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Special touch to their lives
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For the past 13 years Aikya has been integrating children affected by Downs syndrome into the social mainstream
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AIKYA IS a school for children affected by Down's syndrome, cerebral palsy, minimal cerebral dysfunction and autism. `Aikya' means integration in Sanskrit and the school tries to integrate special children with normal children. There are around 30 students and the school has managed to maintain this strength for the past 13 years. There is no age restriction for admission, but the school does not admit those beyond 30 years of age.
Parvathy Viswanathan, its founder, says her second child (who is a special child) inspired her to set up this institution. She took up a few courses in special education 15 years ago at the Balavihar Training School run by the Guild of Service and Annamalai University. She says, "We do have trained staff, but I feel dedication is very important. We also train people without experience."
The students when initially admitted take a long time to adapt to the environment. Interaction with classmates and staff makes them more confident. They are able do their homework and are punctual to school with a good attendance record.
Students are able to sit through the class but not exams. Most of them are tested based on their IQ levels. An individualised syllabus is set for them. Some are allowed to take up two subjects a year in the Open University system. .
Once a student of this school, Sujani has come back to teach after undergoing training at the school. She has been here for the past 7-8 years. "I love teaching," says she. Usha, another teacher, says, "I have been here for the past 5 years. I had no prior experience. I did a certificate course and also got trained in Aikya. I love teaching these children." Aikya conducts various programmes like the early intervention programme for children in the 0-3 age group and an outreach programme (for mothers who cannot admit their children in a regular school). It also imparts vocational training for children and finds suitable jobs for its students. Inter-school competitions in music, arts, quiz, yoga and dance are held to tap hidden talent. The school has gymnastics equipment and a coach comes thrice a week to train the children. Children aged 3 and above who are mobile are trained. The school is run with donations from philanthropists. The Inner Wheel clubs in the city visit the school twice a year to organise various activities. Counselling programmes for parents are also held on how to handle their children at home. "Aikya has definitely given a meaningful life to my child," says a parent.
The school, which has wiped the tears of many mothers, has plans to establish sheltered workshops (for moderately retarded children) and small group homes for special children in the future. It has also started two-day care centres at Cuddalore and Virudhachalam. For details contact Aikya, 1/1, Bhagirathi Ammal Street, Raja Annamalaipuram, phone: 24938443/24993892.
MALAVIKA LAKSHMAN
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