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Lend Us Your Ears: Akshar Trust
Akshar Trust, Baroda, was established in 1989 to:
- provide education and care to hearing impaired children and guidance to their families,
- conduct research, investigation and experiments in education of hearing impaired children, and
- train teachers of the hearing impaired.
Akshar Trust runs Akshar Centre for Hearing Impaired Children, and Teacher Training Programme DSE (HI).
Many of our earliest children have gone on to finish their graduate and post-graduate studies from the MS University of Baroda. Manisha Sindkar got
53 % in M.Com and has been absorbed in the ONGC as Accountant while Kanaka Bhat has recently finished her M.Com with
58 % marks.
Akshar Centre for Hearing Impaired Children
The Centre started with 5 children and has now expanded to a regular, recognised school with 150 children, who are taught in 3 mediums - English, Hindi, Gujarati - depending on which language they are the most comfortable in. (One must remember that for a hearing impaired child, only a single language is preferred.) Our curricula follows that of the Gujarat Board but we are writing our own text books since our children's needs are different. We take in children as young as possible - our youngest child was 12 months old. This is very essential for the educational future of every hearing impaired child as the years 0-3
are the period of optimum learning, giving the child a head-start. This is our Early Intervention (Infant) Programme which includes regular parent-teacher meetings, informal discussions and home visits. Parents are counselled about the implications of the impairment, the educational alternatives available and the manner in which they can most ably assist their child.
No hearing impaired child is refused admission. Even children with problems in addition to hearing impairment are admitted. All children come dressed in the prescribed uniform. The workday is divided into class periods including co-curricular activities such as karate training, art and hobby classes. We deal extensively and daily with amplification devices like hearing aids, group hearing aids, and speech trainers. Once we find a child with us who is ready for integration into a regular school, we try to mainstream him/her into that school. This is our Integration Programme. The child then studies and grows up with 'hearing' children and learns to adjust and operate in the 'hearing' world. However, the child also continues to come to the Centre for speech and language therapy. We have integrated a number of our children in this way.
In the school, the children are divided into three houses – Nehru, Gandhi, Tagore – which compete fiercely for honours on the Sports Day and the Annual Day each year! Our children also actively participate in city-level dance, drama, painting and performance competitions throughout the academic year, often winning prizes (they bagged the Jagdish Kaur Chawla Rolling Trophy of SOCLEEN for Inter-School Street-Play Competition, 2001) competing with 'hearing' children in their age group.
Teacher Training Programme
The Trust initiated this Programme since very few correctly trained teachers for hearing impaired children are available. The one-year Programme awards a Diploma and is recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India. Seminars and Workshops are also regularly organised for teachers of the hearing impaired in other parts of the state, as a process of exchange of knowledge, techniques and other relevant information.
Future Plans
The District Administration has given Akshar Trust a 10,000 sq m plot on the outskirts of the city. Architectural drawings for the planned facilities are ready. These
include:
- Classrooms designed for the hearing impaired programme,
- An Audiology Clinic for impairment assessment and fitting of hearing aids,
- Private Spaces for the Infant-Parent Programme and Counselling, Classrooms for the Teacher Training Programme,
- A Hall or Auditorium for Conferences/School Programmes,
- A Laboratory,
- Proper Games facilities,
- A Dining Hall for the Mid-Day Meal,
- A modest Flat for visiting Faculty.
We are also planning to set up a cell to work on the making of solar-powered low-cost batteries for hearing aids so that these become affordable for even the economically weak. This facility would be planned along with a low-cost mould-making facility, since the growing child's ear size changes and the moulds need to be changed accordingly for the proper working of the hearing aids. An in-house facility like this would be a great help in the independent functioning of the institution.
One of the Trust's long-range plans is to extend our work to rural areas where the need is even more acute. This would include identification of hearing impairment, fitting of low-cost hearing aids, and the training of mothers with hearing impaired children.
