Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University
Prof.J.A.K Tareen, showing keen interest in the
products displayed at the International Conference
on Autism held at Pondicherry University.
Thiru. M.O.H.F. SHAJAHAN, Hon’ble Minister for
Education, Govt of Pondicherry and Mr John Kumar,
Vice Chairman, Pondicherry Municipality and members
of PHRT 167 visiting the Satya Stall at an Exhibition
organised by Pondicherry Heritage Round Table 167.
Mr Matteo Tricarico who is on a journey across
25,000 kms covering various countries to raise
awareness on disabilities, stopped over at Satya
Special School and spent time with the children.
We dedicate our work to
Dr Ittia Candy Sourindhrin (1942 – 2007)
Special Adviser, Satya Special School
&
Senior Consultant - Psychiatry
University of Glasgow, U K
“Working towards fulfilling your vision of a
holistic rehabilitation programme
providing affordable, state of the art rehabilitation facilities to any
child with special needs in Pondicherry”.
Enable not Disable
Abilities not Disabilities
Family based therapy not
Institutionalization
Mission
Our work:
Any Person with intellectual disabilities irrespective of the degree of disability, socio
economic condition and age.
Towards eradicating the stigma associated with disabilities especially intellectual
disabilities.
Empowering the children thereby making them confident and self-reliant.
Improve the quality of life through better health care and individualised
rehabilitation programmes.
Our Belief:
In transparency
In professionalism and dedication
In charity with dignity
Our Goal :
To establish a speciality center well equipped with not only the latest facilities but also
trained personnel, providing good quality, affordable , up to date education and therapy.
Vision
Change the current fragmented rehabilitation system into an Integrated holistic rehabilitation system
dedicated at improving the lives of intellectually disabled children through individual specialized training
thereby making social inclusion a reality.
SATYA SPECIAL SCHOOL has tax – exemption status in India, entitling donations
made to it, qualify for exemption Under Section 80 G of Income Tax Act , 1961.
Similarly „SATYA‟ possesses registration granted by Govt of India, Ministry of Home
Affairs under Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976 to receive donations and
contributions from Foreign Donors and agencies.
I am very happy to see the dedicated efforts undertaken by Satya Special School for the
underprivileged and needy children with special needs.
The dream of my good friend and a person of tremendous understanding of human
suffering, Dr Ittia Candy Sourindhrin is fast becoming a reality. The dedication and
commitment of our young executive committee members – Mr. Krishna Babu, Mr.
Madhavan, Mrs. Chitra Shah, Mrs. Bindu Modi and Mrs. Sita Ramkumar, the support of
the parents and well-wishers has been the sole reason for Satya‟s growth.
I wish the team, staff and children all success in their future endeavors.
Dr .V. Nallam
Founder & Patron
` Satya Special School
The year 2009-2010 has been one of achievements and growth for the Satya Special
School. We have come a long way from our humble beginnings in 2003 at the
Conference Hall of Nallam Clinic.
Over the years, the school has made relentless efforts and taken a number of unique
initiatives.
The enrolment began with just 20 children in 2003 and today we have 130
children.
Therapy – physiotherapy and speech therapy units have been established. The
facilities are accessible to any disabled child in Pondicherry and its surrounding
areas. Around 150 children have been benefited till date. As a matter of policy,
all therapies are free of cost for the children.
Hydrotherapy-The facility was started in June 2009 providing hydrotherapy for
10 children in the early intervention division.
It is noteworthy that all staff members in the therapy units are competent qualified
therapists.
Computer aided Education Division –This was started in our school as early as
2007 for children with special needs. Specialized user friendly software designed
for these children are used as a teaching aid. It is a matter of pride that 20 of our
children today operate the computer independently.
Vocational Training Division- Since 2003 children are being trained in
carpentry, coir mat weaving, printing, and making dried flower products.. Five of
Message from Dr Nallam , Founder & Patron :
Message from Dr Asha Oumachigui, President :
our adult beneficiaries have been able to find employment in an industrial laundry
unit.
Income generation programme involves the mothers as co-partners. .We were
awarded the BEST NGO in September 2009 for this Income Generation
Programme by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of
India.
Early Intervention Center has been started for children in the age group of 0-6
years. We have 30 children in this group where the mothers are trained as co-
therapists, thereby increasing their involvement in the child‟s rehabilitation
process.
Community based Rehabilitation – In rural areas, people do not have the
facilities enjoyed by those in the urban areas. In order to improve the lives of
disabled children in rural villages in and around Pondicherry, we at Satya School
have started Community Based Rehabilitation Programmes. A Mobile Therapy
unit which takes therapy, special education and rehabilitation to the door step of
the children in rural areas. Our first village center was started at Kodathur in
February 2010.
