AIKYA's Blog - Special Needs Resources

Inclusion in Mainstream schools

2012-01-23T14:46:00.000-08:00

Classroom accomodations can make a huge difference for students diagnosed with ADHD. With effective planning and a patient teacher, students with ADHD can flourish in the classroom. Parents can work with their child's IEP team to be sure that appropriate accommodations are in place for their child. Here is a list of classroom accommodations and suggestions that can may make the learning environment more manageable for students diagnosed with ADHD.

-- Seat the student near the teacher's desk avoiding distractions such as windows and doors
--Simplify complex directions and avoid multiple commands
--Have the student utilize a daily assignment notebook. It may be a good idea for the teacher and parent to to sharenotes.
--Reduce assignments to the chid's attentional abilitiy
--Allow additional time to complete assignments
--Allow sensory or movement breaks
--Provide a "fidget" at the student's desk such as a squeeze-ball
--Break long term assignments into shorter assignments
--Give the student immediate feedback and immediate consequences
--Provide the student with an extra set of books at home
--Have extra materials/supplies available for the student in the classroom
--Provide the student with a copy of the class notes to highlight as he goes along

Learning Disability

2012-01-23T14:35:00.000-08:00

Learning Disability

Lazy, underachiever, unmotivated, lack of desire to learn, fails to complete assignments, immature. Do these descriptions ring a bell? Living with an "invisible" disability can be extremely frustrating for a child and his parents. When a child is unable to meet educational expectations, typically, an emphasis may be first placed on the child's behaviors. Not every learning disability is readily apparent; some may be far more subtle and harder to diagnose. Unless a child shows clear-cut delays in development, he may fall through the cracks.

Learning disabilities have a wide range of categories, even talented and gifted children can have a learning disability in another area of learning. Learning disabilities are lifelong, however, they certainly do not hamper an individual's ability to become a valuable member of society. A learning disability does NOT mean that the person cannot learn. It simply means, that modifications may need to be made to enhance learning.

The most common learning disabilities are:

Dyslexia--difficulties in the language area, which may include reading, spelling, and understanding the concept or meaning of the message within the text.
Dysgraphia--difficulties in writing letters and/or keeping the written work within a confined space.
Dyscalculia--difficulties in the area of math, which include basic math facts and understanding math concepts.
Auditory and Visual Processing--difficulties in sensory integration, although the child has normal vision and hearing, processing in the environment is overwhelming.

Approximately, 65% of our language is non-verbal. Individuals are assessed by their language abilities, which includes writing, speaking, spelling, and reading.

Nonverbal learning disorders (NLD) are also called right-hemisphere learning disorders. NLD is a neurological based learning disorder. This is a complicated learning disorder because it's hard to identify, it often remains undiagnosed, and the children who have it, tend to be misdiagnosed. Children with NLD possess strong skills particularly in the area of language development and rote memory. However, because of the child's inability to interpret non-verbal cues in his environment, it is very difficult for him to understand and respond appropriately.

Children who have NLD exhibit delays in the following areas:

Motor--difficulties in coordination and balance.
Visual--spatial-organizational-difficulties in visual-spatial recall and perceptions.
Social--difficulties in recognizing non-verbal cues and nuances, the inability to interact at an age-appropriate social level, and immature reactions and judgements in comparison to peers.
Coping--difficulties in assimilating to new concepts and environments.

Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) has recently been renamed Auditory Processing Disorder(APD). Typically, the majority of us can learn and process despite background noise. APD is the inability to process language within our environment. Children who are at risk for APD are preemies, kids who have had chronic ear infections, those who are highly distractible and children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, and PDD( the autism spectrum).

If you suspect that your child has a learning disability, early intervention is essential. Talk to your child's physician. Contact an early intervention program in your area, or an education specialist. Headstart is an excellent program that works with "at-risk" preschool children. If you suspect that your school-aged child is having difficulties, request an assessment by the school professionals. Empower yourself by researching learning disabilities and most importantly, don't be afraid to speak up on behalf of your child. You are the best advocate for your child, so don't get discouraged and by all means, be persistent.

