There are many teachers who put on their capes every Monday morning and power through the week with a bunch of very special students. “Special but not less” painted in big bold letters at the entrance of the YMCA Special School for the Mentally Challenged in Madurai indicates what to expect in the classrooms. Students sit around the teacher for their lessons and activities. Some look up shyly, some greet, some smile and some shake hands on seeing a visitor. Another pair shows the completed class work with pride.
“We assess and allot classes to our students based on their IQ level and not age,” says the school principal Anbuselvi.
Most students enrolled here have delayed milestone. They are unable to do basic tasks independently. Even brushing or indicating toilet needs are a struggle for many kids when they join the school. However through continuous training, physiotherapy sessions and support from parents their condition improves and reduces dependency. “Our objective is to make these students independent and also fend for themselves later in life. For this, holistic development and skill based training our provided,” she adds.
Anbuselvi has been associated with the school for the past 15 years and her experiences with students and their families is a journey in itself. She recounts moments of attachment and grief when an eight-year-old girl made it a habit to sit on her lap during the common sessions even though she has a strict disciplinarian image. “One day her grandfather informed me about her demise and I have not been able to come to terms with it,” she says.
“We dedicate ourselves to improving the lives of students who struggle to do the most basic things that others take for granted. We learn to celebrate every little success. Our patience and perseverance works wonders on these students and brings smile of relief for the parents,” she adds.
Teachers in Chennai-based Prayatna, a Centre for Educational Assessment and Intervention, work with students who struggle to cope in mainstream classrooms. Teachers here deal with children who have difficulties typically associated with ADHD, dyslexia and mild forms of autism through unique and smart learning aids. They are conscious of not branding the children as slow learners based on their shortcomings.
“The most important ingredient for a teacher is to be compassionate. Teachers should make an effort to see the world and the learning situation from a child's point of view. Everyday can be a pleasure when we see children take small steps of progress. When a child who hasn't spoken in a month, suddenly greets his teacher or when a shy child who was doing poorly in school brings a report card with improved scores, we feel a sense of gratification,” says Aruna Sankaranarayanan, the founder Prayatna. The response of the parents when their child shows improvement, be it in academics or social skills, is a testament to the efforts of the dedicated team. The teachers are not just competent in their subject knowledge but also display an extraordinary level of commitment. The purpose of formal educational is to provide a child with opportunities and choices in career that will give them the ability to lead a respectable and socially acceptable life. While it is still a luxury many cannot access, it is more so for the visually impaired. “All we want is an equal opportunity to access education and the job market. “People only tend to sympathise with the visually impaired while completely ignoring their competence,” points out Pavun Thai, Principal of Indian Association for the Blind (IAB) Higher Secondary School, Madurai.. She herself is a student of the school founded by S.M.A. Jinnah.
The school educates 300-plus free of cost and offers them training in daily living and mobility skills. Spoken English and basic computer skills are also taught to enable them to crack government jobs opportunities. Many are trained to handle call-center jobs as well. “We tell parents not to isolate or insult the children by referring to their impairment. Even though our school strives to offer a good learning environment, the families and the society also need to broaden their outlook towards inclusiveness,” says Pavun Thai.
Every child is differently gifted. It takes a special teacher to bring out the best in children with special needs. It is never too late to bow to the teachers who teach the basics to all through their sheer patience and perseverance. It is perhaps time to thank them with teacher’s Day round the corner.
