Dilkhush Special School, Juhu, Mumbai:
Dilkhush Special School began in 1971 with just 15 students. Today it has an allocated capacity of 100 students. The aim of the school is to cater to the all round development of children with intellectual disabilities. The school is open to all social classes avoiding any kind of discrimination. The only criterion for admission is the availability of a seat related to the appropriate age and IQ level between 35 to 70. If there are more candidates than seats available, all other things being equal, preference will be given to the economically deprived. The minimum age of admission is 5 years. The school has 10 classes. The groupings are academic and vocational. The number of students in each class differs according to the ability and age of the students, and whether the emphasis is on academics or skill training (vocational). Each class has special educators having a Diploma in Special Education – MR (Mental Retardation).
The school’s educational programme lays emphasis on:
1. Functional Academics – basic reading, writing and math, and its application to daily living.
2. Self care skills – personal hygiene and grooming.
3. Pre-vocational skills – skills training in Art and Craft, Cooking, Needlework and Bead-work.
4. Extra Curricular Activities – Yoga, Music, Dance, sport and Drama.
5. Social skills – To help facilitate interaction and communication with others in various situations and settings. Behavior Modification/ management focuses on training for more appropriate behavior. 6. We will share our common vision with all our collaborators so as to work with a spirit of commitment in our dealings with the children and their families, in formulating our educational programmes in curricular activities. 7. We will promote public awareness encourage a more positive attitude towards persons with a mental handicap 8. Visualize jobs opportunities for them. 9. Help new parents or illiterate persons realize the need for special education and the means for obtaining. 10. Parental Involvement – Family involvement is sought, in addressing the needs of the student, so that each one benefits as optimally as possible. A student’s progress is communicated to parents through meetings as well as progress reports.