Our Vocational student Mr. Kannan was placed as intern in Big Basket (BB) -one of the online retail giants. At Swabodhini, Kannan underwent training in Retail and Computers & Admin skills. He started his internship from 1st July onwards. Big Basket has given a very positive feedback about Kannan stating that he is able to execute the jobs assigned to him well, he adjusts himself with all his colleagues and is able to participate in conversations with others comfortably. He is currently being accompanied by a job coach who closely monitors & guides him. Plan is to slowly withdraw this and make him independent.

Our Vocational student Ms. Fathima, who completed her training in retail & life skills & also academics has been promoted as vocational intern with effect from July 1st. She will be assisting teachers & students in preparation of charts, materials for handouts, flash cards etc.

In memory of the first woman Chartered accountant in the history of ICAI, Lady Sivabhogam Award is felicitated every year. We are very proud to announce that our very own Anuradha Mahesh was the recipient of this prestigious award this year. The award was given to her by the ICAI Women Empowerment Committee for service to Swabodhini in educating and training children with autism and related challenges with her chartered accountancy background. Mr Sivakumar, Partner of Karra & Co presented the award to Ms Anuradha. The function was held at at Hotel Fortune.

It was a proud day for us at Swabodhini, when we celebrated our very first graduation day on 9th July, 2016. Six of our students graduated on this day.

The function took place at IMAGE (Indian Bank Management Academy for Growth & Excellence) auditorium in RA Puram, Chennai. Mr. A.S. Rajeev, Executive Director of Indian Bank was the Chief Guest. Mr. P.C. Dash, Principal of IMAGE was also present. The entire event was sponsored by Indian Bank. At the end of the event, Indian Bank presented many teaching aids to Swabodhini – like alphabet mats, sensory ball for OT, a globe, abacus and also an LED projector for training purposes. One of our parents donated a laptop for the use of vocational students. It was a well-attended program by students, parents & their family members and many staff members of Indian Bank. Snacks, tea/ coffee & biscuits were served to all guests. Swabodhini takes this opportunity to thank Indian Bank for their generosity.

Six of our students graduated this day!

• Dharshini & Lokesh – from Primary II to Pre-Vocational I
• Surya – from Pre-Vocational- I to Pre-Vocational II
• Vaishnavi – from Pre-Vocational to Vocational
• Fathima – completed her Retail skills training and was promoted as Vocational Intern
• Valli – completed her Retail skills training and is ready to join a departmental store as a trainee

Students of pre-primary & primary groups were taken on an experiential trip to the Museum in Egmore. Prior to the trip, students were taught the relevant details about museum. They all enjoyed the day with their friends & teachers and it was a different experience to all of them. After returning they were asked to explain what they had seen, etc. Students showed good results

Swabodhini has been harnessing the benefits of the ancient science of Yoga for improving the motor and coordination skills of its students. For the past one year, a noted improvement has been observed in the students under the IYP, for whom the annual review on progress was done. To continue the momentum and also to bring in more students under IYP, an orientation program for parents and teachers was conducted by Satyananda Yoga Centre (SYC), who are our partners in the IYP.

Teachers were explained about the importance of yoga and its effect on children. They were also taught how to impart the practices on the students in great detail by Ms. Padma Ramesh & Mr. Jagadeesan, qualified yoga teachers from SYC. Also, more than 30 parents attended the program and many of them shared their positive experiences of yoga practices on their children. The meeting ended with chanting of Om & Shanthi mantra by all.

Our students participated in Vegam sports organised by the State Government for children with special needs. The event was conducted on a grand scale at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Periampet. Our students participated in 200 mt running, sack race etc. It was a fun filled event where many other students from different schools had come for participation. All the students were given participation certificates.

For the benefit of students, we approached the Government Department to conduct a camp for aadhar card issuance for our students. As advised by the department, the camp was made to be useful for the public also. Notices were sent to nearby locations regarding this. Around 45 people were able to get the necessary applications processed through our camp for issue of the card.

Swabodhini conducted a free screening camp on 23rd July, 2016 for children with special needs. Children diagnosed with cerebral palsy, ASD, ADHD, Down’s syndrome & developmental delay were assessed by team of experts in occupational therapy, speech therapy & physical therapy under the guidance of Dr. Saravanan Sivanithi, Director & consultant neurodevelopment therapist, Paediatric Therapy Associates. The camp was held at the premises of Swabodhini. Around 16 children were screened and assessment reports were issued. Necessary advices were rendered for therapy to be given to the children.