Talent Showcase for the special needs children during COVID-19 (competitions conducted across multiple categories with wide participation through an online format) → April
S.E.L.F. (Sole Empowerment Leading to Freedom) residential workshop for mothers in Navsari, Gujarat.
Initiated and led an International Film Festival in Navsari, Gujarat, promoting the inclusion of slow learners, featuring 12 screenings attended by approximately 7,000 participants.
Doctor awareness programs on developmental disabilities.
Introduced psychology student locums to improve the teacher–student ratio.
Associated as a Trustee with Manav Kalyan Trust, overseeing programs and educational support for approximately 200 children with intellectual disabilities enrolled in the school for slow learners.
The journey began with an article in Gujarat Samachar, later also published in Chitralekha, highlighting Palak’s remarkable developmental progress through early intervention and training despite having Down syndrome.
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Pranay started travelling by himself at the age of 11 when he was in school. As a result many parents were motivated and trained their children to travel from residence to school and back by public transport. For the last 18 years Pranay has been using public transport (B.E.S.T. bus) independently to move around in Mumbai.
Jijo is an enigma and a living example of what one can achieve if they put their heart and soul into their passion, even if they are bound by limitations. It is this unflinching focus that inspires all of us in his family to strive towards the impossible and help him make his dreams come true.
Karishma’ s work of art is a triumph in the face of overwhelming odds. Her every stroke of brush in creating her paintings is a great achievement and it means so much as it is hard won, for Karishma is a intellectually challenged girl born with a condition called downs syndrome.
Jai Gulati had a great start to mainstream schooling with Kangaroo Kids, in 2005. He was always filled with enthusiasm to be an active part of his peer group. He got some great special educators and mainstream teachers. Dr Rekha Ramachandran guided us about his early intervention, schooling and health needs.
Sahil Singh has Down syndrome. He is 23 years old and despite his congenital mental & physical challenges, he has always been a big achiever and an all-rounder. With sheer determination, grit and hard work he overcame his disabilities and has achieved what appeared impossible at his birth.
Unnathi was born on 10th Jan 2006. We were informed of her diagnosis at birth. I had never heard the term Down Syndrome before and so I didn’t know what to expect. The doctors and nurses at the hospital had sympathy and apology written all over their faces. It wasn’t how I had expected my daughter to be welcomed in this world.
‘Thank You’ are too small words dear Dr. Nina for all the good work you have done for Down’ Syndrome kids and individuals, especially for our 14-year old son Peter Dominic. Attending your sessions has been an eye-opener for me in many practical areas of living, which I never imagined possible. To start with, I had conveniently reconciled to giving a digital watch assuming Peter would never be able to adapt to an analog watch. Your classes not only corrected my wrong perception but also taught him many practical aspects of handling time in planning the day’s activities. The sessions on maps have made him more alert and observant in daily outings and outstation travel. The opportunity to make PPT presentations was definitely a feather in his cap and he thoroughly enjoyed the experience, the learning and all the attention. I can go on with an endless list of learnings but in short I can proudly say that, by God’s grace, we did not miss even one session of Swasaksham – every other activity was planned around this. Peter was always eager for the classes and the interactions with his new friends. It also indirectly helped in the mother-child bonding. Ever grateful to you Dr Nina. God bless you !
Dear Nina Ma’am, You are the real inspiration came into our life. We are really greatful to get an opportunity to join this course and could associate with you all. And also It was on the most needed time. These online course, the learnings, the positive changes and new friends for Bimal from far away places are the happy best things happened to our lives in this dreadful times of Corona.
Divya is very happy to get a new friend thanks a lot mam 🙏
Mukund and his buddy became instant friends…the focus of their conversation….no guesses required….was FOOD, MOVIES, DANCE and SONGS!!!
Prutha was very excited after talking to her buddy Nina mam, thank you you are very thoughtful 👍🙏
Thank you for the buddy program Ma’am ! Jeff and Purvaj are finding common topics to talk about ! Jeff is slowly opening up !!
