Beauty of Life by Wahid Khan

ROBIN PASSI

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. - Albert Einstein

Profile on the activities of

THE DELHI SOCIETY FOR THE WELFARE OF SPECIAL CHILDREN Okhla Centre, Okhla Marg, New Delhi - 110025 The Delhi Society for the Welfare of Special Children has, since its

The Okhla Centre School has a fleet of five school buses & a mini

inception in 1965, undertaken a number of projects for the welfare of

van for it’s students. It extends School transportation to most of the

persons with learning disabilities and other associated conditions.

areas of Delhi at a subsidized rate.

The Society has been predominantly working for the weaker and economically disadvantaged section of the society. The students

Extra-curricular activities being held in the school include Sports,

comprise of cases with intellectual disabilities and associated

Music, Singing, Dancing, Yoga, Drama, Art, Clay-modeling classes.

conditions, such as cerebral palsy, autism, ADHD, speech and

There is a fully-equipped & monitored There is also a Recreational

language delays, multiple disabilities, hearing impairment, down

Hall & Library facility.

syndrome & other developmental delays. The fees charged are at a nominal rate and 25% of the students are not charged tuition fee.

The students take part in Inter-School/ Inter-state Competitions & carefully monitored public/private functions in all extra-curricular

The Society has been actively engaged in the following ongoing

activities followed at the School. The School has a ramp to provide

programmes:

easy access to all students and makes the building barrier free.

Okhla Centre School was established in the year 1965. It is one of

Familiarity and usage of a Computer has become a part of daily

the oldest day care schools in Delhi for children with special needs. It provides educational and therapeutic services for children with intellectual disabilities and associated conditions.

life. The Okhla Centre School believes in preparing children at a par with their peers. The School has recently started a computer department which is equipped with eight computers and an

The school currently caters to over 100 children with special needs

instructor. Regular computer training is provided in the school

who receive quality rehabilitation, education and training. There

which gives children exposure to learn simple operations on the

are 11 classes in the school. The children are grouped according to

system & provides them with job oriented skills. It also provides

their chronological age and level of functioning.

a recreational activity of playing games like other children of

The school has also introduced Open Basic Education programmes

their age. Inadvertently these sessions, through time spent on

from the National Institute of Open School (NIOS) in order to

the computer, provides them with an instant understanding of

provide flexible learning to ‘special needs’ students and those from

cause and effect, improves their motor coordination, attention,

the economically weaker sections of the society.

concentration, creativity and sense of time bound activities. 7

Vocational

Training

Centre

intellectual

The Institute is in the process of introducing B.Ed (Regular Mode)

disabilities was initiated in 1979 to make the students feel

course in Special Education in the field of “Special Needs” and

worthwhile and productive and to equip them with simple

Learning Disability with an affiliation from Guru Gobind Singh

repetitive

handloom

Indraprastha University, Delhi from the coming academic year

weaving, making of file covers / envelopes, masala making

2012-13 with approval from the Rehabilitation Council of India and

& packaging, making jute bags, stitching / tailoring /embroidery.

the Govt. of Delhi.

skills

printing,

for

adults

candle

with

making,

There are currently 70 students in the Vocational Training Centre. They receive a monthly stipend for the products created by them. The Vocational Training Units are divided into: • Cooking and Masala making • Candle making

conducted in the Institute by the faculty. Web-facilitated updated information / technology in all fields, helps up-grade teacher trainee skills. There is a separate Computer Lab section with internet facilities where they receive training.

• Weaving

This helps them to understand and compare their educational

• Beauty culture

practices, teaching strategies with other states or countries. Thus

• Art, Crafts and Printing Training Institute (TTI) established in the year 1999 offers regular Diploma in Special Education, B.Ed in Special Education from

the aim is to prepare the trainees as per the current demands of their professional field. Diagnostic and Counseling Clinic was established in the year

Indira Gandhi National Open University (Correspondence Course),

1976 to evaluate development of children with special needs in

Post Graduate Professional Diploma in Special Education

the area of academics, learning, skills, psychosocial adjustment,

and several other short-term courses for special educators,

interpersonal relationships, vocational aptitudes and health. More

psychologists and rehabilitation professionals. All the courses

than 100 children are evaluated each year by a team of specialists

conducted at TTI are recognized by the Rehabilitation Council

consisting of a pediatrician, clinical psychologist, speech therapist,

of India. Every year, the Institute brings out over 100 successful

special educator, physiotherapist, occupational therapist and

Special Educators who are placed in school of repute in Delhi and

social worker.

other parts of the country where they come from.