After School Division – This provides a platform for children with learning
disabilities to receive personal one on one guidance from the teacher.
In the near future our ambition is to build a 100 % disabled friendly special school.
The plan and implementation of the same, is being worked out. It will be the first of its
kind in Pondicherry with all in-built facilities for any child with a special need.
All this has been possible due to the commitment and hard work of the staff. I would like
to make a special mention of the voluntary services rendered by our Executive
Committee Members led by Mr Nallam Krishan Babu, Secretary, Mr Madhavan,
Treasurer, Ms Chitra Shah, Director, Ms Bindu Modi, Consultant Clinical Psychologist
and Ms Seetha Ramkumar, Co-ordinator, Special Projects. Our achievements wouldn‟t
have reached this level but for the support and guidance of our Patron Dr V Nallam, who
willingly offered us free premises to run the school in the first few years. Many friends of
Satya, funders, donors, philanthropists have contributed to support our work. Our
heartfelt gratitude to Mr L M Shah, Trustee, “The Grace and Gratitude Trust” for his
constant support and his brilliant ideas The Trust needs a special mention here without
whose assistance a number of our services who have never been possible. Most of all, the
parents of our school children continue to be very special. They have been an enormous
source of support and are playing an important role in the great strides made by the Satya
School. With the kind of support we continue to receive we hope the school grows from
strength to strength, touching the lives of these special children in our own unique way.
Best wishes!!
Dr Asha Oumachigui
President
In the last year, the early intervention
center has worked with 30 children
between the age group of 11 months to 6
years. The division has seen a huge
increase in the number of children visiting
Satya not only from in and around
Pondicherry but also from the adjoining
districts of Tamil Nadu like Cuddalore,
Villupuram, Kalakuruchi and Neyveli.
Most of the children are accompanied by
either their mother or a grandparent. There
is a lot of interaction between the mothers
and in some cases have become an extended network of support for the families.
“Swarnalakshmi was diagnosed as autistic with hyper activity at
the age of 3 years. She had severe behaviour problems like head
banging, hair pulling, fear of new people & loud noise. Everyone
said she was possessed by an evil spirit. Even some special
schools denied her admission. She would not sit for more than 5
minutes and was becoming a puzzle for us to handle. Since June
2009, she has been attending the Satya Early Intervention center.
I have seen a huge improvement in her behaviour
Today, she understands verbal commands and gestures. She also
plays and takes good care of her younger sister. She has stopped
banging her head and we now have hopes that my daughter can
become independent” – Mrs Nagajyothi, mother of Swarnalakshmi.
Early intervention has opened new doors to three of our children; Geethiga, Hari and
Ganesh now go to regular schools, making inclusion into mainstream society a reality.
EARLY INTERVENTION CENTER: (EIC)
10
25
45
72
0 20 40 60 80
2006
2007
2008
2009
Hydro thearpy
Occupational
thearpy
Speech therapy
Physiotherapy
mental
retardation,
14
Cerebral
palsy , 37
Autism, 2
Down's
syndrome, 5
Multiple
disability, 14
mental retardation
Cerebral palsy
Autism
Down's syndrome
Multiple disability
Many children on the autism spectrum have difficulty
managing sensory inputs such as sights, sounds, touch, smell,
height, depth. They may over react (hyper-sensitivity) or
under-react (hypo-sensitivity) to visual, tactile and oral input.
These imbalances in reactions are sometimes to the extent
where the child is unable to participate in typical life activities.
A team of Occupational therapists, Special Educators and
parents put together a sensory diet which is a planned and
scheduled activity program designed to meet a child's specific
sensory needs.
Launched in June 2006, the therapy centre has seen tremendous growth in the number of
children utilizing its facilities with funding from Dharma Association, France. The centre
has all the latest state of the art therapy facilities. The year 2009 saw more emphasis on
Speech therapy with the number of children seeking therapy almost go up three fold. A
few children attending normal schools but with speech related difficulties like
stammering, stuttering also attend the therapy center.
