PVSW CHILDREN PLAYING AT BEAGLES BASKETBALL INDOOR STADIUM MALLESHWARAM

Children blossom with extra-curricular activities. Unfortunately, recreation, hobbies, extra-curricular activities are getting tougher and competitive and losing their charm due many reasons. We grew up playing seven stones, galli cricket but alas, there is no space to play these activities any more. It is a medical fact that everyone should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day and every child is given the opportunity to learn, play, and thrive. Participating in sports helps not just in physical development, but has many hidden pluses. Sports improve memory, learning, problem-solving, and socialisation. All these are life skills which help in future life and workplace behaviour, bringing about a huge boost to self confidence.

This is especially true for children with special needs, who often face unique challenges in accessing these opportunities. The world is now becoming increasingly aware of diversity and inclusivity, but children with special needs have to battle their own problems of health, learning, coping with life skills and also strive to be included in a world which is highly competitive. Physical activity helps in manage weight which is often an issue with children with special needs.

Break Down Barriers – Create Inclusive Environment
There are many barriers, some are physical, such as inaccessible playgrounds, or social, such as exclusion by peers/society. By making simple changes we can create a more inclusive environment where all children can play together, learn from each other, and build lasting friendships

Creating opportunities for sports/play requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including parents, educators, policymakers, and the community at large. This may involve making physical modifications to playgrounds to make them more accessible, providing training to teachers on inclusive practices, and promoting awareness and acceptance of children with special needs among peers.

Let’s join hands together to create these opportunities.

In such a world, we have found a rainbow.

A case in Study : Tamahar Trust experimented with taking their young adults with special needs to Beagles basketball court, Malleswaram. On day 1, out of 6, one of them started playing as he had some experience playing at his apartment block. The rest just picked up the ball and were found running around. They were not given any instructions, or goals. The coach wanted them to enjoy the experience, have fun. From the 3rd day onwards, coach gave one or two instructions and let them continue their uninhibited play. On day 6, four of them were able to put the ball in the basket. They were beaming, full of pride, enjoying the experience and wanted to play every day!!

We are thankful to Beagles for providing this opportunity to our children. We also want to extend our thanks to Dr. Ashwathnarayan Gowda – MLA, former Dy CM, Manjunath Raju (ex-corporator and Beagles trust vice chairman) for supporting this endeavour. We hope to get their ongoing support and are able to provide this opportunity to many more.

Disability should never be a barrier to a child’s growth and development. In a world that often overlooks the needs of Children with special needs, auxiliary programs play a crucial role in bridging gaps and unlocking potential. These programs, ranging from educational support to recreational activities, provide avenues for children with disabilities to not only learn and grow but also to feel valued and included in society. 

Understanding Holistic approach

Intervention programs for children with special needs are initiatives designed to cater to their unique needs. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of activities and support systems, including : 

1. Educational Support : Tailored educational programs help children with disabilities overcome learning barriers. This includes special education services, assistive technologies, and individualized education plans (IEPs). 
2. Physical Therapy : These services are essential for children with physical disabilities. They focus on improving mobility, strength, and coordination. 
3. Occupational Therapy : Services that help children develop better fine-motor control, assisting in being independent in all activities of self-care, vocation, play, etc. 
4. Speech Therapy : These services help children learn different means of communication including speech. They also work on improving oro-motor structures, helping swallowing, etc. 
5. Vision Therapy : Specialised therapy program aimed at improving functional vision of children with vision loss due to conditions like Cortical Visual Impairment. 
6. Social Skills Development : Programs aimed at enhancing social interaction help children with disabilities develop essential communication and interpersonal skills. 
7. Recreational Activities : Inclusive sports and arts programs provide a platform for children with disabilities to explore their talents, engage in physical activity, and socialize. 
8. Yoga Therapy : Yoga is known to calm people, help them focus better, breathe better. Regular sessions at Tamahar have helped over-active children to control their emotions better, become and centred (Reduce anxiety, improves gross motor, flexibility and strength, concentration and body awareness). 
9. Music Therapy : Music has been known to influence emotions. Our therapy at Tamahar is aimed at improving attention, improving emotional disturbances in children. It also promotes improved voice modulation, breathing techniques. 
10. Mental Health Support : Counseling and therapy sessions are crucial for addressing the emotional and psychological needs of caregivers who have to provide loving care to children who are dependent on them for extended periods. 