AIKYA offers both full and part time intervention for LD and slow learners, with occupational and creative movement therapy. Children in Stds. I, II and III are taught different methods of learning along with therapy and other skills for around two years before getting back to mainstream school. For students — from Class VII and above, a full-time intervention is recommended, a private appearance for the Government Eighth Standard examination, then a move to the National Open School, and thereafter a vocational stream. Part-time intervention is recommended for younger children till the Class III level, for one hour

Anti-Smoke Bhogi Rally by AIKYA at Nageswara Rao Park

2012-01-12T22:05:00.000-08:00

Special children of AIKYA, parents, special educators, Team Everest volunteers, Lions club members, Mylai police, and Chennai Social Service volunteers participated in a walk in Nageswara Rao park, Mylapore on 13th Jan at 7:30 am. Everyone carried a placard that had slogans about the ill-effects of burning old things on Bhogi day.

Devarajan, Lions Club President (of Chennai &Padi) and Rajkumar, Secretary of Team Everest flagged off the walk. The participants shouted slogans and walked the entire stretch of the park. As there were several enthusiastic health freaks walking in the park, the slogan " Burn your calories, Do not burn trash" became very apt.

This is the first activity of the Social Responsibility Cell(SRC) of Serve India. The police, Ms. Parvathy of AIKYA, Kartheeban and Rajkumar of Team Everest spoke a few words about volunteering and bad effects of air pollution. Prema of Team Everest had taken great pains (cycling included!) to make the placards and flags at the last minute. Overall, it was a very successful and happy event for one and all.

Lions Club President Devarajan waving the flag to start the walk

Placards and Slogans - There we go!

Police was our friend

(L-R) Kartheeban, Prema, and Ms. Parvathy

A Tamil Poem about Bhogi

2012-01-11T22:30:00.000-08:00

AIKYA Opens Social Responsibility Cell (SRC)

2012-01-11T15:28:00.000-08:00

The Social Responsibility Cell(SRC) was inaugurated at AIKYA on 11th Jan, 2012. SRC inculcates the spirit of giving and sharing amongst school kids through a range of activities. SRC is an initiative of Serve India of Team Everest.

Prema of Team Everest asked the children of AIKYA the meaning of the word Help. She then enquired how they helped their parents and grandparents at home. She asked if they shared their pencil and pen with their neighbours in class. In a lighter vein she asked if they stole anything from their classmates and if that was a help too. Ms. Parvathy, Director of AIKYA, wondered if the children can help their parents if they just kept quiet and did their work!

Later, Sukumaran a volunteer of Team Everest from CTS spoke to the kids about volunteering atleast once a month (12/365). The children were very happy to get badges for their various roles in SRC - Class Pilot, Student Secretary, and Student Head.

To view event pics, click here.

AIKYA's Product Brochure

2012-01-07T04:27:00.000-08:00

The food and products division of AIKYA makes a lot of products such as gift cards, areca plates, jewellery, and more. The products are made by young adults with special needs. If you buy a product made by AIKYA you will help us to help a special child. You will also make a differently-abled person independant and confident and makes him/her feel they are contributing to society.

Click here to view AIKYA's product brochure.

Here is an interesting summary of how AIKYA makes Areca Plates:

AIKYA takes great care to make quality products. The raw materials for the Areca plates are bought from Coimbatore. The raw materials are soaked and dried.

The dried materials are then fed to areca plate making machines. AIKYA has four machines that can make plates in the sizes of 6,8,10, and 12 inches.

A person with special needs who has good physical styrength then presses a pulley/weight with his/her leg. This action cuts the plates into shape. Care should be taken to make maximum plates out of a sheath of raw material.

Eight Kids at AIKYA listened to King Cobra Story

2011-12-17T04:50:00.000-08:00

Eight kids at AIKYA were eager to listen to the adventures of Kaala, the King Cobra. Storyteller Anitha told the story. As the kids were very young, a recollection of facts was helpful.

So, the kids repeated after the storyteller:

The King Cobra is 15 feet long
King Cobra does not have ears and eyelids.
King Cobra uses smell and its tongue to catch food.
The King Cobra does not eat food daily.
The King Cobra hatches from eggs.

And so on.... The kids had a look at the colorful picture book. They also created a forest using crayons and sketch pens. The kids drew a tree, river, a King Cobra, and birds. Finally, they mimicked a snake dance pose. It would have been nice to have a real snake charmer around. Alas, you don't find one in streets these days.

Kids drawing a forest with King Cobra

Having a look at the picture book

Trying a King Cobra pose

Storytelling at AIKYA on 17th Dec - A King Cobra's Summer

2011-12-15T04:38:00.000-08:00

As the International Year of the Forest draws to a close, Pratham Books has launched the “Awareness Today for a Greener Tomorrow" campaign. As part of the campaign Pratham Books has organised an exciting relay of events throughout December to spread awareness for a greener world. One of the events is the launch of our book “A King Cobra's Summer' on 17^th December.

