring from the senior students, it was like a feedback for teachers and a great motivation that what we were doing in school was deeply touching the children and positively impacting them. So this month has been a rich sharing month where we have had students wanting to share their views on the world, on love, sensitivity and their own dreams. What do I dream of was the question to which we share here some responses.

Hari (Free Heart):

I dream that free laughter always remains when we make silly mistakes and we give our compassion with our deepest heart.

Ajay (Sacred Heart):

I dream that the free hearted people of the earth never stop drinking of their joy, giving of their will and singing of their homes and hopes for it brings us all strength…

Sai (Gaya Heart):

I dream my dad can see my striving heart and my mum always has Neha by her side

Niharikaa (Free Heart):

You know that I have big dreams! That I can fly and soar like Kadambari did. Kadambari is me as I want to go out into the world and say to it - give me a little place to stay, a little food to eat, a little bit of your Time, and I will change your heart!

Narmada (Gaya Heart):

O give me a home, sing that song, that is my dream!

Dinesh (Rander Heart):

Friends together is what I dream of and what came true. Friends across the boundaries of V-Excel also come back so I am not afraid to go anywhere. My dream is to taste the world. This year will be good.

Aaqila (Free Heart):

I dream of sowing goodness for the little children of today, and that the sun does never grow weak in the hearts of leaders. You o Neha are our leader, you bring to us the Sun and we follow gratefully with our will.

Divya Shree (Gaya Heart):

I dream that my body heals at least a little bit for I am waiting to fly. My wings need magic, for I am a fairy with a broken wing. Broken wings don't heal, you know that. So find me a good cure, like Tinker Bell found for her sister. I must fly everywhere, like Mercury's messenger.

Balaji (Free Heart):

I dream of being free from this mess I am in...

Hamsini (Caring Heart):

I dream of doing a simple dance...

Besides these simple yet thought provoking responses, the sharing took on a new form this month.KLC has taken steps towards the next level of co-creating - a much used and loved term by the students!

While Amruth, ex student of KLC helped and guided a few teachers who sought help, Adi took on a conversation with three teacher-mothers at school! It was healing and encouraging for the mothers to get feedback from one of their children...

It has been heart warming to witness this...

The uniqueness of the school which is like home to many lies in this that it continues to evolve with the inputs from all - the management, teacher body but most of all the students themselves who guide the process of education, healing and community building with their subtle directions. This month has been all about the world that the students want to create.

Curative Education works well when the Child is healthy, on a good rhythm and diet. In taking care of the health, our school Dr. Swapna Narendra, plays an important role. She visits KLC once in 2 months to review the health of the students who are on her medication and meets with some new children and parents too. She came in early July this time and apart from consultations she also reviewed some difficult students for their behaviours and increased sensory issues.

Being rigid and not able to make changes in even the clothes or footwear they wear, is one of the characteristics of Autistic children. This month we saw 2 such rigidities broken in school, in a kindergarten student Srinath who could wear his uniform for the entire day and a Senior School student Prasaad who could wear shoes as a school requirement after being in chappals for years and years. This is after consistent work by the teachers with not giving up.

Friends, well-wishers, and family of KLC share their joy and happiness with the students on special days. One such day was when Padma Lakshmi fed the whole of KLC - students, staff, support staff with lunch. The students thanked her for the feast and enjoyed it.

Tarang for the month of July on 13th, brought in "Colours of Sarangi" a medley of songs, solo performance on the Sarangi, Mridangam and Keyboard by the artists. Students are being introduced to new instruments like Veena and Sarangi in these musical programs. The students were immersed in the renditions for the whole hour.

Blue Blue Sky Choir performed on 13th July, Thursday at an event for the young leaders of Hexaware, our CSR partner, at Taj Wellington Mews (Taramani). Bringing awareness about special students among the public has always been one of our goals and particularly to the young leaders who will play an important role in bringing about a change, particularly in the workspace environment was achieved through this program. We had a very appreciative audience, who enjoyed our performance and cheered us on. We also got feedback later that the Choir made an impact on them.

