Rotary Club Roopnagar, India (RID 3080) has envisaged this integrated literacy project for the physically challenged special children. Under this project one school bus, a computer lab and Books and Digital Library and Montessori Education Method would be provided to the Ambuja Manovikas Kendra (A School for Special children) at village Salora, District Roopnagar, Punjab
(THE BELOW DETAILS ARE ALSO ATTACHED AS A PDF FILE IN DOCUMENTS)
Introduction:
Parenting is a very pleasant aspect of life for human being. Everyone hopes and wishes for a healthy baby. But, unfortunately hopes of some of the parents are shattered when a differently able child is born. A ray of hope can be seen for these children in "Special Schools".
Ambuja Manovikas Kendra (AMK), centre of special education is working for the welfare of students with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities since 1999. Presently AMK has 75 children in day schooling and 15 children under Home Based Rehabilitation Programme. AMK is promoted by Ambuja Cement Foundation, the CSR arm of Ambuja Cements Ltd.
Under this integrated literacy project for the special children, the following things are to be provided to AMK
One Special School Bus
AMK though willing to extend its services to all those deprived, has its own limitations in catering to the demand given the limited infrastructure and human resource capacities. These special children have limited mobility since they require special transport facility and the AMK is currently not able to provide the same. Presently AMK has 03 vehicles (Tata Sumos) for the transportation of 75 AMK children and around 50 children are in waiting list due to non-availability of transport services. Due to this factor many severe and profoundly mentally challenged also do not get an access to this centre.
This special school bus will give an opportunity to more special children to have an access to this facility and make a sincere effort to live a normal life.
Establishing Computer Lab for Special Children
Assistive technology (devices and software to assist students with disabilities) is available to help individuals with many types of disabilities from cognitive problems to physical impairment. The use of technology to enhance learning is an effective approach for many children. Also learning to use computers is a must for every individual. It would increase a child's self-reliance and sense of independence.
Proposal is to set a Computer lab consisting of 10 desktops with one common CPU, special software to teach skills, animations, entertainments, Cartoons, video games etc
Teaching skills to special children through Montessori Education method- a new initiative
Montessori is a unique educational approach that nurtures a child's intrinsic desire to learn. Montessori focuses on the whole child-his cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Montessori education is right for children of any age. In a Montessori environment, children learn by exploring and manipulating specially designed materials. Each material teaches one concept or skill at a time, and lays a foundation from which students can comprehend increasingly abstract ideas. Children with special needs, such as learning differences or physical disabilities, often thrive in a Montessori setting. Montessori teaching materials engage all the senses, important for students with distinct learning styles. Students learn by doing and are free to move about, an advantage for those who require a high level of physical activity. And each child has the latitude to learn at his own pace, without pressure to meet formal standards by a predetermined time.
The proposal is to provide the teaching learning material related to the following skills:
1) Infant / Toddler apparatus 2) Development of senses
3) Stack & Learn 4) Imagination / Dramatics & play activities
5) Practical life 6)Language
7) Accessories 8)Match & Learn
9) Jumbo classroom cutouts etc.
Books and Digital Library for special children, Parents and staff
The library plays a major role in helping children, parents and staff to read and update their skill and knowledge. Library installed would be with following items:
1) Books & Calendars' related to different teaching skills for children
2) Special education books like curriculum & teaching different skills, research books, Magazines related to special education for teachers
3) Books such as different government schemes, Disability Acts, present scenario of special education etc. for parents and teachers.
4) Digital audio and video CDs, DVDs related to different aspects of special education for the children.
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