Regular parent training programs, seminars and workshops are

A comprehensive rehabilitation programme is designed for each

The Institute has a Library for professional trainees with more than

child. Home training programmes are provided for the parents for

a 1200 books & national/ international journals.

the practical and pyscholgical care of their child at home.

The services at the Clinic includes: 1. Psycho-diagnostic testing for evaluating psychological, social,

8. Counseling sessions for emotionally disturbed and children with behavioural problems.

emotional and physical capabilities of the children and young

The Clinic is equipped to provide advanced Physiotherapy and

adults with special needs

Occupational therapy services which include:

2. Parent Training Programmes.

• Advanced

Electrotherapy

Biofeedback, 3. Orientation and dissemination of information to parents and guardians of the children/young adults with special needs. 4. Monthly group discussions with parents to exchange notes and experiences. 5. Discussion with teachers regarding educational goals and behavior modification plans. 6. Practical training facilities for trainee social workers. 7. Early intervention services, include • Parental Counseling for Therapeutic Intervention • Environmental Sensory Stimulation Techniques for Children with Developmental Delay • Home Training Programmes for Parents • Audio Visual Stimulation through Educational Aids • Activities for Young Children to Encourage Learning through Play

Shortwave

Interferential diathermy,

unit

with

therapy,

T.E.N.S,

E.M.G

Ultrasound

therapy,

Electrical

stimulation,

Cryotherapy • Sensory Integration unit: swings, trampoline, hammock, tunnel, massager etc. • Effective hand function therapy – peg board test, clay therapy, massage • Assessment & training of activities of daily living & vocational assessment. • Cognitive and mental activities for learning disability • Treatment available for: Stroke/Paralysis, Autism Spectrum Disorder

(A.S.D),

A.D.H.D,

Cerebral

Palsy,

Parkinson,

Rheumatoid Arthritis (R.A), Osteo-Arthritis (O.A.), Spinal cord injury (S.C.I), Post Traumatic stiffness, Other Neurological Orthopedic & Sports conditions • Special services: Evaluation on international standardized scales like:

Sensory Profile C.A.R.S -2 (Childhood Autism Rating Scale-2) especially for

Presently, there are 10 children, two special educators and a

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (A.D.H.D), Autism Spectrum

caretaker. An Occupational Therapist & a Speech Therapist from

Disorder(A.S.D)

the Diagnostic & Counseling Clinic also tend to the Unit. Two

The Clinic is also equipped with an advanced Speech & Audiology

students have been mainstreamed since 2010.

Unit. The services include: • Speech therapy for: Articulation disorder Fluency disorder Voice disorder Delayed speech & language development • Language developmental programme • Instrumental therapy using speech trainer • Hearing Screening with Pure Tone audiometer • Auditory Training for hearing impaired • Sound-proof acoustic therapy rooms Outreach programs are conducted in the form of CBR camps.

Flyers: Early Intervention Unit Early intervention is a program which was introduced in February in 2012 to help infants and toddlers who have developmental delays. The program also serves children with diagnosed disabilities and children at risk of other developmental delays. The goal of the program is to help children as soon as possible, so that they can reach their full potential. The prime objective of the program is to promote inclusive opportunities for them to integrate happily into society. Getting help early can make a huge difference in a child’s life. An early intervention team works with the families of these children to assess what services are needed and the best way to implement them. Parental training and counseling is an integral part of the program. This program of 7 children caters to children from birth to 4 years of age, with one special educator & a caretaker devoted to them. An Occupational Therapist & a Speech Therapist from the Diagnostic & Counseling Clinic also tend to the Unit.

Respite Care Unit was established in January 2010 for the benefit

of special needs children between the ages of 4 to 14 years. This

Working in the field of rehabilitation for more than four decades,

unit caters to the children in need of intensive therapeutic and

the Society now intends to expand its existing activities in order to

behavioral intervention. The unit also provides a platform for

promote and create opportunities of independent living for people

the children in transition, from respite care to the mainstream.

with special needs.

The Okhla Centre 12

THE OKHLA CENTRE The Okhla Centre for School for Special Children started as a small

The visitor tried & failed & much to Mrs. Yasho Karan Singh’s

school under the banner of the All India Womens’ Conference

delight Sunita completed the jigsaw in a matter of minutes!

