Divya downs development education and skill training programme

Main Issue is a Condition called Down's Syndrome. Downs Syndrome is an irreversible condition and cannot be rectified. No treatment can cure the condition.

Downs Syndrome is a Chromosomal abnormality caused due to the presence of an extra chromosome in every cell of the body of the individual. The genes present on this extra chromosome cause intellectual impairment, low muscle, improper body balance, poor eye-hand coordination, speech impairment, and a host of health issues. Some major medical problems also are present such as holes in the heart, other heart defects and thyroid problems in some.

There is an all-round development delay and the individual functions at a lower intellectual level than normal children. However, through early intervention and consistent training and special education inputs, the individual can reach their potential and can become independent in activities of daily living, self-care, and basic academics like reading and writing skills, and communication skills. In a few cases, children have been able to complete the national open school. Most of them can be trained in vocational skills and a few who can be well trained in painting and needle skills.

A few can be further trained in employment skills such as hotels, clothes malls and some retail outlets.

DDDT has taken the responsibility of providing holistic training through their individual education plans (IEP)to provide total all-round development of the individual and to provide necessary skills to initiate and encourage employment. Three projects contribute to their growth and development.

a.early intervention - for age group 1 to 3. Here children in the age group are given infant stimulation, which includes motor skill development to complete milestones, and speech therapy to develop communication and language skills. cognitive skills are also developed through various learning programmes.

b. Education Programme - for age group 5 to 16- The IEPs for every child in respective classes are prepared by the special educator. This includes special education, speech therapy and physiotherapy. Students in this group are taught Language and communication skills, Basic reading and writing skills, number skills, general science, General knowledge, Money and shopping skills, and prevocational skills. Thereby preparing them for vocational skill training.

Vocational Skill Training- for the age group 16 yrs and above. Appropriate skills are given to students according to their abilities. Training is given in a task-analyzed step-by-step manner. every step is monitored and noted till the student masters the skill. Training is given in the following skill areas:

a. Photocopying b. Data entry c. office skills d. painting e. stitching f. paper bag making g. candle making h. Diwali lamps making i. Gel candle making j. Jewellery making k. assisting in bakery l. assisting in chocolate making m. making paper plates and assisting in bag making/ apron stitching/ pillow cover stitching and various making of various gift items.

Additionally, we also have a Women's Empowerment programme to skill train unemployed and underprivileged women in various employment-oriented skills.

After going through the structured programme, every child with Down Syndrome will become self-dependent, equipped with basic reading, writing and communication skills, socially well trained and trained in one or more vocational skills which help in livelihood. The student will be able to adapt to inclusive work setups. Apart from this students will be a helping hand at home with family chores and activities of daily living. DDDT aims to transform every child with Downs into a dignified self-dependent individual who can live a happy life.