Mental Retardation
Vimala Hridya Special School (Educational and Vocational Training Centre)
Vimala Hridya Special School (Educational and Vocational Training Centre) is setup with a purpose to cater for the welfare and rehabilitation of the differentially abled persons and their families run by the Franciscan sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (FIH).
HELP Foundations intent to work with the Centre, emerges from the request of the Sisters of FIH, to assist them in supporting for the therapy needs, training and development of the mentally challenged persons. This is a natural extension to HELP Foundations ongoing autism program Morning Star Autism Centre.
These various therapies which we are working to provide aim to enhance the child’s cognitive, emotional, social, and physical abilities, depending on their specific needs and challenges.
1) Occupational Therapy (OT): Occupational therapists work with children to improve their fine motor skills, activities of daily living (ADLs), and sensory processing. They may use play-based activities to encourage development and independence.
2) Physical Therapy (PT): Physical therapists work with children to enhance their gross motor skills, balance, coordination, and strength. They may also address mobility challenges and provide strategies to improve physical functioning.
3) Speech-Language Therapy: Speech-language pathologists assist children with communication difficulties, including speech production, language comprehension, and social communication skills.
4) Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): ABA is a therapy often used to address behavioral challenges and promote positive behaviors. It breaks down tasks into smaller steps and uses positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors.
5) Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can be helpful for children with mental disabilities who may struggle with emotional regulation and coping skills. It focuses on identifying negative thought patterns and replacing them with positive ones.
6) Social Skills Training: This therapy helps children with mental disabilities develop appropriate social behaviors, understand social cues, and interact more effectively with peers.
7) Play Therapy: Play therapy provides a safe and supportive environment for children to express their feelings, emotions, and experiences through play. It can be beneficial for children who have difficulty verbalizing their thoughts.
8) Music Therapy: Music therapy uses music to address emotional, cognitive, and social needs. It can enhance communication skills and emotional expression.
9) Sensory Integration Therapy: This therapy focuses on helping children process and respond appropriately to sensory information, which can be particularly useful for children with sensory processing disorders.
10) Assistive Technology: The use of specialized devices, software, or equipment can aid children with mental disabilities in communication, learning, and daily activities.
The above therapies can only be provided through contributions from all sections of the society. HELP Foundations intends to reach out to one and all for support. Additionally, CSR support will be much sought after if we have to succeed in putting in place the necessary infrastructure and the enabling ecosystem. Further Internships and Volunteering opportunities are also open to all.