ASHA KA JHARNA Annual Activity Report

April 2013 to March 2014

Introduction:

This is an annual activity report of Asha Ka Jharna (AKJ) special schools from April 2013 to March 2014. The report is aimed to depict, describe and list various activities that were performed by children, staff and community members during this period.

The report also illustrates the various events organized by the organization, visits of prominent personalities, awards, honors and accreditations received etc.

This should help all stakeholders, well-wishers and grant makers to apprise of multi-faceted activities and events being executed during the reported period at AKJ with the aim to benefit special needs children & community, enrich educators and other staff members. Objective here is the better learning outcomes of the students and help them improving in their lives by using the modern techniques, equipment, method, pedagogies and technologies.

Asha Ka Jharna as an organization is committed to ensure the development of special needs children & community and does every possible effort to train them, entertain them, motivate them, share excitements with them, foster love and provide them the platform where children can demonstrate their talent and abilities.

1. Adventure, Recreational & Sporting Events :

AKJ strongly believes in attaining full potential of children and periodically organizes various trips to enable them participate in different sports and recreational activities. Objective is to seek physical as well as psychological development of students apart from providing them the platform of showcasing their talent and abilities. Following are some of the notable events:

Junoon at Pilani :

On, 9th September, second edition of sporting extravaganza ‘Junoon’ was executed by the NSS wing of Birla Institute of Technology & Science Pilani wherein they provided a platform for special children to showcase their abilities. More than 150 children from five NGOs across Delhi, Jaipur, Chirawa , Pilani and 30 special needs children from Asha Ka Jharna competed in various sporting events where they were encouraged by young generation of engineers emphasizing on equality among community. Integrated events in cultural and ancillary activities were also organized. AKJ bagged total of 11 medals.

Goa Visit:

From 25th November to 01st December, West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur organized a grand event ‘UDAAN’ where special children from four western states showcased their different abilities before a galaxy of personalities and local community at GOA. Our 10 children along with 2 special educators represented Asha Ka Jharna. This was a journey of their life time where they were exposed to a distinct culture, lifestyle and topography. Our children performed two dance sequences on patriotic and Rajasthani traditional themes execution of which mesmerized all those witnessed. Children were excited to see sea, beaches, forts, churches. It was a unique thrilling unforgettable experience for them.

Health Check up & Excursion at Jaipur:

On 13th February; fifty five of our children were taken to FORTIS ESCORT Hospital Jaipur for the regular heath checkup. They were diagnosed by specialists in ENT, Dental, Eye and Physio Deptts. Necessary medical advice and prescription was provided. Then we took them to excursion at Jaipur Zoo and Birla Mandir.

Regional Abylampics , Gwalior:

National Abilympic Association of India formulates and implements policies to propagate Abilympics – The Olympics of Abilities aimed at creating public awareness and to nurture the productive talents of persons with disabilities by providing them opportunities to acquire and enhance their vocational skills to achieve economic independence.

Central Zone Regional meet and competitions in vocational and leisure and living skills were organized by NAAI in Gwalior from 17 th to 22nd December. Three of our children participated in five events there. Master Murari Lal Soni, our Hearing Impaired Youth won in the skill ‘Designing Poster on Computer’. Now he would compete in National meet.

Computer Proficiency Event:

Children from Nawalgarh special school visited E-library at Municipality and participated in a competition there to draw poster on computers. As usual, they excelled here also and bagged top three prizes.

2. Direct Benefits & Social Security :

As part of regular activities , direct beneficiaries i.e. Special Needs Children are being provided special education & training ; therapeutic intervention ; transportation from homes to school and back ; daily nutrition supplements ; stationery and learning aids ; two pairs of uniform, woolen sweater, blanket, socks in a year ; medical checkup twice an year ; medical facility

wherever needed . Apart from these, aids & appliances camps and special drives for ensuring social benefits to beneficiary families are regularly undertaken.

Aadhar Enrollment Drive:

Unique Identification No AADHAR is a National Program launched by Central Govt aimed at creating and maintaining a uniform database of country citizens. Concept is to transfer social benefits and concessions through Aadhar linked accounts. AKJ extended its helping hand by organizing special enrollment camps on 31st July at Jhunjhunu and on 2nd

August at Nawalgarh where total of 105 children were registered by recording their biometric details. Subsequently their Aadhar cards were received and they were linked to appropriate government schemes.

Woolen Sweaters Distribution:

On 4th December 2013, 50 children of Nawalgarh School were provided woolen sweaters followed by distribution of 62 sweaters to Sikar school children on 1st January 2014.

