Samanvaya:integrating different learning abilities………Mahithi Pillay
In the light of learning disabilities and other problems faced by schoolchildren today, Rajhans Vidyalaya, a prominent CBSE school in Andheri, on Tuesday launched a center for differently abled children on its campus, as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations. Sudeshna Chatterjee, principal of Jamnabai Narsee school, which also has a similar center, and psychiatrist Dr Anjali Chhabbria were present as guests to inaugurate it.
Quoting from Socrates and Kahlil Gibran, school principal DS Srivastava outlined the need for the center, ‘Samanvaya’, which means integration. Srivastava said that the purpose of the center was two-fold: to understand and take care of the various needs of children, and to sensitise teachers, parents, and the rest of the world about them.
Though the school has always had students with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, hearing and other sensory disabilities on its rolls, this center is another step forward in making education inclusive, Srivastava said.
Chhabbria said that the benefits of the center might seem unclear in its first few months, but it might be necessary to expand it later. Explaining that every child is a complex interaction of feelings, emotions and influences, both positive and negative, she said their needs have to be understood.
She added that even though it is difficult to address the needs of all the differently abled kids in school, small changes and adjustments can be made to listen to the children and support them.
Chatterjee spoke about her school’s experiences with such an initiative, and pointed out that kinder members of staff might be as effective as special educators at such centers.
School director Captain Kumavat felt that though the school was probably five years late in starting the center, it would be a great success if parents and others made good use of it. Both Srivastava and Chhabbria concurred, adding that more such centers are needed in the city at present.
School counselor Aruna will be the one coordinating with everyone at the center, and will be working on the informal assessment of the problems of the children. She added that she was trying to get a clinical psychologist on campus soon.
Praising the initiative, Chatterjee said, “Inclusion is a necessary and satisfying experience for the teachers as well as parents.”