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Lend Us Your Ears: Akshar Trust
Mission Statement
The endeavour of Akshar Trust is to enable the individual with hearing
impairment to have a useful, happy and fulfilling life.
Children with hearing impairment deserve a sound academic environment which will
prove to be their opportunity, perhaps their only opportunity, for a life of
self-reliance and dignity.
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 curriculum 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. 6000 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. 10,000 per month per class
(Expenses per Class per Month, Rs. 10000 x 12 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): +91-265-6458117
Fax: +91-265-2427599
Email:
kga@kga.co.in
kgaarchitects@vsnl.net
akshartrust@gmail.com
Trustees Of Akshar Trust
- Karan Grover, Chairman
- Nisha Grover, Managing Trustee
- Jal R. Patel, Trustee
- Hasmukhbhai Shah, Trustee
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. Many of us are members of the National Convention
of Education of Deaf (NCED), a national body. Ms. Nisha Grover is one of the
Vice-Presidents of NCED. In 2005, Ms. Nisha Grover, Ms. Kavita Thakkar and Ms.
Hema Kale presented papers and got awards for the same in NCED. In 2007 NCED,
Ms. Nisha Grover presented a paper on "Inclusive Education" at Shillong. We use
this national body and the print media to cover the activities of the centre and
spread awareness.
AFTER THE HOLIDAYS
Akshar Centre for Hearing Impaired
Children-Special School
It was for the first time that in March 08, Akshar
Trust made their students appear for the Gujarat State Board Exams in standard
12 and standard 10. Earlier 17 students had cleared the National Institute of
Open School 10th and 12th Board exams. The results have been very encouraging.
All 11 students cleared standard 10. Both the standard 12 students achieved good
marks. Payal Kayasth got the highest, a distinction with 72.7 %. Pinal Pilojpara,
having cleared her Std. 10 with good marks, has received an Award from Chief
Minister of Gujarat State.
Two of our senior students completed M.Com from the M.S. University of Baroda
many years ago. At the moment, one student is in the Fine Arts Faculty, one is
in B.Com. and one has joined the Department of Family and Community Sciences,
M.S. University of Baroda.
Almost all these children have been with us since their childhood. They were
all in the Early Intervention Programme. It is a specially designed programme as
the aim is to make the child acquire language and speech skills so that s/he is
a part of the community.
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 Panchayat 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 Ambedkar 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 Sayajibaug, 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 'Woh 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 in spite 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
The Teacher Training Programme entered its 9th year in 2008.The new session
will begin from June 2008. Till date 140 teachers have been trained by the
Akshar Training Programme. All our students have cleared their exams
consistently since 2003.
Results for the year 2006-08 Batch
2nd Year (Theory): Total Students: 17; First Class: 4; Second Class: 12; Pass
Class (1).
Teacher Training Activities
It is the time for the First Year Trainees to go and explore other
disabilities too!
The First Year Trainees visited the following organizations to learn more
about other areas of disabilities:
First Year Trainees observed the process of taking 'Ear
Mould Impression' by Mr. Kulkarni from Siemens Hearing Instruments Pvt. Ltd in
March 2008.
First Year Trainees visited K. G. P. Children's Hospital on
18th March, 2008.The trainees were shown the audiological two room setup. They
were made familiar with the various equipment and test procedures like
impedance audiometry, puretone audiometry, paediatric audiometer, behavioural
observation audiometry, aided and unaided audiogram, etc. Software used for
assessment of voice and speech therapy was also shown.
On 27-03-08 14 children were accompanied by Ms. S. Khare
and Mr. S. Bhabhor (Second Year Trainee) to Mr. Anand Rao's Farm for an
educational visit.
On 28-03-08 11 children were accompanied by Ms. A. Nagarkar
and Mr. H. Parekh (Second Year Trainee) to Hero Honda Showroom for an
educational visit.
Ms. Shampa Mallick, Clinical Assistant, from Ali Yavar Jung
National Institute for Hearing Handicapped, Mumbai came as an external
examiner for the Viva of Audiology and Speech of First Year Teacher Trainees
on 3rd and 4th April, 2008.
Ms. Varsha Gathoo, Head, Department of Special Education,
Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for Hearing Handicapped, Mumbai came as an
external examiner for the Language Practice Teaching Plans on 10th and 11th
April, 2008.
Final theory exam of Second Year Trainees started on 21st
April, 2008.
Written test was held for the admission of new batch for
First Year Trainees on 30th April, 2008.
Interview of the candidates for the admission of new batch
for First Year was held and the final list of selected candidates was put up
on 31st April, 2008.
Now is the time for senior trainees to get back to work and start
studying..!!
- Training College reopened for the Second Year Batch and the
new academic year 2008-09 started on 23rd June, 2008.
- The First Year's new batch started on 1st July 2008 for the
academic year 2008-09.
- Second Year trainees started classroom observation. They
observed demonstration plans, which were performed by teachers on 1st July,
2008.