3. Parents Meets:

Parents are the key stakeholder in realizing full potential of their wards. Unfortunately their involvement always remains an issue. To address this gap, we evolve various ways like monthly home visits, parent-teacher meet, awareness workshops, training capsules etc. to engage them. Being a Member of PARIVAAR ‘National Confederation of more than 240 Parent Associations of Persons with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities’, we have been constantly hand holding the parents / siblings of special needs children.

On 28th and 29th December, at Regional Parents Meet held at Jabalpur (M.P.) around 130 parents from three states of MP, Rajasthan and Chattisgarh learnt various dimensions of early intervention, self-help groups, legal capacity, improving quality of lives and such issues. Mr Sudeep Goyal , as a resource person, also took a session on Early Intervention . He emphasized on the early identification followed by intervention aimed at prevention / progression of disabilities among new born and infant kids. Two parents from AKJ along with their child were also there who reinforced the theory by projecting gains made when admitted early. Session was highly interactive with many questions raised from the parents.

From 11th to 13th November, National Parents Meet was organized at Chandigarh where Mr Sudeep Goyal was elected EC Member of the Apex body and In charge for Rajasthan PARIVAAR chapter.

Similarly on 22nd and 23rd March 2014, Regional Parents Meet was held at Udaipur (Rajasthan) with the whole guidance and hand holding of Mr Sudeep Goyal . Nearly150 parents from three states of MP, Rajasthan and Chattisgarh participated in these highly knowledgeable & interactive consultations of mind. Theme was to realize the rights of persons with special needs. A galaxy of resource persons deliberated on a range of topics concerning early intervention; self-help groups; self-advocacy, INCHEON Strategy; medical & social issues related to their children etc.

4. Awareness, Sensitization & Outreach Programms:

Awareness and Sensitization towards the cause of disability among all segments of society and general community is a vital component of any rehabilitation strategy. We make great efforts in this direction and never miss a chance to build capacities. During the reported period also, we took many initiatives in this regard in order to create buzz and spread right awareness amongst the masses.

Updation Survey:

During the children summer vacations, staff at Nawalgarh, Sikar and Jhunjhunu schools was engaged in various tasks like making assessment reports, designing teaching & learning aids, doing home visits, disability database updating survey. Awareness rising among community was a key objective here which was successfully achieved.

The Story Telling Day:

Tell a Story – A unique initiative by Pratham Books was organized by us with collaboration of KIDZEE play school Sikar on 7 th September where their young children along with our special kids listened to an interactive role play/ dramatized story. Both the section enjoyed this intermingling.

Medical Camp:

On 22nd September, we assisted in capacity building by providing our staff and expertise to Khemi Shakti Trust Jhunjhunu during multi-specialty medical camp.

Disability Resource Group Meeting:

On 19th November, DRG meeting at Jhunjhunu was attended by our co coordinator. Review of various ongoing programs and components under Inclusive Education Project for special children in the district was done with SSA officials.

Shekhawati Utsav 2014:

During this regional cultural fest, our children participate and shine each year. This time also, on 8th February, ten of AKJ children performed a group patriotic dance which was widely applauded by the audience. They were awarded prizes afterwards.

Sports Day:

On 15th February, Unified sports day was organized at GEMS Gurukul International School, Nawalgarh where special children from AKJ participated in inclusive sporting events along with the regular children. Idea was to inculcate the empathy among young generation.

Felicitation of Our Children:

On 11th March, Lions Club Sikar Surbhi felicitated the AKJ children who returned from Goa, at a glittering ceremony. Prominent Members of the town were present there who were briefed by us about the skills and abilities of our children.

5. Prominent Visits and Networking :

From time-to-time, various personalities across the section of the society keep visiting our schools for sharing time with the students while apprising themselves of the techniques used in special education. Activities have been appreciated & recorded by the visitors from the diverse background (Foreign Tourists, Govt. officials, prominent citizens from society & people’s representatives). Following are the noticeable visits:

2nd August 2013 – Disability Commissioner, Govt of Rajasthan, Jaipur Ms Rainu Singh visited our Jhunjhunu special school.

5th September – Our Governing body founder member Mr Umakant Nangalia along with his family visited and took review of progress made.

19th September – Chairperson, Rajasthan State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Govt of Rajasthan, Jaipur Ms Deepak Kalra visited Jhunjhunu unit and appreciated the services there.

18th October – Deputy Director , Deptt of Social Justice & Empowerment , Govt of Rajasthan , Jaipur Mr Sua Lal Pahariya visited AKJ Nawalgarh and Jhunjhunu schools.

9th December – Chief Commissioner Disability, Govt of India, New Delhi Mr P. K. Pincha visited our Jhunjhunu special school.