Growth of the therapy center over the years
TYPE OF DISABILITY TREATED
BY THE PHYSIOTHERAPY
DIVISION
Sensory Integration
Therapy Centre
Speech therapy :
With increase in awareness on the importance of therapy, the year saw a number of
parents take active interest in the speech therapy sessions of their children. The most
important goal of SPEECH THERAPY is to
provide state of the art therapy facilities free of
cost to the disadvantaged population to whom
these services are either not available
Rahul aged 2 years was a premature child born in his 8th month .As he weighted only 1.7kgs, he
was kept in an incubator for more than 45 days . Though Rahul‟s condition that he suffered from
cerebral palsy was identified at birth, his parent‟s did not know how to proceed or what to do as
such a condition was unheard of in their family. When Rahul came to Satya Therapy Center in
September 2009, he could not walk, sit or stand, he had poor balance and scan reports showed
damage on the right side of his brain. Rahul attends the physiotherapy session 45 minutes a day
for 5 days a week where his therapy schedule reads like this :
1. Mat exercise and stretching
2. CP ball and bolster exercise
3. Walker and Roller
4. Gait and posture with parallel bar
With the below knee Caliper and Splint provided to him, Rahul is able to sit, stand, walk and
kneel today. With the continued support and co-operation of his mother, Satya Therapy staff are
confident that Rahul would overcome his disability in the next few months.
or too expensive. The main area of focus is to improve the child‟s existing disability
through individualized therapy sessions there by making them as independent as possible,
as an important step towards social inclusion and acceptance. Around 45 children were
provided speech therapy this year. The highlight of the year was the introduction of group
therapy sessions for improving communication skills of the children.
Occupational Therapy :
Occupational therapy promotes the health
and well being of individuals who have
conditions that are mentally, physically,
developmentally, or emotionally disabling
by helping them to improve their ability to
perform tasks in their daily living and
working environments. This type of
therapy assists individuals in performing
activities of all types, ranging from using a
computer to caring for daily needs such as
dressing, cooking, and eating.
Though Pondicherry does not have
sufficient number of professionals practicing Occupational Therapy, understanding the
importance of this therapy in enabling children to develop skills for their everyday life,
Satya had started an OT division in 2008.
The therapist evaluates the child‟s
abilities, recommends and provides
therapy either in groups or individually as
per the needs of the child. The most
important aspect of this therapy is the
involvement of the family. The needs,
desires and values of the child and family
drive the direction of their assessments
and intervention. The focus of
occupational therapy intervention directly
reflects the child's and/or family's
priorities.
Alternative Therapies:
Right from its inception, we at Satya were
always aware of the positive effects of
alternative therapies. In addition to
traditional time tested therapies, this year we
concentrated on alternative therapies such as
dance, music, art, hydro therapy. The
response from both the children and the
parents towards this has only encouraged us
to continue these therapies for the coming
year also.
Dance therapy: A Group of 15 students in the age group of 15 and above with various
disabilities were trained under the Dance therapy program funded by You and We Trust,
Puducherry. Ms.Poojarini, a trained dancer
in Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi and modern
dance forms was the therapist .The hour
long session were held twice a week at her
dance school. “Touch Wood”.The students
were trained in techniques that help them
gain a better posture, balance and co-
ordination. Simple bodily movements and
group activities helped the children gain
immense confidence which was evident in
the public performances the students
participated in.
In addition to the above, all children between the age group of 6-15 years undergo
dancing sessions of 3 hours in a week .The children enjoy these sessions immensely and
actively participate in them.
Music therapy
2 batches of 10 children each were trained
on various musical instruments by Mr.
.Alex, a trained practicing musician
Though the Music Thearpy sessions
started only in Nov‟09, the children
gained tremendous confidence in playing
various instruments and some of them can
play a few basic tunes independently.
Satya is working towards having a
children‟s music troupe in the coming
years.
Art therapy
What started as an experiment in 2007, took form this year with a full time art
practitioner working with the children. The children learnt to play with colour in various
medium like paper, hard board, canvas etc. The colours used by the children directly
related to the mood of the child - with a happy child using bright colours and a troubled
disturbed child using dull /pale colours .
Hydro therapy This form of therapy was launched 2008, but
due to lack of infrastructure we were unable to
continue it. With the new school premises, a
basic hydrotherapy tub was constructed.
Around 20 children between 2-8 years were
give therapy once a week. The enthusiasm
shown by both children and parents made this
the most popular therapy among all the
therapy sessions.
No of children
2032
4552
67
98
130
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
2003-
2004
2004-
2005
2005-
2006
2006-
2007
2007-
2008
2008-
2009
2009-
2010
The following aids and appliances were distributed for free to the children. Some of the
appliances were given by NIEPMD, Chennai while some were donated by well wishers.
With increase in awareness amongst parents, the strength of the school increased from 45
in 2008 to 70 in 2009. Understanding the importance and specific need of each kind of
disability, 2009 saw the creation of divisions based on the types of disabilities.
MENTAL RETARDATION division (MR)
This division was further divided into primary I & II , Care and management
group . In addition to regular academic and sports activities, this year the concentration
was on providing each child the opportunity to express themselves in the areas they
excelled.
