Bringing Smiles for Children with Disability

The children with disabilities, mainly cerebral palsy and mental retardation are being helped with special education at Jan Vikas Samiti through the daycare centre called Muskan. There are 34 children attending Muskan day Care Centre.

The children are unable to come to the centre by their own since they all come from rural areas and the parents are not able to meet the expenses for the transportation. The organization arranges for the transportation of these children. We have a four-wheeler (Tata Magic) for the transportation of the children. The maintenance charges of the vehicle and the fuel charges are very high and we are finding it difficult to manage the cost.

There are two special teachers in Muskan giving their services in the departments of special education, ADL training, speech therapy, physiotherapy, etc. The organization requires a help to meet the honorarium of these 2 special teachers.

Medication for children: - The children with cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and epilepsy require timely medication for the management of the disability and to continue regular physical intervention. The organization requires help in buying medicines for the needy children.

Muskan Centre promotes the feeling of positivity and wants to convey the message that smile is the right of every child, even in the presence of a disability. Disability can be turned into ability with efforts, dedication and a positive attitude. The centre stands to take care of both physical and social aspects of the mainstreaming of the CWDs. These include physiotherapy, medical aid, socialisation training, joyful learning, counselling through home visits, facilitation of access to their rights and entitlements. The children come to Muskan 3 days in a week and the other 3 days, they go to their regular school. Few of the children are being prepared to go for regular schooling.

There are 25 children with disabilities receiving regular therapy services and 90 others on an occasional basis. We assist and help children in getting surgeries, medical investigations and in further support for their treatment. There are significant changes in many children and we are very proud to state that our intervention has indeed made a great impact on the society.

The children with disabilities are being helped to improve their social Inclusion skills through the celebration of the local festivals and other important days like International Day of Persons with disabilities, etc.

A Positive Attitudinal Change in the Parents and the Community: - The parents of CWDs have become more tolerant and accepting. As family members learn to be more accepting of diversity and of people’s behaviours, they cultivate a greater respect for other families of children with disabilities and develop more compassion toward people in general. Parents come to the centre and give their services as volunteers. The community also is well aware and has a positive attitude towards the people with disabilities.

Promotion of Inclusive Education and Transformation of Children: - The focus of Muskan is on inclusive education in schools and preparing children for regular schooling. The children who have shown improvement in their mobility and social skills are enrolled into regular schools for further education. We are happy to say that so far, about 18 children from Muskan Day Care Centre have been enrolled into regular schools.

Physical Rehabilitation of CWDs: - The Children with special needs are provided regular therapy services and their physical rehabilitation is ensured. The parents of CWDs are happy to see an effective change in the children and ensure the continuation of therapy in their home situations too. The regular physiotherapy provides better mobility to the children who are severely disabled.

Mainstreaming (Socialization) of CWDs in the Community: - Through celebrations and arts, Muskan has been progressing in teaching social skills to the children. Muskan is trying to create an environment in which children grow up with a sense of self-confidence.