by Michelle Pereira for BIS Mumbai

The Stellar Don Bosco Nerul has launched a support group for parents of children with special needs, drawing significant interest from parents across Navi Mumbai. The group, which holds successful monthly meetings, provides a space for parents to discuss daily challenges and share their fears and pain points. Collaborators include Don Bosco Prafulta, Rotary Club of Smart City Navi Mumbai, and DB Academy.

Ms Wenonah Castellino – Advisor DBA and Rev Fr Barnabe D’Souza, Director of DBA have been the main driving force behind the support group and the initiatives for special children and their parents. Other stakeholders include Rotary Club of Smart City Navi Mumbai and Don Bosco Prafulta. 

Talking on the topic of Sensory Integration Dr Ramani Kumar of Prafulta spoke about how sensory integration therapy aims to help special children learn to better integrate sensory input, allowing them to regulate their responses to environmental stimuli and participate more effectively in daily activities. It helps people with sensory processing issues learn to use their senses together and respond appropriately to sensory input. It's often used to treat children with conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and sensory processing disorder (SPD). Sensory Integration will be used in all the activities at our therapy care centre. 

The group has recently announced its new additions to the support group initiatives. These were explained to the parents by Fr D’souza who has been passionate to help the parents and children. We have initiated play dates for the children. Organizing playdates for children with special needs provides them with valuable opportunities to socialize and build friendships in a supportive environment. These playdates are designed to be judgment-free zones where children can interact and develop social skills. They will be filled with activities for the children to socialise and have fun.

Another significant development is the announcement of a Therapy Care Centre for children with special needs, set to launch on the feast day of St. John Bosco in January 2025. The centre will offer a structured schedule with occupational therapy, remedial education, vocational training, speech therapy, and one-on-one counselling. It will feature a sensory-friendly space with a play area, calming room, art and music activities, and a ball pool, aiming to provide holistic care and a nurturing environment for the children while offering peace of mind to their families.

A ‘Mela’ for specially-abled children and their families is also being planned. The event aims to foster inclusivity, create awareness, and showcase the talents and potential of these children and their parents. Collaborators such as the Rotary Club, NGOs, sponsors, celebrities, and volunteers will support the Mela. Parents have suggested ideas for stalls featuring handmade items like flowers, soap boxes, and other crafts, as well as a fireless cooking stall showcasing food prepared by children and parents.