Total number of children enrolled in Satya over the years
No Type of aids & appliance Number distributed
1 Wheel chair 2
2 Walker / rolators 6
3 Crutch
- elbow crutch 5
- under arm crutch 2
4 Calipers 10
5 Special Shoes (various size) 25
6 CP chair 5
Aids and Appliances
Special school
Number of students - Disability wise
69
35
13 105
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
MR
CP /
MD
Dow
n's
Autism
Slow L
earn
ers
Autism division: With the awareness
created from the Art for Autism
workshop, 2008 ; the number of children
in the school with Autism also increased,
calling for the need to create an
independent division. In addition to
academics, children were trained in
computers, art and pottery.
Down’s Division : Understanding the
needs of children with Down‟s
syndrome, this year academic classes
were incorporated into extra curricular
activities like music, painting and dance.
This group enjoyed the usage of
alternative teaching techniques such as
puppets, audio visual etc.
Cerebral Palsy division: This division aims at improving activities of daily living by
providing children with adapted modified devices in addition to physio and occupational
therapy.
Angalaparameswari‟s training at Satya
includes providing her with an adopted
modified spoon that helps her eat her food
independently. The modified spoon helps
her in improving fine motor skills.
Ranjith kumar could not hold a pen and has severe
problems in writing due to his uncoordinated
fingers. With an adapted modified pen, he is now
able to hold fine objects. This has helped him
improve his writing skills. He enjoys coloring &
painting with the adapted tool.
Disability wise classification of children
In order to bridge the gap between existing vocational training facilities in Pondicherry and the
demand for such activities, since its inception, Satya Special School has gradually launched
various vocational training activities. From traditional time tested training such as tailoring,
embroidery to unique programmes such as Coir mat weaving and Computer operations. The latest
being terracotta products, carpentry and block printing. Around 50 intellectually disabled adults
and 10 Mothers of PWDs have been trained till date.
CARPENTRY UNIT at SATYA:
The Carpentry unit was started in June 2009 with one instructor who has 25 years of
experience and an
assistant. 20 adults with
disabilities are being
trained here since then.
The working hours are 6
hours a day – Monday to
Friday and an hour of
yoga every day.
Number of students - Division wise
Vocational Unit (17)
Early Intervention (27)
Primary I
(15)
Primary II (14)
Down’s Division (10)
Autism Division (10)
Care & Mgt Group (6)
Pre Vocational Unit (18)
CP /MD division (15)
VOCATIONAL TRAINING at SATYA
YOUR WASTE IS OUR RESOURCE : A corporate house based in the city was renovating
their office set up and hence a number of partition boards were being discarded. We at
Satya picked these boards and converted them into special equipments that can be used by
our children. Since most of these equipments are available only in the metros, with the help
of inputs from the therapist, special educators and parents, the carpentry unit made
standing tables, CP chairs and balancing boards. The shoe rack and shelves made by the unit
was very popular among parents and well wishers. The unit for the coming year plans to take
orders for special equipment from other special schools.
Terracotta : Clay being used as a therapeutic
tool in helping fine motor skills of CWSNs
was not a new medium for the adult
beneficiaries to learn the art of making an
array of handicraft items with terracotta. 15
adult beneficiaries along with two parents
were trained by the Master Craftsman and
trainer Mr V K Munusamy. On completion of
training, the unit started to produce terracotta
animals, flowers and idols. They were very
busy during the festival season converting
terracotta lamps into beautiful stone studded
painted Diyas. It was a hot seller in our exhibitions.
Shoe rack made out of
discarded partition
board CP chairs made in the unit
Standing table used in the
Physiotherapy unit made by
the Carpentry unit
Block Printing : With Ms Sashi Chandrababu Naidu
as the trainer, 10 students and an equal number of
parents and siblings were trained for a week on various
block printing techniques. While the adult PWDs
mastered the art of making hand printed gift wrapping
papers, the mothers learnt printing on cotton and jute.
After printing, some of the printed materials were converted into cushion covers, table
mats and bed covers. The cushion covers printed with elephant motifs was a favouite
among all our visitors.
With job melas for PWDs failing to provide employment opportunities to persons with
intellectual disabilities, we at Satya have launched a series of IGPs aimed at providing financial
empowerment to the adult beneficiary. Products made under IGP
are:
Stationery products, Perfume candles
Home accessories – table mats, lamp shades
Terracotta products , wooden puzzles ,mats
etc
An important aspect of IGP is to use locally available raw materials and resources. Our products
are eco friendly and we are working towards ZERO waste (i.e.) – waste from one product
becomes the raw material for another.
WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY:
“Seeing my daughter create products of such nature was unbelievable. The other siblings now respect her, it has changed my family’s attitude towards her” – Mother of a beneficiary who
makes coir mats “I was impressed by the professionalism and commitment shown towards fulfilling the order. Such high quality products was beyond my expectation” – Industrialist who gave us our first
corporate order
INCOME GENERATION PROGRAMME : (IGP)
“Today we all help my son in his work. He takes pride in his creations, I have never seen him more happier” – Father of a PWD who makes wooden puzzles “It was embarrassing to depend on my father for my son’s medical needs. Through the IGP I am able to look after all his expenses. I hope to save some money too. I look forward to learning how to make new products in the future – an IGP beneficiary involved in making bags
1. Abilities Mela 2009 at Hyderabad on 2
nd and 3
rd May 09 Bagged order to supply 500
cloth bags for the programme organized for World Environment Day June 5th 2009.
2. Gandhi Shilpi Bazzar, Pondicherry : 11th to 20
th August 2009
3. Vidya sagar , Chennai : 12th and 13
th September 2009. Visitor from World Bank invited
us for an exhibition in their premises.
4. World Bank, Chennai : Inhouse exhibition 16th September 2009
5. Crafts Bazzar: Chennai, 18th – 27
th September 2009.A visitor to the stall, Ms. Arati
Monappa who runs a boutique - Serenity in Bangalore, invited us to put up a stall in
Bangalore.
6. Gandhi Shilpi Bazaar : Ernakulam, Kerala : September 19th to 28
th 2009.
7. Narus, Bangalore (software firm) : 30th September as part of JOY OF GIVING WEEK.
8. Serenity – Diwali stall – 1st – 3
rd Oct 2009. (Regular display and sale of Satya products ).
9. Diwali Stall at Wipro, Chennai (CDC5 office & LED division): 14th &15
th October 2009
10. Stalls on World Disability Day : Dec 3rd
: Wipro Chennai & Bangalore : 2 stalls in two
different office‟s of WIPRO, Bangalore.
11. University of Pondicherry : 29th to 30th December 2009 part of International Conference
on Autism. Henceforth all Conferences will use Satya Products as Gifts for speakers.
Stall at World Bank, Chennai
Wipro Stall at Chennai & Bangalore for
World Disability day Dec 3rd
.
Stall at Crafts Council
Exhibition, Chennai
IGP - Details of exhibitions participated
The CBR project of Satya was started in July 2009. After initial need assessment and
home visits to several families of PWDs, it was clear that rural villages of Pondicherry
remains untouched by NGOs working in the disability sector. The general awareness
about disability was very poor in most villages and inevitably the stigma and guilt
resulted in isolation or segregation of the mentally disabled child. Mentally disabled girls
fared even worse. Satya‟s plan for CBR was to reach the unreached. This was achieved
by opening village rehabilitation centers and the Mobile Therapy unit.
VILLAGE REHABILITATION CENTER – Kodathur : The village center
was inaugurated on 6th
Feb 2010 by Mrs Wilma Gastle and Mr Udo Gastle , Trustee,
You and We Trust, Switzerland who support the center. Mr Michel Berthet, President ,
Enfants des Rues de Pondichéry, France who donated us the Mobile Therapy Van also
graced the occassion. The Kodathur centre is a day care center and has 15 children with
various disabilities. The center has a physiotherapy assistant and a speech therapist in
addition to 3 Special teachers. All the children visiting the centre are provided free
physiotherapy, speech therapy and special education as per their IEP. Most of the
children in the centre have never been to school. One such child is Kandasamy age 10
years and diagnosed as CP with severe MR condition.
Hailing from a poor family of 5, Kandasamy‟s father is the sole bread winner and works
as a daily laborer. Due to Kandasamy‟s
condition, his mother couldn‟t take up any
job. Lack of awareness and the necessary
financial resources, led to the child being
left unattended. His inability to move made
him dependent on others for his daily
activities. Satya‟s centre came to his family
as a blessing. The centre has now provided
him with a wheel chair with which he not
only attends the day care but the other
children push him around the village lanes
– a sight he had never seen in his life.
While the physiotherapist works on his
limbs, the speech therapist teaches him to say a few words. The whole village is
watching the progress he is making and now begins to show keen interest in Satya‟s work
in their village.