4th December 2013 & 28th February 2014 – Local religious guru blessed the children.

13th February – Ten students of local Podar college spent time with our children and learnt the techniques in special education.

28th February – Sh. Mohan Lal Goenka , Noted Industrialist from Chennai along with his family visited us.

From September 2013 to March 2014, foreign tourist groups visited us regularly as a part of their trip organized by The Intrepid Travels. They were briefed and sensitized on various issues concerning children and disability in India.

6. Staff Enrichment Workshops & Trainings :

Skills up gradation and continuous knowledge enrichment are very high on our priority list. We regularly sponsor the visits of our staff members to the workshops and seminars across the country In order to keep them updated with the most modern techniques in the field of rehabilitation.

Art Based Therapy Course at Pune:

One of our staff member is practicing skills gained in Art Based Therapy Course (Eleven months innovative program being conducted at Pune and our special school simultaneously) through sessions with a control group of mentally challenged children. Initial results are very promising with the children having received various inputs. This ABT course for her has been entirely sponsored by us from December 2013 till November 2014.

More about ABT:

ABT (arts-based therapy)ABT is the evidence-based use of art forms to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. ABT is primarily an art form, practised scientifically, and based on the Subtle Energy Guide (SEG), using methods from music, drama and visual art. Since 2001, WCCL Foundation has pioneered the use of arts based therapy (ABT) for special needs populations. The creation of the Certificate Course in 2005 was a stepping stone towards that direction where professionals working with special populations were trained in using ABT as complementary health practice in India. ABT practice has rippled throughout India to many organizations reaching children and adults with special needs. Today there are 167 ABT practitioners working across 25 locations and more than 100 organizations in India.

Use/Benefits of ABT for special needs:

Better Gross & Fine Motor CoordinationAseem and Sonu, both wheelchair bound, slowly, started leading movement phrases during dance. Aseem even requested for walker, and for half a session, for the first time, stood and participated with its help. The movements showed effect in freeing the upper body parts making them flexible and alert. (From, Chabukswar, A. & Daniel, D. (2009) Real World, Pune: WCCL Foundation) Expression & Communication ABT Practitioners use music as the structure for teaching basic communication. This happens by creating musical dialogues, communication songs and many such tools and techniques. Music can be used to teach rules of language as they rely on the same brain system. Memorized information in language and memorized melodies in music use the same brain system, hence the impact of music on memory.  (From, Balsara, Z. (2007, 2008) Automusic, Pune: WCCL Foundation)

ABT SESSIONS IN SPECIAL NEEDS SETTINGS:Domains:

ABT Practitioners in the past (2005 – 2010) have mostly addressed Cognitive, Self-Expression and Motor DomainsGroups:ABT has been found useful for children in age range 8 to 17 years. A working group of 6 to 7 children at a time is preferred.Frequency:Two/three sessions a week, each an hour long. Number of sessions varies based on therapeutic needs.Structure: Each session has very specific and rhythmic structure, evolved in ABT. Each participating child has opportunities to lead other members and follow a leader into various activities    

National Trust AGM & Knowledge Workshop -

From 4th to 6th September 2013, we participated in deliberations at National Trust, New Delhi Annual Event. It was a good networking platform where representatives across the country assembled and exchanged ideas & thoughts on cutting edge technologies in disability rehabilitation.

Child Commission Experience Sharing Workshop:

Mr Sudeep Goyal , in the capacity of Rajasthan State Child Commission Member attended one day workshop at New Delhi where he shared the activities and initiatives being undertaken in the state with peer members and chairpersons of other states. Best practices in the realization of child rights were recorded among the participants.

National Workshop on State Inclusive Education – Learning Outcomes Based Annual Action Plan 2013-14

Background:

RTE Act (2009) entitles all children between the ages of 6-14 years to an education of reasonable quality, based on principles of equity and non-discrimination. It provides for children’s right to free and compulsory admission, attendance and completion of elementary education. More importantly, it provides for the child’s right to education that is free from fear, stress and anxiety. Other enabling provisions in the Act include prohibition of corporal punishment, detention and expulsion.

The RTE Act 2009, in section 3(1) entitles all children in the 6-14 years age group to a right to free and compulsory elementary education in a neighborhood school. RTE (Amendment) Act, 2012 came into force from 1st August, 2012. It has the following provisions for children with disabilities:_ Child with disability defined under the RTE Act (clause (ee) of section 2) as defined under PWD Act and National Trust Act_ Child with disability is included within the meaning of child belonging to disadvantaged group (clause (d) of section 2)_ Child with disability shall have the right to pursue free and compulsory elementary education in the same manner in which children with disabilities have under Chapter V of the Persons with Disability Act, 1995 (section 3(3))_ Child with ‘severe disabilities’ and a child with ‘multiple disabilities’ shall also have the right to opt for home based education (proviso to section 3(3)).

