We are proud to launch our inaugural e-newsletter, Strides. This will be emailed to all our well-wishers and members of the
Special Education community. In addition to keeping you aware of our initiatives, this newsletter will give you an updated
status of the goings-on at V-Excel.
We are moving ...
After months of searching for a place, we have finally signed a long-term lease to rent the premises of the Dr. Leelavathy Hospital in Mandaveli.
Our new address is:
#1 Norton 2nd Street
Mandaveli, Chennai 600 028
Tel: 91 - 44 - 2494 2255
91 - 44 – 2495 6373
The new place will give us the much needed rooms, in addition to open space within the compound walls.
We have grown!!
From very humble beginnings and an enrollment of 10 teacher trainees and 16 special children, in 2002, our growth has been steady and
the extent of our services has been far-reaching. Today V-Excel offers a spectrum of services ranging from teacher training, educational
services for special children, remedial services for children in the mainstream who have difficulty coping with the curriculum, a learning
disability clinic, assessments, therapies, assistive technologies, parent support forums, advocacy programs, and several initiatives and projects.
Our school, the Kaleidoscope Learning Center, has an enrollment of 45 students— with a range of disabilities: autism (18), mental retardation (8),
Down’s syndrome (5), developmental disabilities (5), learning disabilities (4), ADHD (3), Asperger’s syndrome (1) and cerebral palsy (1). In
addition, the remedial program caters to 84 children, with a further 12 children in the Bridges Learning Academy. The Academy of Teacher Excellence has
graduated 33 teachers with 12 more slated for graduation in June 2005. All our graduates have found employment in the field.
Our staff numbers have grown in accordance. We now have 26 full-time, 20 part-time staff and several volunteers.
Our therapy centers now encompass a variety of services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, yoga therapy, and
music therapy. We are the only institute in India that offers the Miller therapy for autistic children.
Bridges Learning Academy
Visit to the Aavin Milk Factory in Shollinganallur - September 17, 2004. Children from Bridges were introduced to the
process of daily milk supply and the understanding basic of factory operations.
Interaction with peers from the mainstream. Alongwith their teachers, Mrs. Subhangini and Mrs. Bhanu,
children from Bridges visited Chettinad Vidyashram. The objective was to build sensitivity among children about the differences
that exist among individuals while appreciating, enjoying and respecting the same.
Christmas Day - children learned about Christmas and rejoicing in the festive spirit.
Kaleidoscope Learning Center (KLC) News
Ms. GyanaPrasanna, a disciple of the Maestro Bala Murali Krishna, has shown keen interest in contributing her skills and time
in helping our children to explore the notes of life through music. She began working with our children from the 27th January,
2005 and we are happy see them really enjoy her classes.
The children from Prevocational (Gardening Group) have been growing and selling 'methi' as a part of their practical skills
learning program. Of the revenue they earned from this exercise, they bought some gardening equipment. This project is really
moving on from step to step and is indeed bringing a lot of joy to the teachers!
Pongal was celebrated with fervor on 12th January, 2005. The children 'dressed' for the occasion. The meaning of Pongal was
represented through a tableau and a small group comprising teachers and students performed a lovely folk dance to mark the
festival.
A number of post graduate students from the city colleges have been constantly being placed in our school. Typically, their
objective is either to obtain experience in community work or to undergo internship through hands-on-work with special children.
Partners and Sponsors
If you are in the field of special education or, if your focus is on servicing people with disabilities, and if you would like to join
our cause, or partner with us, please send us an email.
Satyam Alambana Foundation and V-Excel launch Online Directory Building initiative for Special Children on 'International Day
of Disabled Persons' This comprehensive online directory that will provide easy access to information and services to support
the rehabilitation of children with special needs.
The Rotary Club of Madras has pledged financial support to help with the infrastructure rebuilding at our new premises.
Sincere thanks to the IL&FS Trust Company Limited for their generosity. And to Mr. Sreenivasan of Chennai ...
Other News of Interest
Dr. Vasudha Prakash, Director of V-Excel, was a guest in the program "Achcham Illai" on Jaya TV. The show featured a discussion
on autism, the issues confronting parents and children, and the various options available in South India.
V-Excel Remedial Center (VRC) News
The first satellite V-Excel Remedial Center was launched this month at Adyar, Chennai. The primary center will continue to be a part
of the central multi-dimensional institution that we run, encompassing key service units such as Special School, Remedial Center,
Learning Disabilities Clinic, and Teacher Training.
The various skills and development lags we work with include:
Cognitive skills
Social skills
Behaviour modification therapies
Communication
Perceptual skills
Sensory processing capabilities
Emotional disturbances
Our referrals come from varied sources such as the medical fraternity, regular schools, other special schools, concerned family
and friends of affected children, and anxious parents. Apart from remedial services offered at our center, we also provide
intense speech and communication as well as occupational therapy, weekend programs and home based programs for the children,
depending on their needs. The most important part of our work is that the total package of services is offered to the children
on a one-on-one training basis.
Contact Info :: India:
V-Excel Educational Trust
#1 Norton 2nd Street
Mandaveli Chennai 600 028
Tel: 91 - 44 - 2494 2255
91 - 44 – 2495 6373 E-mail us or visit us at www.v-excel.org
Contact Info :: USA:
Academic Concepts, Inc.
1403 Merrywood Drive
Edison, NJ 08817
Tel: (732) 572-3748
Tax ID: 22-3632715
E-mail us
Volunteer Info:
Volunteers are an integral part of our success. Our most pressing needs are in the areas of occupational and speech therapies, and
as teacher aides. We also require assistance in library management.
If you have any of these and are interested in volunteering at V-Excel, please contact us.
Did you know?
Did you know, autism is NOT an emotional disorder but a neurologically-based disorder that has diverse biological causes? Did you know, autism occurs evenly among socioeconomic status and educational levels? Did you know, it is estimated that 1 in every 250 individuals may have autism?
Autism is the third most common developmental disability, far more common than Down Syndrome! Did you know, autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the
first three years of life. Children and adults with autism typically have serious difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, self-care,
and leisure or play activities often requiring individualized and intensive supports.
Did you know, autism is NOT an emotional disorder but a neurologically-based disorder that has diverse biological causes?