After the performance, all the students in the Choir and a few teachers went out to Sangeetha Restaurant, Adyar for an early dinner. Each student placed an order for their own preferred dish and conducted themselves like responsible adults and enjoyed the evening out. The parents of the students in the Choir are very supportive of the efforts of the school and make appropriate arrangements to drop and pick them up. That evening we all reached school by 7.30 pm and the parents were there to pick them up.

On July 14th everyone in India and possibly the world was awaiting the lift of Chandraayaan 3 from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. 10 of our students and 3 teachers from KLC, along with many other trainees and staff of V-Excel's other Chennai units, got the chance to witness it LIVE. The excitement, awe and wonder were only 1 part of the experience. What stood out here was the way these students managed themselves beautifully the whole day from 8.15 am to 9.45 pm.

The trip was long to and fro, the traffic jam as they neared the location, the huge crowd (Nearly 15000 people) that they had to wade through to walk nearly 2 kms to the watch tower and to walk up 3 floors to the gallery, missing dinner as they had to reach back to the destination without being too late and the list goes on. All the students put forth their best foot and adjusted, managed themselves till they returned home. Kudos to them.

Physical training plays an important part in the health of a student and this year, we have introduced it as a separate program on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 3.00 pm to 4.00pm. Almost all the senior school students eagerly await the arrival of the master and participate in it enthusiastically.

Chinmay Vaidhyanathan, one of KLC's ex-students had moved to Bangalore 3 years ago for personal reasons. He has been part of KLC's various programs even after this move, like where recently he participated in our Annual Day Kadambari in March 2023. We have been in touch with the parents and him periodically. It was wonderful to hear that he has joined as a trainee in the house keeping department in Lalith Ashok, Bangalore. He is also working with special children to teach swimming with his coach on weekends. Way to go Chinmay.

Stories of Mirabai and Andal, two devotees of Lord Vishnu in the form of Krishna and Perumal, are being studied by the students of Senior School. The story of their Love and devotion shown towards Krishna and Perumal are legends in India. To bring about the beauty of the stories through music we requested Vedanth Bharadwaj to perform for the students. The experience was mesmerising, the songs brought the depth of Love of Mira, her anguish and her devotion. Students listened to the songs glued to their places and enjoyed the divine experience.

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Satellite Centers

From Jayanthi Vishwanath in Nashik

Guru Purnima Celebration
Grand inauguration of the third satellite centre in Maharashtra
First Day of Job for our YES trainees at Nashik Metal Dust Company
Inter School District Level Dance Competition

3rd July, 2023 - Guru Purnima Celebration

Guru Purnima Celebration - Guru Purnima was celebrated in all the three centres. Children showed their gratitude and reverence to the teachers. A few of them read a heartfelt note to show their gratitude for the teachers and offered a rose to each teacher.

6th July, 2023 - Grand inauguration of the third satellite centre of V- Excel at Pandharpur in Maharashtra.

Grand Opening of New Satellite Centre of V- Excel at Pandharpur in Maharashtra.

17th July, 2023 - First Day of Job for our YES trainees at Nashik Metal Dust Company - Newly recruited employees from V-Excel Vocational Centre were happily doing their job and enjoying being at their workplace.

30th July, 2023 - Inter School District Level Dance Competition

On 10th July, 2023, Bridges Learning Academy won First prize for the second consecutive year in the district level Inter school dance competition 'Muskaan' for physically and mentally challenged. This competition is being organized by Saksham Foundation since past few years. This time the theme for dance was "social message" and duration of time was 4 minutes approx. Many Schools performed on various themes like Save trees, save animals, birds, child marriage, save the girl child, Corona warriors, waste management, Shiv tandav and so on.

Twenty-three schools participated in the competition.

There were two dance sequences by V-Excel, Nashik, in the category of Mentally and Physically challenged. Thirteen schools participated under this category. Vocational training unit and V- Excel learning centre jointly performed a dance sequence with the theme Gandhiji's Satyagraha.