This Act has given a new thrust to the education of Children With Special Needs (CWSN), and efforts would now have to be made to enroll and retain CWSN in the neighbourhood schools. Retention of CWSN in neighbourhood schools calls for strengthening support to CWSN through provision of text books, on time in an accessible format, effective teaching through trained teacher, supplementary aids and non-discriminatory environment facilitated through appropriate peer support. and Thus, school

preparedness for CWSN should be given paramount importance in the context of RTE.

SSA ensures that every child with special needs, irrespective of the kind, category and degree of disability, is provided education in an appropriate environment. SSA adopts ‘zero rejection’ policy so that no child with special needs is deprived of the right to education. The major interventions under SSA for the education of CWSN are identification, functional and formalassessment, appropriate educational placement, preparation of Individualized Educational Plan, provision of aids and appliances, teacher training, appointment of resource teachers, therapeutical support and provision of ramps, handrails and disabled friendly toilets. It was against this backdrop that the 21st National IE workshop on “State Inclusive Education - PAB Outcomes Based Annual Action Plan 2013-14” was held in New Delhi from 9th – 10th September, 2013 in which 110 participants from 27 States/UTs along with Representatives of National Institutions participated in the workshop.

Objectives of the Workshop:The objectives of the workshop were as follows:1. To critically review the present status of Inclusive Education2. To consolidate the existing academic support structures and IE activities for enrolments, retention and enhanced learning outcomes of CWSN.3. To consolidate the Management Information System on CWSN4. To build convergence and synergy between the Government Departments / Institutions and with the Civil Society and RCI and ALIMCO.5. Developing Action plans including Monitoring system.a. To finalise a checklist tool for Action Plan formulation.b. To develop state wise IE Action plan for 2013-14 based on PAB approved activities.c. To develop a sub-action plan for the visually impaired including the intervention of the strengthening of Schools with Braille language teachers and Braille and large print text books.

d. To develop a sub-action plan for the Hearing and Speech impaired including the intervention of strengthening of Schools with Sign Language teachers and other resource material.e. To develop a sub-action plan for Loco motor disabled.(barrier free approach) f. To develop a sub-action plan for the timely identification, assessment, distribution/ replacement of aids and appliances / assistive devices.g. To develop a help line for School Admissions.

Asha Ka Jharna Chief Functionary Mr Sudeep Goyal participated and contributed in this workshop.

Training Program at Jodhpur:

On 17th and 18th September, two of our special educators attended a seminar on ‘Rights & Rehabilitation of Disabled’ hosted by Shared Vision, Jadhpur.

State Level Seminar on Early Intervention :

On 28th November, our chief functionary participated as resource person at state level seminar on Early Intervention at Jaipur where he shared his views among delegates from the state. During this conference, all issues related to EI viz-a-viz all disabilities were touched upon and delegates were imparted skills to do better intervention among young kids.

Knowledge Workshop:

On 10th February, one day knowledge workshop at Jaipur; which was organized by National Trust SNAC , was attended by our special educator.

7. Festivals ,Occasions & Special Days Celebrations:

In order to connect the children with current times, AKJ celebrates / observes all major festivals, functions, occasions and special days in the year wherein we also invite community members to witness their performance as well as motivate them. Following are some of the noteworthy days that were celebrated customary enthusiasm and vigor:

18th April – Shri Ram Navami celebration 8th August – Eid-ul- fitar celebrations 15th August – Independence Day function in the presence of

community and prominent persons 19th August – Raksha Bandhan celebrations 27th August – Shri Krishan Janamashtami celebration 4th October – Navratra Stapthana and Dandia Ras 12th October – Vijayadashmi with burning of Ravan effigy 25th October – Eid-ul-joha celebration 30th November – Before breaking for Deepawali vacations, children

did Laxmi Puja, lit Diyas and candles and in the evening fired noiseless crackers. Schools were illuminated and heartily lunch was served followed by sweets distribution.

World Day for Disabled – on 3rd December, WDD was observed with much fanfare. In coordination with Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, many events were organized including disability rally, painting, sports, debate etc. Objective was to generate empathy in general public.

Christmas Fete – on 25th December 13rd January – Makar Sakranti celebration with distribution of kites

and sweets to children 26th January – Republic Day function in the presence of social service

organisations Lions Club Sikar Surbhi & Jain Mahila Mandal 15th March – Festival of colors Holi celebrated with much enthusiasm

assorted with Gulal and sweets.