COMMUNITY BASED REHABILITATION
During the CBR assessment, a number of CWSNs have been identified who need
intervention at home due to the severity of their condition. For the benefit of such PWDs,
a Mobile therapy unit was launched. The van was funded by Enfants des Rues de
Pondichéry, France with the support of Rotary Club of Pondicherry Central RI
Dist 2980 and Sanofi Aventis , France. Along with the necessary equipment and a multi
disciplinary team of a Physiotherapist, Speech therapist, Occupational therapist, Special
Educator, visit the rural and semi – urban areas to offer intervention at the doorstep.
The most important aspect is the involvement of the family members especially the
mothers as co-
therapists.
Mobile Therapy Unit
Door to door assessment
& identification of PWDs
Home based intervention by
therapist
Mr Michel Berthet, President, Les enfants des rues…de
pondichéry handing over the Mobile Therapy Van
document to Dr Nallam , Patron, SSS. Also in the picture
Rtn. Major Donor N Govindaraj, District Governor 2980,
Rtn. Lawrence, President & Rtn. Gunasekar, Director –
Spl. Projects , Rotary Club of Pondicherry Central
This year ARUNIM had 32 NGOs participating in Shilpotsav from across the country.
The parameters set by ARUNIM were on the basis of :
- Product quality in terms of market worthiness, pricing, packaging etc.
- Involvement of Persons with disabilities
- Sale value
- Capacity to deal with large orders & responsiveness.
- Following all instructions given for participation in shilpotsav
- Leadership qualities & participation in all ARUNIM recommended opportunities
for marketing and training.
“On behalf of ARUNIM, Satya Special School, Pondicherry won this year‟s best NGO
award. Satya Special School with about 50 adults with Mental Retardation and 10
mothers of PWDs has launched a series of income generation programs (IJP) to provide
financial empowerment to the adult PWDs. Other than traditional training programs. they
have launched new programs on terracotta, printing, stationary products, perfume
candles, home accessories, gifts and souvenirs and festival products. Their products are
eco friendly and generate zero waste. Their quality of products in terms of right price,
packaging and attractiveness has delighted customers at Shilpotsav. They have bagged
corporate orders and bulk orders and have managed a sale beyond Rs. 35000 at this mela.
AWARDS
Satya Special School, Pondicherry being awarded the Best NGO on behalf of ARUNIM at SHILPOSTAV 09 by the Hon’ Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment Shri. NAPOLEON at New Delhi. (September 2009)
This make them the deserving recipents of this years BEST NGO award” – Ms
Thilakam Rajendran, Managing Director, ARUNIM
ARUNIM – Association for Rehabilitation under National Trust Initiative for Marketing is established as a non-profit society to serve the interests of its members through marketing initiative for the products made by persons with disabilities. It provides
opportunities to NGOs to market their products by participating in various fairs and art expositions through out the country.
SPECIAL EVENTS :
ANJALI – Children’s Festival
For the first time, a group of 10 children from MR divisions participated in “ANJALI”
- a children‟s festival held in Bhubaneswar, Orissa from 9th
– 14th
Nov‟09 . The Theme of
this year‟s festival was “ On the wings of imagination”. Started in 2001, Anjali is the
only national children‟s festival for CWSN‟s. In addition to cultural activities, the
children participated in various workshops like pottery, puppetry, sand art, music, dance
etc.
Cultural programme at the Anjali Children’s Festival
Satya’s children at work at one of
the Workshops at the Children’s
Festival
“ We learnt new things, made new friends everyone was very nice to us. It was
wonderful” –Eric Justin as member of the Satya team that participated in the festival
“My daughter has never travelled by train .I can never afford to take her even
up to Chennai leave alone to Bhubaneswar. I thank the school for giving her an
opportunity”- A parent of a child who was a part of the team.
Down’s Syndrome Week
One interesting program this year was
the “Down‟s Syndrome Week” from 21st
to 24th
October, organized with support
from Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)
Department of Education, Govt. of
Pondicherry. A two day workshop titled
“Innovative teaching methods : Using
puppets as a teaching aid for children
with Down Syndrome” was held on 21st
to 22nd
Oct ‟09 with Ms.Banumathi of
Pavai Puppetry Center, Chennai as the
resource person. 25 special educators
from various special schools in Pondy
participated in this workshop. The
sessions included hands on practical
training on making various finger, cone,
socks puppets. Ms Banumathi in her
discussion with the participants also
highlighted the need to make the class
interactive and interesting. She
demonstrated a story telling session
using puppets and also gave tips on
using this technique while teaching
CWSNs.