Bridges Learning Academy (BLA) performed on the theme 'Avoid overuse of mobile phone by promoting outdoor games'. Students of BLA portrayed 16 sports activity with dance on a song clip of 'Yaha Ke Hum Sikander'.

The participants were enthusiastic till the end. Judges and audience applauded the energetic performance and the efforts put in by the students and teachers.

Erode

Playing freely outdoors and having access to the natural environment is particularly important for children with special needs . Sensory exploration of smells, textures and sounds of outdoor spaces can enhance children's awareness and appreciation of natural environment and contribute to their happiness, wellbeing and overall health. Outdoor play provides opportunities for exploring boundaries and to engage with the unknown or unexpected. This, in turn, improves levels of confidence and self-esteem. For example, for some children with special needs putting their hands or feet outside into water, mud, sand might be perceived as a risk by them, just because it is an entirely new experience. Someone might have never touched a tree's bark or a rock before and could be overwhelmed by this feeling. A form of risk-taking, in that sense, could also be to make an environment accessible (with sensitive facilitation by a caregiver or therapist) for someone who has difficulties in accessing it on their own.

In order to give our children an opportunity to have free play, we planned for a picnic to a nearby park on 27 th and 28 th of July. Since this was the first time we planned for an outdoor visit, we oriented our children about it with the basic rules to be followed. The excitement of some of the children was visible on their faces. The students were grouped into two groups -- Primary group and Prevocational group. Four members of staff accompanied them. They all had a lot of fun playing , eating and travelling. They came back very happy . The next day, the parents shared that their wards were explaining to them all about the trip. This has given us lot of confidence to plan more such outings.

With lot of festivals coming up in the next few months ,we are planning for the celebrations involving our students a lot.

Solapur

Celebration of Guru Purnima
Parents Awareness Program
Inauguration Ceremony of V-Excel Learning Centre - Pandharpur
Clinical Aspect of Therapy

Celebration of Guru Purnima

On July 3, 2023, Hindus around the world celebrated Guru Purnima, a day of immense significance in the Sanatan Dharma tradition. This auspicious day is dedicated to honoring the importance of the Guru or teacher, who plays a crucial role in guiding individuals on the path of knowledge and enlightenment. Guru Purnima falls on the Full Moon Day (Purnima Tithi) in the month of Ashad.

The festival Guru Purnima is celebrated in our V-Excel center. The function began with singing the shloka -

Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Gurur devo maheshwara, Gurur sakshat Parabramha, Tasmaye shri Guruve nam

Later students offered flowers to the teachers. Guru Purnima serves as a reminder of the eternal importance of knowledge, learning and the revered Gurus who selflessly share their wisdom with the world. As devotees come together to celebrate this sacred occasion, they express their gratitude and reverence for the invaluable role Gurus play in their lives.

Parents Awareness Program

In our V-Excel centre, on 8th July 2023, Parents awareness program was conducted. Regional Director, Jayanti Madam, spoke about importance of structure and routine of a child and also gave the information about diet plans for children who are hyper active.

Pradnya madam, psychologist Nashik centre, gave information about disability, to the parents' and how it can be recovered. She also mentioned of how to make a child social.

They both motivated the parents with positive thoughts and asked parents to be involved with the school to help with developing of their kids They took one on one session with parents, gave instructions and guidance to their problems.

Inauguration Ceremony of V-Excel Learning Centre - Pandharpur

On 9-July-2023, V-Excel Educational trust expands its foot print in Pandharpur, with a third satellite center in Maharashtra. The inaugural transition took place at the opening ceremony in the presence of Ms. Seema Tai Paricharak , Dr. Shri Ganesh Patil, Jayanti Madam and Pradnya Apte, psychologist, on Sunday 9th. Our Madam addressed about growing Autism, ADHD, L.D. in children. This needed guidance, education, and therapies. She also provided awareness about these problems and how could one recover. Branches are to be formed after the success of the establishment. This is an indication of the success of teachers who all work very hard.