Donor Opportunities
There are several opportunities for individuals and corporates who may be interested in supporting us. While our own funding efforts are considerable, money is always short and the needs keep increasing. Support, in both cash and kind, such as books, CDs, VCDs, information materials for children and teachers are most welcome. Since more than
80 % of our students come from economically weak families, several opportunities exist to help such children and the Centre. Some of these
are:
- Adopt-A-Child Programme: Rs. 5000 per year
(Expenses per Child per Year including fees, bus fees, hearing equipment consumables, notebooks, drawing paper, sketch books, pencils, colours, erasers)
- Adopt-A-Class Programme: Rs. 50,000 per month
(Expenses per Class per Month, Rs. 5000 x 10 Classes)
- Adopt-Our-School Bus Programme: Rs. 84,000 per year
(Expenses for regular running and maintenance)
With the new campus planned for Akshar Trust on the land given by the Government, generous donors offering enough to cover the full cost of built-up area/s will be acknowledged with a nameplate at the entrance of the facility.
- Classrooms: 20, @ Rs. 2 lakh each: Rs. 40 lakh
- Furniture & Fixtures: Rs. 1 lakh per Classroom x 20: Rs. 20 lakh
- Library: Rs. 3 lakh
- Conference Room: Rs. 4 lakh
- Staff Room: Rs. 1.5 lakh
- Ear Mould Laboratory: Rs. 2 lakh
- Computers & Peripherals: 3 sets, @ Rs. 50,000 each: Rs. 1.5 lakh
- Lecture Room (Teacher Training): Rs. 9 lakh
- Common Rooms (Teacher Training): Rs. 4 lakh
The Akshar Trust is a not-for-profit, voluntary, secular organisation. It is registered with the Charity Commissioner, Baroda, under the Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950. It is also recognised by the Director of Social Defence, Government of Gujarat. All donations to the Trust are exempted under section 80 (G) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
With prior appointment, you are most welcome to visit our Centre.
Please contact:
Nisha Grover
Hon. Principal
Akshar Trust
11th Floor, Kirti Tower
Next to Kirti Mandir
Tilak Road
Vadodara 390 001
India
Phone: +91-265-2427522, +91-265-2427544
Phone (Centre): +91-265-2430090
Fax: +91-265-2427599
Email: kga@icenet.net
Email: akshartrust@icenet.net
Trustees Of Akshar Trust
- Karan Grover, Managing Trustee
- Jal R. Patel
- Hasmukhbhai Shah
National Convention of Educators of the Deaf (NCED) India
The National Convention of Educators of the Deaf India (NCED) was established in
1935. It is a professional organisation which aims to bring together the
educators of children with hearing impairment across the country on a common
platform. NCED has a membership of over 1000 professionals all over India and
hence annual conferences are held in different parts of the country. It is clear
that the papers presented and the interaction between professionals goes a along
way in achieving higher educational standards for children with hearing
impairment. Akshar Trust hosted an Annual National Conference for the National
Convention of Educators of the Deaf, organised by the Gujarat Chapter on 3rd and
4th February 2005. There were 340 special educators of hearing impaired children
who attended from Jharkhand, Bihar, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. This was a two-day
conference and we provided accommodation to 180 delegates. Many teachers from
Gujarat had attended such a conference for the first time. 24 Papers were
presented on the following themes: Technology, Inclusive Education, Sign
Lang/Bilingualism, Early Intervention, Innovative Classroom Practices,
Preparation for life after school. Dr. I.G Patel, former Governor of Reserve
Bank of India, was the Chief Guest and Mr. Philip O' Keefe, Lead Social
Protection Specialist for India, World Bank, was the Keynote Speaker at the
Inaugural Ceremony. Mr. Hasmukh Shah, former Chairman, IPCL, was the Chief Guest
at the valedictory ceremony.
AFTER THE HOLIDAYS
Akshar Centre for Hearing Impaired Children-Special
School
Four students, Payal Kayasth, Shewtal Parekh, Zainab Lokhandwala,
Vandana Rohra passed the 10th Std National Indian Open School Board Exam in the
following subjects in April 2005: Gujarati Language, Social Science, Home
Science, Maths and Typewriting. Payal got the highest marks in Gujarati - 94 %.
She joined Akshar Centre as a child in 16/6/90. Vandana got the next highest
marks Gujarati - 92 %. She had also joined Akshar as a child in 10/4/1990.
Zainab got 85 % marks in Gujarati. She had joined Akshar as a child in 27/9/89
Shewtal got 56 % in Gujarati. She has been at Akshar since 5/1/1990. One
student, Rushiba Patel, has cleared four subjects. She is appearing for Social
Science in October 2005. She got 67 % in Gujarati. Another student, Jaya Pawar
has cleared three subjects. She is appearing for Maths and Social Science in
October 2005. Nilesh Pillay, Akshita Brahmbhat and Aditya Bhalerao have cleared
two subjects. They are appearing for Social Science, Maths and Home Science in
October 2005. Amit Jha (Hindi Medium) has cleared 4 subjects. He is appearing
for Maths in October 2005. We wish them well!
