Tamil Nadu - Chennai   

An event for youth with disabilities

CHENNAI: Youth with disabilities from all over Chennai will have an evening filled with music, dance and loads of fun at a five-star hotel on December 3, the World Disability Day. Only teenagers are permitted.

“The issues of adolescence are compounded by disabilities,” says Vasudha Prakash, founder-director of V-Excel Educational Trust, a not-for-profit organisation committed to holistic development of special children. The idea dates back to the time when Dr. Prakash was an Assistant Professor at the Department of Special Education at Kean University in the U.S. She used to participate in weekly meetings attended by teenagers, with or without disabilities.

“Children with disabilities get attention, but once they grow up, no one bothers,” says Dr. Prakash. Teenage is a “finding yourself” phase. It is a time when youngsters need the company of peers. When such company is not easily accessible because of disabilities, “there is a deep loneliness.”

To give teenagers the space they need, “there will be no parents and minimal staff from V-Excel,” she says. The stars of the television serial Kalasam will grace the event.

“World Disability Day is about inclusion,” says Dr. Prakash. Some children like to be a part of regular schools. As a start, regular schools could have non-academic inclusive hours. “A sports day or a picnic could be held,” she says.

But, there is no hierarchy to claim that inclusion is better than special schools, she says, “The key is a ‘least restrictive environment.’” Whatever is good for the child is the best, so any environment where the child feels completely at home is the right one. Towards providing such an environment, V-Excel has individualised educational plans. Every child is assessed on her current level of performance and then goals are set according to the child’s needs.

V-Excel also has a forum to educate and provide therapeutic support for parents. The journey of accepting a child with special needs is difficult for many.

On World Disability Day, she plans to start new methods of therapy for parents. “We will celebrate parents,” she says.

“Retired people can assist with their expertise. Any one can help. Working with child development is an exercise in growth,” she says.

Those who wish to join the event or volunteer can mail jayanthi@v-excel.org.

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