(AIWC) & The Lady Irwin College in 1964-65. The School, known at the time as Amrit Kaur Bal Vihar, was on the premises of the AIWC at Bhagwan Das Road. There were three small classrooms & a little office space for the Principal. The students had the use of the front lawn & a playground at the side of the main entrance. My association with the Amrit Kaur Bal Vihar began in 1967, when as a trainee teacher in Special Education, I started visiting the school for practice teaching sessions. In 1968, I met Mrs. Yasho Karan Singh when she came for the first time to the school. So impressed was she by the work done there that she started coming regularly & in time got to know the staff & students really well. The field of Special Education was new in India & there was an urgent need for schools for the mentally challenged children in Delhi. Mrs. Yasho Karan Singh visited the school two or three times a week & would often bring visitors to the school to, “show off”, the talents of the pupils.

with a vision & a passion to mould it into a model institution & Mrs. Yasho Karan Singh fitted this role perfectly. Bringing together a board of dedicated teachers, doctors, social workers & parents of special children, Mrs. Yasho Karan Singh became the President for life of ‘the Delhi Society for the Welfare of Special Children’ when the school moved its premises to the present location at Okhla Marg. The school building came up first, and then a first storey was added to the building. Later, another building came up on the campus with a Diagnostic Clinic, a Counselling Centre for Parents, a Library & a Teachers’ Training Institute. A Physiotherapy Unit, a Speech Therapy Unit & an Occupational Therapy Department were also created in the school building, as also a Vocational Training Centre for students above 18 years of age. Mrs. Yasho Karan Singh, steered her vessel through good weather & bad with a steady but

Her special favourite was a young girl called Sunita who was a

gentle hand. She gave the project an excellent start and we aim to

wizard at jigsaw puzzles. I remember that on one occasion she

carry her vision forward.

‘dared’ a visitor she had brought along to piece together a rather large & intimidating jigsaw puzzle.

In those early years, the school it seems was waiting for a person

Recently, a school ramp has been built, a new Respite Centre for children with severe behavioural problems & a Flyers Early Intervention programme has been established. In the Teachers Training Institute we are well on our way to introducing new courses.

The

Clinic-Physiotherapy-Speech

Therapy-

Audio

department equipment has been replaced &upgraded & their rooms refurbished. The classrooms, bathrooms & their furniture too have undergone extensive detailed renovations. A library, a recreational-yoga-dance hall & computer rooms has been added. Constant attention is being given to the school curriculum & the extra-curricular activities being followed. After Mrs.Yasho Karan Singhâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passing away in 2009, her daughter-in-law Mrs. Chitrangada Raje Singh was entrusted with the responsibility of managing the Society, which she does in the capacity of a Vice-President. Forty five years on, we look back and see how far we have come. As a tribute to a great lady, we, here at Okhla, endeavour to carry on from where she left off. Shyamlee Mukherjee (Secretary) Associated with the School from 1967-1969 1970-1972 200415

Beauty of life Each moment that I spent with these children, I realized how loving and benevolent they are. There is innocence not only in their hearts, but also their minds. They have taught me to be kind and sensitive towards everything in the world. There is a hope in their heart, that someday they will definitely achieve what they desire. Despite the disabilities, they have the will power to achieve their goals. This gives me inspiration to stay determined and focused in life and working hard towards what I want to achieve. I have learnt the art of beauty of life from these children. - Robin Passi

Works

Gurvinder 20

Najeeb 21

No matter what happens, always keep your childhood innocence. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the most important thing. - Federico Fellini

Rajneesh 24

Rajneesh 25

Love Compassion and Togetherness I have learnt to be loving towards all. The Students have taught me to love with compassion and selflessness. They have helped me to understand the virtue of harmony and togetherness. They have also taught me to stay strong and never escape challenges in life, rather I should face them with honesty and an inner strength. - Robin Passi

Puneet & Sameer 28

Sameer

Anurag

Gurvinder 29

Deepti 30

Yogita

Yash 31

Every child is gifted. They just unwrap their packages at different times.

Anmol

Anmol & Prachi 33

Stay Happy and Carefree The children have taught me to be cheerful and care free. We should try to keep ourselves diverted and stay positive. We should believe in ourselves and never give up. - Robin Passi

Gautam & Naina

Abhishek 35

Every child should have a caring adult in their lives. And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not always a biological parent or family member. It maybe a friend or neighbour, Often times it is a teacher. - Joe Manchin

Ms. Nidhi Singh (Special Educator) - Hitrik, Sumit & Abhishek 38

Ms. Sanju Saxena (Senior Teacher & Special Educator), Ms. Nidhi Singh (Special Educator) Sumit, Gurjeet, Hritik, Salur & Abhishek 39

If you think you can or you think you can’t, either way you’ll be right. - Henry Ford

Ms. Aparna Das (Special Educator) - Sonali, Prachi & Farhan 42

Gautam, Lakshay & Sameer 43

Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies honesty. - Mother Teresa