The Impact of Holistic Intervention Programs

1. Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem : Participation in these programs helps children feel more capable and independent, fostering a positive self-image. 
2. Enhancing Social Integration : By interacting with peers and participating in group activities, children with disabilities develop a sense of belonging and inclusion. 
3. Improving Academic Performance : Tailored educational support ensures that children with disabilities receive the attention and resources they need to succeed academically. 
4. Promoting Physical Health : Regular physical activity through tailored sports or therapy improves overall health and well-being. 
5. Emotional and Psychological Well-being : Mental health support is vital in helping these children cope with challenges and build resilience. 

Success Stories

There are numerous instances where such holistic programs have made a significant difference. For example, a sports program for children with disabilities might not only teach them a new skill but also instill a sense of discipline, accomplishment and teamwork. Similarly, art and music therapy sessions can unlock new ways for children to express themselves and communicate. 

In 2022, Likith, a once anxious child, found joy at Tamahar after being  admitted to the Early Intervention program. Initially unable to even sit without support and reliant on his mother for all his needs, Likith’s transformation was remarkable. He overcame his fears, started to interact with peers and interventionists, and eventually learned to walk with a K-walker. With the continuous support of the Tamahar team and his family., Likith now walks independently using the K-walker with no assistance and even takes a few steps without the walker. 

Implementing Effective Holistic Interventions

To create effective Holistic Interventions, certain key elements must be considered : 

1. Inclusivity : Programs should be designed to be accessible and welcoming to all children, regardless of their disability. 
2. Customization : Understanding that each child’s needs are unique, programs must be flexible and adaptable. 
3. Professional Guidance : Trained educators and therapists should lead these programs to ensure that children receive expert care and support. 
4. Community Involvement : Engaging the wider community fosters a more inclusive environment and raises awareness about the importance of supporting children with special needs. 
5. Continuous Evaluation and Improvement : Regular assessment of these programs ensures they remain effective and relevant to the children’s needs. 

At Tamahar, Holistic Interventions for children with disabilities are not just about providing support; they are about empowering these young individuals to realize their full potential. By addressing their educational, physical, social, and emotional needs, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive. It’s a collective responsibility that promises a brighter future for all children, regardless of their disabilities. 

Introduction : In the bustling city of Bangalore, Tamahar stands tall as a beacon of hope for children with developmental disabilities. At the heart of our mission lies the commitment to inclusive education, a journey filled with compassion and tailored support. In this blog post, we explore Tamahar’s strategies for supporting students with Down Syndrome while shedding light on the causes of Down Syndrome and the mental health services integral to our holistic approach.
 

Understanding the Causes of Down Syndrome : Before delving into our functional education strategies, let’s first understand the causes of Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in developmental and cognitive problems. The unwavering spirit at Tamahar aims to embrace these differences through specialised intervention.
 

Functional Education Strategies at Tamahar :

1. Personalized Learning Plans : Understanding that each child is unique, Tamahar crafts personalized learning plans tailored to the strengths and challenges of each student with Down Syndrome.
    
2. Collaborative Teaching Model : In the spirit of holistic intervention, our educators collaborate seamlessly with therapists to foster a team approach dedicated to the wonderful personality development of every child.
    
3. Assistive Technologies for Enhanced Learning : Embracing the digital age, Tamahar integrates cutting-edge assistive technologies into the learning environment, empowering students with Down Syndrome to engage with educational materials independently.
    
4. Social Inclusion Initiatives : Beyond academics, Tamahar initiates social inclusion programs, allowing children with Down Syndrome to interact with their peers, cultivating awareness, acceptance, and creating an inclusive society.
    

NGO in Bangalore – Tamahar’s Commitment : Situated in the vibrant city of Bangalore, Tamahar is more than an NGO; it’s a community-driven force committed to transforming the lives of children with developmental disabilities through inclusive intervention.
 

Mental Health Services at Tamahar : Recognizing the integral connection between mental health and overall well-being, Tamahar extends its support beyond academics. Our mental health services provide a safe space for children and their families to express themselves, fostering emotional resilience and a positive outlook on life.
 

Conclusion : As we navigate the landscape of inclusive education at Tamahar, we invite you to join us in this transformative journey. Let’s celebrate differences, break down barriers, and nurture the potential within every child, especially those with Down Syndrome. Together, we’re not just an NGO in Bangalore; we’re a community dedicated to shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for all.