Are you ready to listen to the adventures of Kaala the King Cobra. It is not just a story. You will learn and know all about a cobra as the story unfolds....

Are you excited? Then be there at AIKYA Centre, 2/9 Karpagambal Nagar Main Road, Luz, Mylapore Chennai-4 on 17th December from 10 am to 12 noon. Bring along your friends and have fun. Come on, let's hissss........

Now for a few snapshots of A King Cobra's Summer.

PICA - Eating disorder

2011-12-11T17:50:00.000-08:00

Pica is a pattern of eating non-food materials (such as dirt or paper).

Causes

Pica is seen more in young children than adults. Between 10 and 32% of children ages 1 - 6 have these behaviors. Pica can occur due to a lack of certain nutrients, such as iron deficiency anemia and zinc deficiency, may trigger the unusual cravings. Pica may also occur in adults who crave a certain texture in their mouth.

Symptoms : Children and adults with pica may eat:

•Clay

•Dirt

•Hairballs

•Ice

•Paint

•Sand

This pattern of eating should last at least 1 month to fit the diagnosis of pica.

Tests

There is no single test that confirms pica. However, because pica can occur in people who have lower than normal nutrient levels and poor nutrition (malnutrition), the health care provider should test blood levels of iron and zinc.

Blood tests can also be done to test for anemia. Lead levels should always be checked in children who may have eaten paint or objects covered in lead-paint dust to screen for lead poisoning.
The health care provider should test for infection if the person has been eating contaminated soil or animal waste.

Treatment

Treatment should first address any missing nutrients or other medical problems, such as lead exposure.

Treatment involves behavioral, environmental, and family educational approaches. Other successful treatments include associating the pica behavior with bad consequences or punishment (mild aversion therapy) followed by positive reinforcement for eating the right foods.

Medications may help reduce the abnormal eating behavior, if pica occurs as part of a developmental disorder such as mental retardation.

Prognosis

Treatment success varies. In many cases, the disorder lasts several months, then disappears on its own. In some cases, it may continue into the teen years or adulthood, especially when it occurs with developmental disorders.

Possible Complications

•Bezoar (a mass of undigestible material trapped inside the body, usually in the stomach)

•Infection

•Intestinal obstruction

•Lead poisoning

•Malnutrition

When to Contact a Medical Professional

If you notice that a child (or adult) often eats non-food materials.

Prevention

There is no specific prevention. Getting enough nutrition may help.

Managing ADHD and Art Tools for Healing Workshop - 17th December

2011-11-27T05:48:00.000-08:00

Art Therapy helps to improve the emotional well being of a person. Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy. The process of creating or making different forms of art is therapeutic. So, it is "Art as Therapy." There are simple tools to practice Art Therapy. The common ones are Mandala, Magazine photo collage, Masks, and Art Journal. Anyone can learn or practice Art Therapy. There is no minimum educational qualification or drawing skills that a person needs.

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a complex disorder and each person with ADHD is unique. Psychologist Parvathy Viswanth will teach the different methods to handle a child with ADHD. This session will benefit parents, special educators, counselors, and therapists.

Entry Fee: Rs 300

Contact : 9444960643, info@aikya.org

Venue : 2/9, Karpagambal Nagar Main Road, Luz, Mylapore, Chennai - 600 004

20 Years of AIKYA - A Slideshow

2011-11-26T20:37:00.000-08:00

AIKYA's 20 years with Special Children

View more presentations from AnithaJebaraj

Mentally Retarded and Mentally Ill - Is there a Difference?

2011-11-25T21:26:00.000-08:00

Lay people confuse the terms mentally retarded and mentally ill. Mental retardation is a birth defect and is usually found from birth. But, mental illness sets on during or after adolescence, especially after a major setback in life.

Mental illness is due to chemical malfunction in the brain and can be cured or reduced with medicines. But , mental retardation can be reduced only by vocational and behavioral therapy.

People with mental illness can work in the mainstream after treatment. But, people with mental retardation can only do jobs that match their ability.

NGOs working with mentally ill people, demand that mentally ill and mentally retarded must be under the same category and/or premises. But, mentally ill people may turn violent and mentally retarded people who are child-like cannot defend themselves. So, the debate continues.

