INTEGRATION OF THE DISABLED

After serving children with  intellectual disablity, cerebral palsy, autism and related dysfunctions for over 30 years. it has been proposed for the first time in India, to build an integrated education complex where all children disabled and ‘Normal’  will have an opportunity to learn from each other and progress shoulder to shoulder. we believe it a win/win situation to integrate under one roof, at the Agro Farm. The proposal includes integrating children with mild to moderate intellectual disablity and children with cerebral palsy with average intelligence or above average intelligence, as well as with children with borderline or mild intellectual impairment with the average children and also children with speech and hearing disorders. It is our strong belief that integrated education will help the less able in a very big way in terms of putting an end to their segregation or isolation and straight away bring about their acceptability. This will also bring a platform for the them to follow the ‘able model’ following the average children in their day to day learning situations. Integrated classrooms situation will also help in reducing behaviour problems of the disabled children as they watch and observe the accepted behaviour pattern of their able counterparts. By providing them uniform education opportunities, the disabled and able will be able to perform in a competitive and enjoyable atmosphere with a sense of friendship and cooperation. Such a model will also help bring about much needed empathy in the minds of able children regarding the condition and needs of their disabled counterparts.

In addition to the disabled children attending classes alongside with their normal counterparts it is suggested that all these children also undergo a specialized programme consisting of:

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  Special Education

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  Creative Arts therapy/ recreational therapy

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  Pre-vocational and vocational training

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  Yoga and dance

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  Occupational therapy

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  Physiotherapy

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  Speech and language Therapy

Help from Sabin Foundation, USA

Pathway is highly fortunate to get Sabin Foundation, United States of America as partners in establishing this unique project. Mr and Mrs Gary Sabin, Mr Plumb and Mr Eric Ottesen  have agreed to help Pathway in  the construction of two blocks, one: A dormitory block to house nearly  250 children and two: A rehabilitation unit to offer multi-pronged rehabilitation programme for the disabled. The Sabin Foundation has also come forward to support the project in its maintenance for the next seven years. They will also support to equip the centers and lay internal road  in the Agro Farm. Pathway is highly grateful to Sabin Foundation for their generosity.