We are glad to meet you again Manan!
Manan Patel and his parents, Daksha and Dakshesh, visited the Centre
on 19th July 2005. Manan was one of the first students of Akshar when it started
on the 18th July 1988. He moved to the United States fifteen years ago. However,
he and his parents have kept in touch with Akshar. Some years ago Manan
collected money in his summer holidays for the Centre. He is now studying to be
a doctor in the United States. On the 19th the family met the students and staff
at Akshar. Manan spoke to the trainees and the children.
Recent News:
- The 9th Annual Day was celebrated on 9th January 06 at the Rosary Auditorium.
- Akshar celebrated its 11th Annual Sports Day at the Eugene Stadium, EME
School, on 21st February 06.The EME School provided snacks and cold drinks for the children.
- V-One society provided 27 Hearing Aids on 31st March 06. The organisation
also provided 17 Solar Battery chargers at the cost of Rs. 100. These were
distributed to the children.
- Ms. Padmaben Shinde, IED Co-ordinator, Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan Mission, Jilla
Panchyat provided 35 Hearing Aids on 21st April 06.
- Eight Students passed the Std. X National Open School Board Exam in April
2006.
- Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedekar Open University provided and installed Ku Band Dish
Antenna DTH for educational purposes on 22nd June 2006.
- Sarv Siksha Abhiyaan provided 45 Hearing Aids to needy children on 22nd
September 2006.
- Animated Stories and Mathematical sums on the computer have started being
used in the classroom from 30th November 2006.
- Primary section children of both the mediums went for a Picnic at Sayaji Baug,
a municipal garden on 21st December 2006.
- Ruchit Shitole joined First Year Commerce at MS University in 2006. Shwetal
Parekh joined Fine Arts in 2007, at MS University. Shwetal is the 4th student of
Akshar to join University. 10 children have joined Vocational Courses. Amit Jha,
of the Hindi medium, has cleared Std. X is now working at Contacare Ophthalmic &
Diagnostics, Padra.
- Secondary section children and staff went for a Picnic at Jhadeshwar and
Kabirvad on 19th January 2007.
Annual Events
- 10th Annual Day Programme was celebrated on 14th February 2007, at the EME
Auditorium. Our senior deaf students rocked in a fusion dance on the music of
the song 'Who Kisna hai… and Rang de Basanti'. The Chief Guest was Maj. Gen.
V. K. Passi and the Guest of Honour was Shri Vishnubhai Patel, Chairman of
Standing Committee, VMSS. Shri Rajesh Parikh, Councilor VMSS also attended.
Ms. Jyoti Agarwal taught the children dances for the Annual Day Programme
which they enjoyed greatly.
- The 12th Annual Sports Day Programme was celebrated on 23rd February 2007,
at EME Stadium. The Chief Guest was Mr. C.J. Patel, Deputy Collector and the
Guest of Honour was Shri Mehul Zaveri, Chairman of Sikshan Samiti, Vadodara.
He was accompanied by Shri R Rajesh Parikh.
The children of the school marched on the beats of the drum
inspite of their hearing impairment...!!
The tiny tots participated in Balloon Race, Bat and Ball race and many more!
The parents and siblings of the children were not left out! The children
enjoyed cheering them up!
A Volleyball match was held between First Year and Second
Year trainees (boys) on 27th February 2007. First Year trainees won the match.
V-One Society has started computer classes for Standard Xth. The course is
for 3 months and 9 children from Akshar have started attending the classes
from 20th March 2007.
We have started referring children with the additional handicaps to KGP
Children's Hospital for Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy.
Classes for parents on Finger Spelling and Signs are also started to
understand their children better.
Second Home Training Programme started for Early Intervention children.
Six children, 3 on Tuesday and 3 on Thursday, are being taken in this
Programme on an individual basis. Ms. Falguni Shah, Speech Pathologist &
Audiologist gives half an hour to each child and to the parents. This
programme has been initiated to add to the information of parents regarding
training for children at home.
Dr. P.N. Saini took 40 audiograms of the children. The Trust does not
charge for these audiograms.
