The trainer started by addressing an incident which happened in our neighborhood over the weekend (I live in the same area as the school). A couple, both doctors, went on vacation to Thailand for a few weeks and left their child servant (13-year-old-girl) locked in the house without sufficient water or food. The girl was able to make her way to the balcony and get the attention of the neighbors. She was rescued by the fire brigade and police and sent to a local orphanage until her parents can be located. The couple will have a nice welcoming party at the airport by the police when they return. The trainer used this story to ask the question, "How could educated middle class doctors treat a child this way?"
The staff and teachers had great answers which all led to the revelation that it is their worldview that shapes their attitude toward children, those of lower class/caste/race, etc. Despite their education and even respected profession, their worldview allowed them to not see this girl as a human being with value who deserved to be treated with dignity.
Worldview is critical for students with special needs. The quality of life depends on how those around them view them. Luckily, these students have the people at the Ashish Centre. The larger community is far from realizing the value of these students. The way of thinking is changing but very slowly. The majority of people still believe these students are cursed by god and do not deserve to live. People with special needs are like girls here...they are lucky to live. Often they are abandoned or left to die. Sometimes they are killed or aborted. If allowed to live, people with special needs are often kept secluded and discriminated against.
In recent years, there has been a movement of awareness in the media, among celebrities, families of children with special needs, and educators in the field of special education. Just last year the government finally passed a law which states that schools cannot deny children entrance into school based on their disability. Of course, schools are finding ways around that. The greatest struggle is the social stigma and teachers not knowing how to serve students with special needs.
(Note: Check out these Bollywoord films: Taare Zameen Par (about dyslexia) and My Name is Klhan (politically charged but main character has Asperger's syndrome. Read http://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Salman-Khan-keeps-his-word/articleshow/12491667.cms Bollywood star Salman Khan steps up as spokesperson for ASD on World Autism Day)
The Ashish Centre is a unique place. The director shared some of the things that make the school unique. First, they believe that all children are created in the image of God. God creates us all with purpose and gives us the ability to live out that purpose. Each child, regardless of disability, has a purpose and is expected to contribute to society.
Here are the centre's vision, mission, values and motto:
VISION
We envision transformed communities of people who view and value each differently-abled person as created in God’s image and with the ability to attain their God given potential in leading fulfilling lives
MISSION
To provide wholistic education and support to children with disabilities and their families so that they can achieve their God-given potential and to create awareness in the community for constructive response and engagement.
VALUES
1. Each child is created in the image of God.
2. Each child is created for a purpose
3. Each child is born with the potential to achieve that purpose.
4. No one is exempt from giving back to society.
5. All of us are differently-abled.
MOTTO
Your work produced by faith,
Your labour prompted by love,
Your endurance inspired by hope.
You can check out more about the centre at www.ashishindia.org.