On 23rd
Oct‟09 as part of the Down‟s
Syndrome Week, Ms.Rekha
Ramachandran Chairperson, Down‟s
Syndrome Foundation of India, Chennai
interacted with teachers from special
schools on handling CWSNs. She
stressed on the importance of thyroid
testing and provided various examples
highlighting the need to use the medium
of art, music and dance in helping
children with Down‟s Syndrome. She
wanted teachers to look beyond
traditional methods of teaching and
wanted them to make sessions
innovative and interesting. “Being
different is being unique” – was the tip
she gave the Special Educators. She
also had a highly interactive session with
parents of Special needs children .Being
a parent herself; she shared the struggles
and achievements of her daughter who
also has Downs Syndrome. The story of
how Ms Babli Ramachandran, who is
now a professional classical dancer, was
highly inspirational to all the parents
especially the mothers.
Following day, a practical demonstration
session on therapy requirements of
Downs Syndrome children was held.
Ms.Sandya Special educator, Mathru
Mandir and a parent herself explained
teaching techniques that would be useful
in teaching these children. Physio
therapist from Mathru Mandir
demonstrated some of the therapy
exercises that need to be administered to
children with Downs Syndrome. This
program has paved way for the
beginning of information sharing
between Downs Syndrome Foundation
of India and Satya. New cases of
Down‟s syndrome and cases needing
expert opinion are being referred to the
foundation in Chennai for advice and
follow up.
International conference on Autism -
Social skills and Creativity was held on
Dec 29th
and 30th
, 09. Organized by the
department of Social Work, University
of Pondicherry, Satya Special School
was one of the co –sponsors of the event.
A number of international experts on
autism covered wide range of topics
from gender issues, to softwares that
could be used to teach autistic children.
This conference provided Satya an
opportunity to showcase its work
through a presentation titled “NGO and
autistic adults”. An exhibition
displaying products made by the
children by Satya under the Income
Generation Programme was also held
coinciding with the conference.
WORLD DOWN’S SYNDROME
DAY : Around 10 children were invited
to participate in the 25th
anniversary of
Mathru Mandir , an organization
working with people with Downs
syndrome. Held on 7th
March coinciding
with World Downs syndrome Day, the
event provided a platform for the
children to showcase their talents in
music and dance. For most of the
children, it was their first trip to Chennai
and they were performing on stage, in
front of a large audience, for the first
time.
WORLD SOCIAL WORK DAY – An
Ability Nite showcasing the talents of
CWSNs was organized by the
Department of Social Work, University
of Pondicherry on the occasion of World
Social work day. Children of Satya
danced, played musical instruments and
did a yoga demonstration. The event was
planned to exhibit the hidden potentials
of CWSNs and help them become self –
reliant.
INDIA WINTERIM Programme with
University of IOWA : For the third
consecutive year, students of University
of IOWA were at Satya for a three week
study abroad programme. This year one
Professor of Social Work and 10
students - graduates in social work,
nursing and law students took up various
projects ranging from redesigning the
Satya website to planning the School
building, adult group homes and usage
of gymnastics in training CWSNs. These
students brought in their experience of
working with the disabled in the US and
share it with the staff and parents. They
under took home visits to understand the
cultural and religious influences. A visit
to the village center gave them a clear
understanding of the living conditions of
rural India and their attitudes towards
disability.
Going by the enthusiasm & success we had
with the children in sports activities, this year
too we participated in a number of national
level and school level sports activities. As
part of team Pondicherry in Special Olympics,
several athletes from Satya participated in
badminton, cycling, volleyball, basketball &
cycling. Many of the schools athletes also
won gold, silver and bronze medals. This
provided them with the opportunity to interact
with a number of CWSNs from all over the
country and was a good learning experience.
We at Satya not only trained our children
in sports activities but also the staff. After attending the ACTP (Advance Coaches
Training Programme) held in Pondicherry, Ms Sita Ramkumar was selected as a
National level Trainer under the able guidance and training given by the trainers and
coaches of Special Olympics Bharath. She holds the distinction of being the only
National level trainer from Pondicherry. As per the requirements of SOB, she has trained
60 community level coaches and 40 state level coaches. These trainings have helped
professions working with CWSNs by imparting the right kind of sports training.