Guests were wished success and motivated to do even more and achieve more. The gathered public gave remarkable compliments and great messages for the new branch of the school which made this event most cheerful.

Clinical Aspect of therapy

What is therapy and why do doctors suggest therapy for hyperactive, autism child, to a child who cannot speak properly and how it works - all this information was given and practically shown to parents on 16th July 2023 in YOG Vihar ashram, where the V-Excel Centre conducted an awareness program.

Dr Radhika Honap, gave information about Occupational therapy in which she explained about ADL, fine motor activities, coordination, and attention. Sensory issues-Vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, olfactory, auditory, visual functioning, PT- motor planning, tone tightness and gross motor skills. How we give therapy in the Centre to children was practically shown by Dr Neha Rathi and Dr Koustubh to parents and they also involved the parents.

Orientation program for parents on what is speech therapy - was conducted by Vaishnavi Salunke Madam. She explained the difference between what is speech and language and their types with examples. How does the SLP work and Language development pyramid. Later she showed Oro-motor exercise, practically on kids and explained important for speech and feeding issues. This program was conducted in presence of Rajendra Mynal as a chief guest, Nagnath Chougule and 30 parents were also present in this program. This program was successfully conducted by Sunita Vaidya Madam.

Abhyasa Kendra, Srirangam

On July 21st and 22nd 2023, Shri. Anand Jagadeesan - our Advisor, Shri. S P B Sivaprakash, our AGM - Administration, Smt. Lekshmi Ramesh - Unit Head , Early Intervention and Remedial Services from the V-Excel Educational Trust, Chennai met the parents of our Srirangam Unit and discussed the children's progress in the Vocational Training Unit and Remedial Unit. We also had discussions on the Vocational Training activities for the Academic Year 2023- 2024. Our Team gave tips to the parents on how to handle the children at home and how to teach them basic skills. The parent meeting was held individually for Remedial Parents and a group for Vocational Parents.

Our Team met some staff individually and in groups to discuss the center activities, finalize the Vocational Training for the Academic Year, raw materials purchase, average quantity of podi grinding for a month, making greeting cards, tailoring and making paper covers.

From Outreach Remedial Center, Pollachi

Government school adoption program 2023-24 - Remediation support for students with SLD.

Outreach Educational and Charitable Trust Pollachi in association with V-Excel Educational Trust, Chennai has revived its ongoing school adoption program for government school students with Specific Learning Disability (SLD).

Two government schools are adopted for this academic year and approximately 75 students are expected to be the direct beneficiaries of this program.

From Ananda Karuna Vidyalalyam, Ambattur

Greetings from Ananda Karuna Vidyalayam!

July 3rd - School reopened for new admission students.

July 7th - Stationery gift pack was distributed to our kids.

July 8th - EI team of V-Excel visited parents, did teachers orientation & EI assessment.

July 11th - Ramachandra Vidya Sudha team conducted an assessment session as per the MOU for our students. SLPS special educators and ocupational therapist did the assessments and reports were submitted.

July 12th - PMF (Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field) centre was set up.

July 13th - Second session of Ramachandra team did their final assessment and had an interaction session with the staff.

July 14th- Children enjoyed the launch of Chandrayan 3 virtually.

July 15th - Karma Veerar Kamarajar birthday celebration. Students speech about Kamarajar.

July 15th - A google meet was conducted by PunarJeeva Technology Solutions about gamified digital therapy equipments to familiarize, how the products work on children with special need.

July 17th - PEMF therapy started for our students.

July 17th - Sanjana and Meghana, celebrated their birthday with our children. They gifted friendship band and provided lunch for our children.

July 19th - Mrindangam online session.

July 22nd - Training @ V-Excel on the topic of calming.

July 25th - Miss Poorani visited our school for a research observation of autistic kids.

Conclusion: Students who applied for secondary and senior secondary NIOS exam, 2022-2023, passed with flying colours.