Ms. Payal Handa (Speech Therapist) & Satyam 46

Ms. Payal Handa (Speech Therapist) & Amani 47

The children have taught me to stay calm patient and composed. This will help me build a stronger will power to stay focused. These children have given an apt example to the saying â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Try try until you succeed. - Robin Passi

Physio Therapy Department â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Deepti Nayar & Priyanka 50

Gurpreet 51

Try, Try, Try - Until you succeed I have learnt the art of never giving up. These students at the centre inspire me to keep working hard until I have achieved what I wish to do. They have taught me to be patient and tolerant, even if my efforts do not show results instantly, in the end hard work always ends with a positive outcome. - Robin Passi

Mrs. Babita (Beautician) - Amber, Mansi & Seema 54

Anjali 55

The children do not possess any negative feelings for anybody in their hearts. They are not biased towards anyone. This teaches us to be free from any kind of social and emotional bias. We should treat everyone as equal. - Robin Passi

Ms. Pratima Banerjee (Vocational Instructor) & Reema 58

Vocational Workshop 59

You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching. Love like you'll never be hurt, Sing like there's nobody listening, And live like it's heaven on earth. - William W. Purkey

Printing Machine 62

Thread Machine 63

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them compassion can not survive. - Dalai Lama

Abdullaha 66

Physio Therapy Department â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Charu 67

Happiness & Joy After spending a precious amount of time with the students, I have realized that by extending small gestures of kindness, can give immense happiness and joy and this in itself is immensely rewarding. - Robin Passi

Ramp Facility 70

Sujeet & Babloo

I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe. - Dalai Lama 71

With Special Thanks to the staff at The Delhi Society for the Welfare of Special Children

Mrs. Niharika

Director

Mrs. Sheel Kapur

Administration Officer

TEACHER TRAINING INSTITUTE

Mr. Harish Chandra Morya

Lecturer

Mrs. Nirmal Chabra

Social Worker

Mrs. Sudha Bala Krishnan

Psychologist

Mr. Nikhil Saini

Occupational Therapist

Ms. Sumant Mishra

Physiotherapist

Ms. Payal Handa

Speech Therapist

Ms. Ashiya Anjum

Speech Therapist

Mr. Pranav Kumar

Special Educator

Mrs. Samya Khan

Special Educator

Mrs. Mamta

Special Educator

Mr. Suresh Kumar

Librarian and Office Assistant

Mrs. Tanima Benerjee

Receptionist and Office Assistant

OKHLA CENTRE SCHOOL Ms. Sanju Saxena

Senior Teacher & Special Educator

Mrs. Asha Arora

Special Educator

Mrs. Rechal Sangeeta

Special Educator

Mrs. M.K. Lamba

Special Educator

Ms. Aparana Das

Special Educator

Mr. Vijay Kumar

Special Educator

Ms. Nidhi Singh

Special Educator

Mrs. Sonia Kajania

Special Educator

Ms. Deepmalika

Special Educator

Ms. Pratima Banerjee

Craft Instructor

Mrs. Anjana

Special Educator

Mr. Narender

Weaving Instructor

Ms. Pinki

Special Educator

Mrs. Mayank Sharma

Librarian & Computer Teacher

Mrs. Aruna

Special Educator

Mr. Budh Singh

Art Teacher

Mr. Ishwar

Special Educator

Mr. Sanjeev Kumar

Music Teacher

Mrs. Krishna Sharma

Special Educator

Mrs. Babita

Beautician

Mrs. Archana Bhist

Special Educator

Mr. Bishnu Prashad Pokhrel

Cook

Mrs. Asha Ahmed

Special Educator 73

The happy and positive environment at The Okhla Centre is clearly evident and plays an important role towards, educating, helping and allowing these young people to excel and learn at their own pace with dignity and confidence, thus enabling them to lead a fulfilling and rewarding life in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s society. The Society is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860: and also under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act 1961 All donations made to the Society are eligble for deduction under section 80G of the Income Tax Act 1961. The Society is also registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act and is eligible to receive foreign contributions.

Robin Passi Born 14th March 1997 Currently studying at the Sanskriti School, New Delhi. He has had solo exhibitions at The Alliance Franรงaise - May 2012 The Oberoi Hotel - October 2011 All proceeds from these solo exhibitions were donated to The Delhi Society for the Welfare of Special Children, The Okhla Centre, New Delhi

www.robinpassi.com 75

Okhla Centre, Okhla Marg, New Delhi - 110025 School: 011-26310979 | Off./Fax : 011-26317120 | T.T.I.: 011 - 263200141 | Admin: 011 - 26310896 Email: okhlacentre@gmail.com | Website: www.dswspecialchildren.org