Help Educate 500 Deafblind Children in India

Background:

Vishal, born on September 26, 2011, faced multiple challenges from birth due to cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, and sensory issues caused by oxygen deprivation. His family, residing in Uttadi near Limbdi road, Taludo, struggled with financial constraints. Vishal's disabilities became apparent when he was three years old, impacting his ability to engage in daily activities and attend school.

Intervention Provided:

In June 2018, Vishal's life took a transformative turn when he was identified through a school camp and enrolled in our programme. Through the programme, Vishal learned communication skills through lip reading and sign language, enabling him to interact effectively with others. He received support to improve his mobility, participate in sports and school activities, and develop essential life skills, including handling money.

Life Changes After Intervention:

Following the intervention, Vishal flourished both academically and socially. He progressed from struggling to keep up in school to excelling in his studies, reaching the 7th standard with confidence. Vishal's ability to navigate public spaces independently and actively participate in community life demonstrated his remarkable progress. His parents expressed pride in his dedication and adaptability to new challenges.

Present Condition and Achievements:

Currently, Vishal is a seventh grader who demonstrates proficiency in subjects like mathematics and language. He can write his name, count up to 50, and understand the value of money. Vishal's aspirations include pursuing further education and actively participating in community activities. Supported by a dedicated project coordinator and a loving community, Vishal continues to set ambitious goals for himself, including improving his writing skills and mastering larger denominations of money.

Conclusion:

Vishal's journey exemplifies the transformative power of comprehensive intervention programmes and community support. Despite facing significant challenges, Vishal's determination and resilience have enabled him to overcome obstacles and achieve remarkable progress in his education and personal development. His story serves as an inspiration to all, highlighting the importance of inclusive education and supportive communities in empowering individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential.

Links:

• Annual Report 2022-23

• Breaking_Barriers__Vishal.pdf (PDF)
  

Born to Rabindra (father) and Indrani (mother), Indranil, a lively child, discovered happiness in exploration and acquiring knowledge. However, his journey was not without challenges. He faced multiple disabilities including microcephaly, tactile defensiveness, and cortical visual impairment. These obstacles hindered his progress as his speech was unclear and he had a repulsion to touch. Inclusive schools rejected his admission, leading his parents to seek enrollment in a special school.

With intervention came a transformative change. Speech therapy granted him the ability to form two-word sentences. Through sensory integration activities, his tactile defensiveness improved, although he still approached sticky things with caution. His vision became more consistent, enabling him to recognize objects and follow picture books. He eagerly listened to auditory commands and embarked on a new adventure - gaining admission to Barisha School in 2022. Not only did he adapt to the class routine, but he also displayed a passion for literacy skills, spelling, and counting.

Rabindra expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am filled with joy seeing my son attending school and enjoying himself while learning. I am truly grateful to Tollygunge Swikriti, a parents’ network group which helped to address our concerns about our child." The parent’s group played a crucial role in ensuring Indranil's admission in school.

Following the intervention, Indranil's progress continued. Pre-braille activities were initiated with the guidance of his teacher-parent. Their unwavering commitment drove his educational journey.

Indranil's parents shared, "We have witnessed significant improvement in his learning because we actively participated and remained attentive throughout the intervention."

Indranil's story exemplifies the power of intervention, parental support, and the resilience of a determined child. His laughter now fills the hallways of education, serving as a testament to the transformative impact achieved through collective effort and unwavering dedication.

• Indranils_Journey_of_Learning_Love_and_Resilience.pdf (PDF)