Volunteers at Satya : This year too Satya saw a number of volunteers mostly nursing
students, special educators and even therapists volunteer their time working with staff
and parents of Satya. Inspite of language barriers, volunteers , staff and parents enjoyed
this mutually beneficial interaction.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE :
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Dr V Nallam Patron / Founder
Dr Asha Oumachgui (Con. Gynecologist) President
Mr Nallam Krishna Babu (Business) Secretary
Mr Madhavan (Financial consultant) Treasurer
Dr Chandrasekar EC Member
Dr Chidambaram (Con. Pediatrician) EC Member
Mrs. Maya Chandrasekar (Social Worker) EC Member
Dr Velumani (Neurosurgeon) EC Member
Mrs Chitra Shah (Social Worker) EC Member
Mrs Bindhu Modi (Clinical Psychologist) EC Member
Mrs Sita Ramkumar (Home Maker) EC Member
Mr Mukesh Kumar Jain (Business & Parent) EC Member
MANAGING COMMITTEE
Mr Nallam Krishna Babu Secretary
Mr Madavan Treasurer
Mrs Chitra Shah Director
Ms Bindhu Modi Clinical psychologist
Mrs Sita Ramkumar Co-ordinator, Special Projects
Mr Sherif Shaik Project co-ordinator
EARLY INTERVENTION CENTER Ms Renu Special Educator (EIC)
Ms. Ragini Asst Teacher
Ms Usha Asst. teacher
THERAPY CENTER Mr Senthil Coumarane Physiotherapist
Mr Sudhakar Asst. Therapist
Mr Kalaichelvan Asst. Therapist
Ms Mangayarkarasi * Speech Therapist
Ms Siva Priya Speech Therapist
Ms Mythili Speech Therapist
Mr Sivakumar Occupational Therapist **
Mr Baskaran
Asst. Therapist
Mr Suresh Asst. Therapist *
Ms Poojarini Dance Therapist**
Ms Visalastchi Art Therapist
Mr Alex Music Therapist **
SPECIAL SCHOOL Ms Ramya Special Educator (MR)
Ms Nirmala Special Educator (CP)
Mr Siva Special Educator (Autism)
Mr Kaniappan Special Educator (Down’s syndrome)
Ms Subastri Computer Teacher
Ms Nasvani Yoga / Dance Teacher
Ms Rajeshwari * Asst. Teacher
Ms Bharathi Asst. Teacher*
Ms Mahalakshmi Care Giver Care & management Group
Pre Vocational & Vocational Division Ms Satya Special Educator (MR)
Mr Perianayakam Vocational Trainer – Carpentry
Mrs Mary Vocational Trainer – Tailoring *
Ms Kumari Asst. Vocational Trainer – Tailoring *
Ms Jaya Vocational Trainer - Embroidery
Ms Kokila Care Giver
Mr Munusamy Terracotta Trainer ***
Ms Dhanam Coir Mat Weaving Trainer ***
Ms Shashi Block Printing Trainer ***
Ms Mutharam Asst Vocational Trainer – Printing
Community Based Rehabilitation Ms Viralakshmi CBR co-ordinator
Ms Deepanjali
Asst. Teacher – Kodathur Village
Rehabilitation Center
Support Staff Mrs Rajalakshmi Helper
Mrs Devi * Helper
Mrs Kamakshi Helper
Mr Prakash * Driver – Van
Mr Thiru Driver – Van
Mr Murugan Driver – Mobile Therapy Unit
Mr Nandabalan Driver – Omni
Mr Lawcer Van Helper / Office Assistant
* Left our services ** Part time *** Volunteer
SATYA IN THE MEDIA :
WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY ABOUT US :
Ms. Elodie D”ANDREA, Fashion Designer, Article 23, France
Ms. Mirena Velkova, Mother of a CWSNs, Bulgaria
Ms. Anita Anderson, Special Educator, Sweden
Mrs Kavitha Amarnath, Home Maker
Pierre and Gaby Pfeiffer – Film maker, France
Mr Munnisamy Siva, Pondicherry
Ms KOWALCZYK Julie, Medical Student, France
DOWN OUR MEMORY LANE ……..
Hon’ble Mr Rangaswamy, Chief Minster of Pondicherry with the school
children – ANNUAL DAY celebrations in 2005
Madame. Sequy, Wife of the French Consul & Mr C S Diwedi,
Chairman, Confederation of Indian Industry, Pondicherry & Vice
President, HCL Info Systems looking at the products displayed -
ANNUAL DAY – 2006
Dr S P Srikanth, Senior Superintendent of Police, (Law & Order),
Pondicherry distributing medals to the winner – SPORTS DAY
celebration - 2009
Dr S P Srikanth, Senior Superintendent of Police, (Law & Order),
Pondicherry , Chief Guest honouring Mr L M Shah, Grace &
Gratitude Trust for his gracious donation towards land for the school
- – SPORTS DAY celebration - 2009
Our Partners who have supported our projects :
Dharma International Association, France
ROTARY CLUB OF PONDICHERRY CENTRAL
RI DIST 2980
THE GRACE AND GRATITUDE TRUST, Pondicherry
YOU AND WE TRUST SWITZERLAND
&
PONDICHERRY