On the occasion of 8th World Autism Awareness Day, a painting and awareness program
was held for special children and their parents nearby Kullu town.
Handimachal, in partnership with Dahuadhar Nirmal Chhya Parents Association, Nav Chetna School, Kaar Sev Sang and Blood Bank Kullu, organized an event which was held at Cambridge International School Mohal, Kullu.
30 children along with their parents, teachers, therapists and well wishers participated in the event, wearing a blue ribbon showing solidarity to Autism awareness.
The chief guests of the event were Mr. Rohit Rathore, SDM Kullu, Mr. A K Shing (General Manager NHPC), Dr. Ravindra Shashni, Opthalmologist (Varuni Eye Hospital) and Sashi Bhushan, Special Educator (CRC, Sundernagar).
The program included talks by Miss Shakuntla Sharma on what is Autism, Home Management by Mr. Shashi Bhushan, Behavior Management by Mrs. Kanchan Dhiman and Diagnosis of Disability by Dr. Shushma Trivedi (NHPC).
A painting and drawing competition was conducted for the children who enjoyed it thoroughly.
Rather than the regular speeches we get from administrative officials Mr. Rohit Rathore gave a very insightful talk about acceptance of the specialness of these children and the necessity to look beyond the social norms and conditioning. He made the children and parents dance along with him.
The day’s events concluded with a sumptuous lunch organized by Kaar Seva and Blood Bank Kullu. A special contribution was made by the NHPC (National Hydro Power Corporation) staff members whom we deeply thank for having participated whole-heartedly to support the cause.
Cambridge International School, Mohal, supported the cause by making their auditorium available due to last minute changes of venue from Mohal Nature Park due to heavy rain falls in Kullu. Cambridge International School also supports Inclusive Education Model.
We hope that one day we celebrate this day as Autism Acceptance Day rather than Awareness Day!
Shruti More, occupational therapist,
Handimachal Therapy Unit
More pictures: click here.
