FAME

Learning at the library

Our library enables children to enter the wonderful world of books with the help of their special educators and volunteers, so they too can enjoy learning.

Sponsored by Sasken, the library is customised to meet the needs of our children, providing them with material and information to complement their school work. Books and interactive media, specially designed for differently-abled children, help stimulate their imagination and curiosity while they learn. We also conduct activities like read-aloud, story telling, book talks, creative writing, seminars, drama, and picture reading that help children with their school work.

The library provides our teachers with relevant curriculum information and material that aids them in implementing learning programmes for the children.

Computer Education

The computer department at FAME India, sponsored by Sasken, enables children to learn the basics of using a computer and handle simple applications. Using the computer, children are able to work on individualised activities and interaction, which enhances learning. We currently have four computers with internet connections and qualified trainers.

We help our children use basic programmes, make simple presentations, use email, develop skills by playing games, and also provide an advanced course for capable students to learn web designing and Adobe Photoshop.

Therapy unit

Our therapy unit provides students with physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

The physiotherapy sessions include individual therapy sessions, wheelchair training, and gross-motor play sessions (improving skills in sitting, standing, crawling, walking, and so on). This helps the children:

develop functional activities (mobility, stability, functional abilities);
maintain existing abilities;
prevent contracture and deformities.

Improvement depends on the child's age and degree of brain damage or retardation.

Occupational therapy enables children to achieve maximum functional independence in their daily activities. Specially-designed aids, such as angled spoons used by children with cerebral palsy to facilitate feeding, are also used. This therapy helps children manage their personal care needs such as feeding, dressing, washing, bathing, toileting, brushing and more.

Speech therapists help children with cerebral palsy, mental retardation and Down's Syndrome, whose speech and communication may be affected due to the level of brain damage, associated hearing problems, thickness of the tongue and so on.

Specially designed bathrooms

The bathrooms at FAME India are specially designed to suit the different conditions of the special children at our school. The toilets are fitted with closets at two levels to suit the children's physique and mobility. The students were involved in picking the bright coloured tiles for all the toilets.

Canteen and kitchen

FAME India has a full-fledged modern kitchen with a steam unit that can cook for 100 people in an hour's time. Close to 50 children from lower socio-economic families are provided lunch at the school. The students of the Swavalambana unit work in the kitchen under the supervision of a cook and special educators as part of their training.

Play area

Around the school, we have a disable-friendly play area with a swing, slide, mud pit lawn, and pebble area. Play is therapy for our special students, and they thoroughly enjoy this space.

Van service

The school runs two vans. A Swaraj Mazda that can accommodate 25 students, and another van that seats 17 students. The vehicles have hydraulic lifts to help children on wheel chairs. The vans do two trips both in the mornings and afternoons. The introduction of this service has helped many children attend school.

Ramps and elevator

The school has ramps that provide easy wheelchair access. We also have a railing running through the building at two levels to support students while they walk. An elevator that accommodates four wheel chairs with attendants, enables students to access the higher floors.

Medico Social Work

We began our Medico Social Work department in January 2007 and currently have two professional social workers at the school. The team forms an integral part of the work of FAME India, and is a crucial link between the children, parents, special educators and the organisation as a whole.

Social workers are the first point of contact for children and parents who come to FAME India. We handle the admission process, from preparing the history of the child, making home visits to understand the child's environment, to acquiring relevant reports and placing them in relevant programmes. Referral services are also provided with therapists and special educators when necessary, and reports are maintained.

We help parents and caregivers avail themselves of government-funded schemes and facilities, as well as sponsorships for their wards. Constant individual and group counseling is provided to parents along with support through the Parent's Self Help Group.

The department is a constant source of motivation, guidance, and encouragement to the children and parents of FAME India.