Get-hooked March 6, 2019
What makes Udaan in Jalandhar a uniquely inclusive school
A committed social worker, Meenu Shahi was dedicated to helping people. Now as the founder of UDAAN Special School, she is well-known as a person who has played a major role in enabling children with disabilities in Jalandhar.
Launched two years ago, UDAAN has changed the lives of children and families. Shahi brings to this her considerable experience in the field of psychology. Shahi has done a course in special education and is well aware of the kind of support such children need.
At UDAAN, there is a team of trained, capable educators and therapists who take care of the students using various techniques and methods. It caters to children with various types of disabilities and disorders like Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, dyslexia, and ADHD. Many slow learning students have appeared for open board examinations with the academic support provided by UDAAN.
UDAAN aims to provide kids with high quality education and therapy. Families who can afford to pay for the top class facilities are charged a fee. Those who cannot are taught for free.
“We aim to create an inclusive environment and treat our children equally, irrespective of the financial status of their families. The satisfaction I get when I see the children learning and blooming is beyond any words. – Meenu Shahi, Founder, UDAAN
Encouraged by the response in Jalandhar, a new branch of UDAAN has come up in Abohar, near the India-Pakistan border. Many small towns lack the facilities needed for children with disabilities, a gap that UDAAN aims to address.
Apart from education, academics, the students are also encouraged to participate in sports and other activities for holistic development.
The center also provides vocational training for skill development in various activities like printing, computer typing, candle making, decorative divas, trays, designer envelopes and more.
Rakesh Kumar, a parent whose son is enrolled in UDAAN is happy with the changes in his son, Rohtash “Rohtash had focus and attention issues because of ADHD. He was trained through various activities and techniques and that helped improved his attention span. He also got help in education as well”, says Kumar.
By expanding it’s services to areas most neglected, UDAAN is committed to reaching out to as many children as possible, which is truly commendable.
For more information about UDAAN Special School Click Here.
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