We are very happy to announce the formation of our Advisory Panel. The Panel consists of an esteemed group of professionals from a
cross-section of society. Our members include:
Mr. C.N. Ramdas IAS, Retired Secretary to Government of India and Chairman, GNG Group
Dr. K. Nirmala Prasad, Principal, M.O.P Vaishnav College for Women and Member, Syndicate, University of Madras
Dr. Pradipta Mohapatra, President & Chief Executive, IT & Telecom Sector, RPG Enterprises
Dr. Prithika Chary, Senior Consultant Neurologist- Neurosurgeon, Chief of Epitomology, Apollo Hospitals
Mr. S. Sripall, Former Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu
Mr. P. Vaidyanathan, Commercial Specialist, U.S Dept. of Commerce, American Consulate General
The first Panel meeting was held on the 2nd of April and comprised of introductions and discussions about our activities and plans.
We would like to sincerely thank each one of them for their keen interest in our activities.
Academy of Teacher Excellence News
Parent orientation - A one month course on Autism for parents began on the March 21. This is to help them understand their child's
condition and associated behaviours, while becoming conversant with the methodologies followed in the school. The intention is to ensure
consistency in instructional practices both at home and school.
Our 4th batch of teacher-trainees have completed their internship with KLC students, helping them effectively learn to integrate theory and practice.
Thesis submission is due on April 14.
Bridges Learning Academy
Interschool Sports - About 20 of the students from BLA and KLC participated in the annual event hosted by Leo Clubs Handipark, a sports event
for special children. Our children enjoyed the experience, got complemented for their good behavior, and won a number of prizes and medals.
Evaluations for the junior and senior groups commenced on the April 4 and focused on personal development and academic curriculum. An initial analysis
indicates impressive gains by the children. Results will be published in a future issue of this newsletter.
Kaleidoscope Learning Center (KLC) News
It's My School - A lovely colorful mural painted by all the children, the staff and volunteers at KLC marked the first day at school. It was a
mega group activity and made the start in our new premises really significant and exciting!
A unique frontage - The first year students of the 'Visual Communications' course of MOP Vaishnav College, a reputed city college, have given
V-Excel a brand new façade. At a glance, the viewer gets an insight into the entire gamut of activities at the centre, thanks to the beautiful
stick figures they have meticulously painted.
Fun plus Learn - Pizza Corner hosted a special day for our students where the students of our centre got hands on experience in "the art of
pizza making." Accompanied by a few teachers the students enjoyed kneading, rolling, baking and tasting their own made pizzas.
Our 'musical' Director - We had an impromptu music session when Dr. Vasudha decided to sing with the children and rendered a simple and beautiful
bhajan. Her music teacher Sri Ramamurthy Rao who was visiting, also accompanied her and there was visible joy and a lot of vibrant energy in the
group of children that afternoon. We hope for many more of such sessions.
V-Excel Remedial Center (VRC) News
The Remedial Center at Mandaveli has been operational for over a month now. Our children have settled down fairly quickly in the new environment,
thanks to the sensitive and efficient handling of all the teachers. The smiles on the faces of our children are all the reward that we hope and pray for!
We have ensured that both Speech and Occupational Therapy services are rendered to the children at the new satellite center itself. This makes
it extremely convenient for them to have all required therapies and training under one roof.
March being the exam time for most of our remedial children in their respective schools, we have been very busy preparing them to cope with
their challenges. Some of us have been scribing for our children at their schools. We would like to thank 'Jingle Bells School' at Thiruvanmiyur,
in particular, to have allowed us to be present and help the children write the exams. Incidentally, the children are doing very well.
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) News
We are happy that we could distribute appliances for nearly 400 disabled persons in Villipuram district this month. These include hearing aids,
spectacles, crutches, wheelchairs, etc.
We are in the process of setting up 9 Resource Centers for special children in the rural areas. These centers will be fully equipped with various
teaching aids such as educational toys and art material, Speech trainers, cycles for physiotherapy, and sensory integration equipment for
Occupational Therapy. These Resource rooms will ensure that the challenged children in the villages can avail of appropriate training and
therapy locally. This is a giant step in providing quality service to disadvantaged population.
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, although the chance of a baby having Down’s syndrome is higher for older mothers, more babies with Down’s syndrome are born to younger women? Did you know, Down’s syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra chromosome in a baby’s cells? It occurs by chance at conception and is irreversible. Did you know, it is estimated that 1 in every 1,000 individuals will have Down's Syndrome? Did you know, Down’s syndrome is not a disease? People with Down’s syndrome are not ill and do not “suffer” from the condition. Did you know, people with the syndrome will have a degree of learning difficulty? However, most people with Down’s syndrome will walk and talk and many will read and write, go to ordinary schools and lead fulfilling, semi-independent lives. Did you know, today, people with Down’s syndrome can expect to live to between 40 and 60 years of age on average?