Youth Empowerment Services

From Gayathri Suryanarayanan's Desk

Key highlights for the month of May 2023

• Vocational training, Counselling and Therapy activities

• Silambam and Yoga training

• Meetings and Visitors

• ISRO visit

• Women health camp

• Participation in the Choir singing

• One year completion of Archery training

• Production

Vocational training, Counselling and Therapy activities

Vocational training has been happening at full swing at YES. The schedule and the program are based on the goal setting for each trainee. Day schedule has been followed with providing necessary accommodations for the trainees. We had Thirupugazh chanting by a group on 27 July at YES. Therapy sessions have been very regular, and Mr. Vasanth has been a great support by offering his guidance on integrating therapy needs in the vocational training where more physical activities are involved.

There was a very small break in counselling as the counsellor, Ms. Jayadevi, had to be on a break due to a family emergency. Post placement counselling was happening regularly.

Sreyes farm visits for this year commenced in the month of July. 4 trainees from YES are part of this program We have our volunteer groups, Hexaware team and Take A Step engaging with our trainees regularly.

Silambam, Fitness and Yoga training

Silambam training sessions started in the month of June 2023 are happening regularly on Fridays. Trainees are familiar with the footwork and now have moved to working with the silambam stick. There are 12 trainees in this program in total, out of which 4 have progressed really well.

Fitness program is held every Wednesday. Each week the program offers a different set of activities. It focusses on both physical and mental well-being. All the trainees are part of this program.

Yoga sessions are held twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All the trainees participate in this, and they do it as 2 groups. Yoga includes meditation, breathing exercises apart from simple asanas.

Meetings and Visitors

On 10 July 2023, there was a meeting with the SNEH team. Ms. Anuradha and Ms. Geeta visited YES to discuss the current process and to decide on the way forward. Many points were discussed to make sure that the trainees get maximum benefits.

On 12 July we had a visitor from Tata Power who had a tour of YES to get an understanding of our training and placement process. He was very appreciative of our work and the structured we conduct our training program. He also interacted with a few of our trainees.

ISRO

On 14 July, 29 trainees and staff members from YES, went to ISRO, Sriharikota to witness the launch of the Chandraayan 3. We were accompanied by children and staff members of KLC and VTU. Trainees got a good opportunity to watch the historic event from the nearest possible distance.

Women health camp

On 15 July 2023, Dr. Diksha Agarwala, consultant obstetrics and gyneacologist, Kauvery hospitals, Chennai, agreed to visit YES and meet parents, trainees and staff members to address the common health issues women face. She willingly shared tips and suggestions on personal hygiene, period management and menopause issues. She met all the staff members individually and clarified their doubts on women health. It was a very useful session and Dr. Diksha has also agreed to conduct a separate session for our trainees.

Participation in Choir singing

On the occasion of 30 years of FLO Chennai, a celebration was held at the Leela Palace, Chennai on July 16. The ceremony was graced by Ms. Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, MP, Lok Sabha. A part of the celebrations involved a performance by Dr. Sudha Raja's Sargam Choir of which Dr. Vasudha Prakash was a member. She had also invited a few staff members and trainees from YES to sing with the choir. YES team was part of the first song of the choir performance. Trainees were thrilled to be part of this and did a good job.

Our heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Raji Raju, chairperson FLO Chennai for this wonderful opportunity and Ms. Sudha Raja for being an awesome trainer.

One year completion of Archery training

We have completed one-year of Archery training at YES and to mark this occasion we took all the archery trainees to The Children's Club Society, Mylapore. Sri G. Shanker (Hon. Secretary) of the Children's Club graciously offered the grounds on their premises for our practice. He was also there to witness our trainees shoot arrows. This was a wonderful experience for all of us as we shot arrows from a longer distance than usual and we were able to practice archery in a different setting. Our trainees were amazing and we could visibly see the progress they had made not only in the sport, but also in their focus, concentration and stamina.

Production

We completed printing orders for SNEH and a few other individual customers

We also took up and completed orders for Kanji maavu, Millet mix and Idli podi

We have taken up a big order for chocolates from one of our CSR partners and we are working on it.