Singer SPB wearing an AIKYA Garland

2011-11-25T01:02:00.000-08:00

AIKYA's 20th Annual Day - An Article in HINDU Downtown

2011-11-25T00:59:00.000-08:00

Advithiya Awards Function - Event Highlights

2011-11-23T20:36:00.000-08:00

AIKYA honored 30 special people with Advithiya awards. Advithiya means 'Second to None.' Ofcourse, the special people who are educated and employed are second to none.

"A great mind imprisoned in a disobedient body" - One of the speakers highlighted how Stephen Hawking, a great physicist has achieved inspite of a neuro-motor and speech disorder. A poor mother in Tirunelveli has four children with special needs. Even though neighbors gave her tips to get rid of the children, the brave mother is helping her children grow well. There are many special schools in Chennai, but rural areas lack such schools.

One of the speakers said that HR managers in MNCs discourage people with special needs and colleagues tease the special people. Sometimes, the eager employees stop going to work after few days. Proprietors tell that they cannot control the behaviour of all their staff. Sometimes, house owners do not let out houses for rent to a family with a special child.

IAS Kannegi Packianathan

When Chief Guest and IAS Kannegi Packianathan spoke, she recalled how Ms. Parvathy always meets her to discuss about special people. Ms. Kannegi asked the parents of special children to voice their concerns. This confession will help the government in formulating policies that reflect real-world issues. The government has been appointing 'Care Givers' who can take care of disabled people in a home.

ADVITHIYA - A Function to Honor 40 Achievers with Special Needs

2011-11-17T21:18:00.000-08:00

AIKYA will honor achievers with Special needs on 23^rd November at Tattvaloka Hall in Chennai. Ms. Kannegi Packianathan, IAS, Secretary for Dept of Welfare for Differently Abled will be the Chief Guest. People with special needs such as Autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, LD and Cerebral Palsy have a social stigma attached to them. Society and employers always have a doubt about how the special people will perform in a job.

View the invite http://www.scribd.com/doc/73087485/ADVITHIYA-Award-Function

AIKYA plans to honor around 40+ people with special needs who are graduates and/ or work in a steady job. These are people who have made a mark in society against all odds. The government now gives 3% reservation to disabled people. PWD who get benefits are hearing impaired, visually impaired, and persons with orthopedic impairment. Through this event, AIKYA plans to request the government to give a 1% reservation to the four categories of disabilities namely AUTISM, MR,CP and Multiple Disabilities recognized by National Trust ( a wing of Social justice and Empowerment) .

There are many advantages of employing people with Special Needs:

· Low employee turnover – Loyal employees
· Manpower willing to do repetitive work without getting bored
· Honest, Sincere, Hard working, and Reliable employees
· Customers would love your Social responsibility.
· Government recognizes your Goodwill with certain benefits.

AIKYA also runs a work centre that trains young adults in making products such as garlands, towels, fancy jewels, incense sticks, areca leaf plates, xeroxing, lamination, computer skills and more. The trainees learn filing and skills reqd for an office assistant. Soft skills like communication, socialization, and grooming skills are also taught. Prospective employers can source trained manpower from AIKYA’s work centre too. Look forward to see you all at the function that starts at 5:30 pm.

Annual Day Celebration on 11/11/11 - A Recap of Bliss

2011-11-12T21:55:00.000-08:00

The Annual Day and 20-year-service celebrations of AIKYA went on very well. Kids of AIKYA danced with karagam on their heads, guitars in their waist, and colorful cloth in hand. They recited numbers 1-10 with different props like water bottles, caps, and flowers. They sang songs. And also did a fancy dress competition and dressed themselves as carrots, cows, and more.

Singer Sudha Raghunathan was the chief guest. When she spoke, she asked the audience to give a standing ovation to the founder and teachers of AIKYA. She sang the Bharathiyaar song "Chinanj Chiru Kiliye Kannamma" and became emotional in the end. She also gave chocolates to AIKYA kids. She promised to do a charity show for AIKYA also.

AIKYA founder Ms. Parvathy told that the growth of special children and their parents is the growth of AIKYA. Anitha presented a summary of 20 years of AIKYA's contribution to society. Sudha Raghunathan gave prizes to all the kids. The parents were very jubilant and took photos and videos as their kids performed.

Two parents and one grandparent spoke about AIKYA. They told how they had changed their kids to 3 or 4 special schools before they came to AIKYA. After their kids joined AIKYA, they showed a good improvement in social skills, arithmetic, and were eager to go to school. So, 11/11/11 became really special for everyone at AIKYA.