Teacher Training Programme:
DSE (H-I) Second Year 2006-2007
The Teacher Training Programme entered its 8th year in 2007. New Academic
Session (2007-08) for the Second Year started on 19th June 2007. New Academic
session (2006-07) for the First Year started on 22nd June 2006. This is our
seventh batch. Till date, 123 teachers have been trained by the Akshar's Teacher
Training Programme.
Results for the year 2004 - 06 Batch
| 2nd Year |
Theory |
|
Practical |
|
| Total Students |
16 |
Total Students |
16 |
| First Class |
10 |
First Class |
9 |
| Second Class |
6 |
Second Class |
7 |
Now is the time for the trainees to be serious and work hard....
Final theory exam of both years First Year & Second Year held from 24th April
to 2nd May 2006.
Visits of Trainees:
- Anatomy Department, Medical College, 8th November 2006
- Ear Mould Lab (Pranav Clinic) with audiologist, 8th & 9th March 2007
-
First
Year and Second Year trainees went to a Painting Exhibition at Laxmi Vilas
Palace, 15th March 2007
-
Two
Second Year students visited 'Fish House' and 'Health Care Centre' at Kamati Baug, 21st March 2007
-
First
Year students visited K.G.P. Children's Hospital with audiologist on 3rd April
2007
-
'Spandan
School' and 'Smt Kamlaben Badhir Vidyalaya', 3rd July 2006
-
'Lions
Blind Girl's School', 10th July 2006
-
'Arpan
School', 12th July 2006
-
'Disha
Centre', 13th July 2006
-
'Aurobindo Ashram',
2nd September 2006
-
Third
CRE Programme organised by Akshar Trust at Hotel Surya Palace, Vadodara. 30
teachers of Gujarat and Maharashtra schools attended the programme from 13th
to 17th November 2006
-
First
Year and Second Year students had gone for picnic at 'Ninai Ghat' near
Rajpipla with their faculties on 2nd February 2007.
-
Both the
years' trainees participate in Sports day and Annual Day regularly every year.
- As a part of
curriculum, Second Year students conducted a CBR programme in 3 groups. Each
group selected a school having H.I. children.
AMONG THE VISITORS WERE:
- Ms. Purvi Sheth, Montessori Teacher from Canada.
- Mr. Chandramouli, a hearing impaired employee of Indian Air force, with
his hearing impaired wife and son. 3 hearing impaired members of 'Mook Badhir
Mandal' came with them.
- Mr. Chandramouli discussed about ASL and its use with the trainees of
Teacher Training Programme.
- Dr. G.B. Panda (SJ&WE), Adviser, Planning Commission, Government of India.
- Mr. Joseph Anthony and Mr. C.K. Gohil of Vocational Rehabilitation Centre
for Women.
- Mr. Manan Patel, from USA, one of our earliest students. He began his
training when he was 18 months old. His ambition is to be a doctor.
- SIEMENS, the well-known German hearing aid manufacturing company visited
the centre. Twenty delegates of the German Government headed by a Minister of
the state of Saxony, Mr. Jurk accompanied by officers from SIEMENS.
- Ms. Brinda Crishna and Ms. Inky Sen from International Deaf Children
Society (IDCS) visited the Teacher Training Programme.
- Mr. and Mrs. General V.K. Passi, Commandant, EME School visited Teacher
Training Programme and talked to the students about the course.
- Representatives of International Deaf Children’s Society (IDCS), Ms. Inky
Sen and Ms. Shreela Bose.
- Mr. Manmohan Malhoutra, Secretary General, Rajiv Gandhi Foundation spent a
morning reviewing the contribution of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation.
- Dr. J.P. Singh, Member Secretary, Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI),
New Delhi; visited Akshar Centre Teacher Training Programme - DSE (HI).
- An Accreditation Team sent by the Rehabilitation Council of India made a
visit. The team was headed by Dr. R.R. Kanaujia, President and Senior
Consultant, Indo-Hiroshima International Institute of Hand Spine, Ms.
Saraswathi Narayanaswamy, Principal, The School for Young Deaf Children,
Chennai and Ms. Varsha Gathoo, Head, Department of Special Education
Department, Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped,
Mumbai.
- Ms. Komal and Nalanda Award Jury visited the Teacher Training College
- 11 teachers of British council accompanied by Ms. Ruchira Ghosh, from
Birmingham, U.K.
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