- A workshop was organised for both year trainees. The First
Year Trainees workshop was on 'Chart Writing' and Second Year Trainees
workshop was on 'Picture Description, a technique of language development' on
2nd August, 2008.
- First Year Trainees visited Lion's Blind school as a part
of their curriculum on 4th August, 2008.
- First Year Trainees visited Arpan School for Mentally
Challenged Children as a part of their curriculum on 6th August, 2008.
Visits made By Trainees
- 12-07-07: Disha Special School and Autism Centre, Vadodara.
- 13-07-07: Arpan School for Mentally Challenged children, Vadodara
- 18-07-07: Lions Blind Girl's School, Vadodara.
- 11-03-08: Shri K.S. Dedhia School for Hearing Impaired, Sola, Ahmedabad
- 11-03-08: Deaf and Dumb School, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad.
- 11-03-08: Umang School Education and Research for Hearing Impaired,
Fatehpura, Paldi, Ahmedabad.
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
Total Students: 16; First Class: 10; Second Class: 6
2nd Year Practical
Total Students: 16; First Class: 9; 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
- 12-07-07: Disha Special School and Autism Centre, Vadodara.
- 13-07-07: Arpan School for Mentally Challenged children,
Vadodara
- 18-07-07: Lions Blind Girl's School, Vadodara.
- 11-03-08: Shri K.S. Dedhia School for Hearing Impaired,
Sola, Ahmedabad
- 11-03-08: Deaf and Dumb School, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad.
- 11-03-08: Umang School Education and Research for Hearing
Impaired, Fatehpura, Paldi, Ahmedabad.
- 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: March 2008
110 Teachers from 'Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan' Office,
Surendranagar, visited Akshar Centre.
Dr. J. P. Singh, Member Secretary, Rehabilitation Council
of India from New Delhi visited our school.
An Accreditation Team Dr. Kanojia, Ms. Varsha Gathoo -
President of NCED, Ali Yavar Jung, National Institute for the Hearing
Handicapped and Ms. Saraswathi Narayanswamy - Hon. Director of Balvidyalaya
School for the young deaf children visited on 9/04/07
Mr. & Ms. Daxa Patel, USA, ex-parents.
Ms. Malini Bhatt, a well wisher.
110 students including Principal and staff from Mamta
Mandir - Deaf & Blind School, Palanpur, 7th September, 2007
Mr. Chandpura from GSFC.
Mr. Schubert, Mg. Director of Siemens India Ltd. with Ms.
Kavita Ghatge, Mr. Ferdinand, Dr. Bruck to visit the centre and donated 20
Digital Hearing Aids on 6th December, 2007.
Mr. Bosky Ghosh from Dept of Education and Psychology, M.S.
University of Baroda.
17 students and 3 teachers from Billabong International
School.
2 students from M.A. - Human Development of Family Studies,
M.S. University of Baroda visited the centre.
Mr. Dhaval P. Vyas (Co-ordinator), Ms. Jyotiben Bhatti and
Mr. Vijendrasinh (Teacher) and 33 Teacher Trainees from Teacher's Training
College, K.L. Institute for the Deaf, Vidya Nagar, Bhavnagar.
7 student accompanied by 1 teacher from Billabong
International School, Tarsali, Vadodara.
Dr. Dharmesh Patel and Dr. Bharati Modi.
Ms. Zeyba Rehman from New York.
Mr. Paramjeet Nagpal, Mr. Santosh Paul, and Ms. Gazala
Sheikh, from Siemens.
Mr. Smita Dubey a student of Multimedia Design (MMD)
Programme accompany with photographer from Gandhinagar.
Mr. Vijay Chowgule from Goa.
Mr. Anupam Chakravarty visited us from Indian Express,
Vadodara.
Ms. Deepa Chowgule from Columbia University.
Ms. Pushpaben Patel, Ms. Trupti Almoula, Ms. Jankiben
Kevalramani and Ms. Archana Patel from Bharuch.
Ms. Suman Nehra wife of the District Collector.
Mrs. Neela Makrand Desai.
Mr. & Mrs. Pesi Muncherji.
Mr. C.M. Makwana, Deputy Municipal Commissioner with Mr.
Rajesh Parikh, Councilor.
130 students of Std. 1st from Sant Kabir School, Vasna
Road, Vadodara accompanied by 5 teachers.
5 students of third year from Department of Human
Development & Family Studies, Faculty of Family and Community Science, M.S.
University came for observation purpose as part of their course "children with
special needs".
The following well wishers distributed sweets, chocolates, pastries,
biscuits, Bundi Ladoos and compass boxes to the children:
- Ms. Sarojben Kothari
- Ms. Zarna Bhatt
- Mr. Jayantibhai Soni
- Mr. Harish Godiya
- Ms. Poonam Babbar
- Advocate Vinodbhai S. Thakkar
- Ms. Kanka Bhatt
- Mr. Karan Grover
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