Karagam by AIKYA children for Annual Day - 20 Years of AIKYA

2011-11-11T17:56:00.000-08:00

Invitation to AIKYA Annual Day on 11th November

2011-11-07T19:56:00.000-08:00

AIKYA centre invites you with family and friends to celebrate their 20 years of service and Annual Day on 11th November at Ragha Sudha Hall. Padmashri. Sudha Raghunathan has agreed to be the guest of honor. AIKYA children will dance and sing. Please share the invite with everyone. All are welcome.

Online Chat with Psychologist Parvathy Viswanath about Special Children

2011-10-30T17:05:00.000-07:00

You can chat online with Lion. Parvathy Viswanth over Skype or Gmail chat on Special needs of children with ADHD, AUTISM, and Learning Disabilities. Ms. Parvathy Viswanathan is the Founder-Director of AIKYA – Centre To Integrate the Different, an NGO that has been serving special children for 20 years now.

You can discuss about behavioral problems in children with ID, Early intervention, vocational training, and/or parental guidance. And cover the entire spectrum of queries about people with Special Needs.

Parvathy Viswanathan has won several awards such as the Woman of the Year 2000 award from American Biographical Institute, Who's Who Professional and many more. She was nominated as a board member of the Tamilnadu Welfare Board for the Disabled in 2007. She has presented many papers at national and international conferences. She has authored books on ADHD and Autism. She is advisor to many special schools.

She has organized job fairs and marriage engagement ceremonies (Naveena Suyamvaram) for the persons with Disabilities. She has conducted Special Olympics for the children with Intellectual and developmental disabilities. And two events have entered the Limca Book of Records.

So, never miss this chance of your lifetime.

Date: 19th November, 2011

Time: 7 pm – 9 pm IST

Chat IDs: aikyachennai@gmail.com (OR) parvathy.aikya (Skype ID)

Connect soon with Ms. Parvathy with the chat IDs given for an audio chat.

Fun-filled Deepavali Celebrations at AIKYA on 24th October

2011-10-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

Exhibition of Children Picture Books and AIKYA Products on 22nd Oct

2011-10-24T06:31:00.000-07:00

Social Media Summit 2011( 4 - 5th Nov) - AIKYA Will Display Products

2011-10-22T22:32:00.000-07:00

Social Media is no more a buzz word in India. It is now the most crucial word for businesses that look forward to secure their Business Communication's future. SMSin2011 is a 2 day International event organized by EchoVme in collaboration with M.O.P Vaishnav College (Department of Commerce).

The growth phase of Social Media is augmenting rapidly as we see more than 200% usage of Social Networking Sites year on year since 2004. India has emerged as one of the leading Internet user in the world and as estimated by Forrester we’ll soon be the 3rd largest Internet using country in the world.

Social Media Summit 2011 is a forum for some of the top marketers, entrepreneurs and businesses in the country to congregate and learn the scope of Social Media from experts that will help them get the sharpest edge. So, AIKYA felt that SMSin2011 will be a good platform to showcase their products and spread awareness about service to special kids. Thanks to EchoVme, Sorav Jain, and MOP Vaishnav College for their cooperation.

Venue | Date : MOP Vaishnav College for Women | 4-5th November 2011

Click here to read the Agenda (Speakers, Topic, Time) of the Social Media Summit.

Deepavali article in HINDU dated 17th Oct about AIKYA

2011-10-17T08:42:00.000-07:00

Introduction to Instructional Design - Training Programme

2011-10-16T18:57:00.000-07:00

Instructional Design is the study of designing learning content or training material. After a learning or training event, the learner is expected to exhibit a positive change in knowledge, skills, and/or behavior. Keeping this positive change or learning objective in mind, an Instructional Designer has to design and then write content. Instructional Design is an art as well as science.

Are you familiar with the names Bloom, Gagne, Robert Mager, and Ruth Clark? They are people who proposed several important theories and principles for Instructional Design. As a teacher, special educator, trainer, content developer, or instructional designer, you need to know the principles behind designing and developing learning content.

After completing this course on Instructional Design, you will

· Define Instructional Design
· List Bloom’s Taxonomy and Bloom’s Verbs
· Write Learning Objectives
· List Gagne’s Nine Events of Instructions
· Define Instructor Led Training(ILT), eLearning, and Blended Learning

Date|Time: Saturday, October 22, 2011 | 10:00 am to 01:00 pm

Venue: 2/9, Karpagambal Nagar Main Road, Luz, Mylapore, Chennai – 4

Course Fee: Rs. 300

Contact: 9444960643, info@aikya.org