NEW DELHI: It's around 4 in the evening and a motley group of children is playing in the Central Park of Sarvodaya Enclave in south Delhi. On one side, their parents are busy chatting up with each other, supervising their kids. Though it may look like any other normal evening in a neighbourhood park, it's not quite so. These are children with special needs, and their parents are part of a newly-formed support group Saath. They network for resources and emotional support during moments of stress apart from looking for and creating solutions like assisted living and career opportunities for young adults with special needs.

It started three months ago with 50-odd parents from various schools, including Vasant Valley, Tamanna, Laxman Public School, Sanskriti and Doon Public School, coming together to share experiences of parenting children with autism, learning disability. Their goal to help each other in ensuring a secure future for the children.

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BANGALORE: Like most parents, Bangaloreans Esther and Robin Thomas had numerous dreams for their daughter. And when they learnt that Divya, their daughter was a victim of Downs Syndrome, they knew life was not the same anymore. Initially, there was a little disappointment. But this did not deter the dreams they had for her, instead taking the situation as a challenge the couple went on to start Bangalore's first school exclusively for those with Down's Syndrome.

Named after their daughter, Divya's Downs Development Trust (DDDT) had its humble beginning in 2003 with four students with Down's syndrome. The journey has not been easy. Esther had to give up her comfortable career and undergo training in special education and other courses to do with disability. Esther and the other trustees had to face all odds. But it all paid off. DDDT today caters to the needs of as many as 18 children ranging from the age group of 3 to 22.

DDDT has a team of committed full-time and part-time special educators, physiotherapists, speech therapists and psychologists to cater to the needs of these children and follows the methodology prescribed by the National Institute of Mental Health, Secunderabad

Students once enrolled are assessed by the team and an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is chalked out to suit his/her needs and abilities," explained Ester to Daijiworld.

"Children below the age of 3 are engaged in early intervention programme through way of infant stimulation. The students' progress is monitored from time to time. Training is carried out in the areas of motor, self care, social, cognitive and vocational skills. Special emphasis is given to development of speech, language and communication along with behaviour modification."

At DDDT, students are taught various vocational skills such as candle making, phenyl making, stitching and so on. The trust regularly puts up stalls that sell things made by students such as paper bags, candles, table cloths, vases, phenyl and purses. Thanks to the skills developed here and support from parents, 23-year-old Pallav who was once a student here runs a provision store today.

Some of the other services provided are dental care, sports and computer training. Not only are the children given training in a class room set-up but are also encouraged to interact with children from other special schools. Students of DDDT have actively participated in various sports events and competitions.

Those who wish to extend support to DDDT may contact the trustees at

No 232, 4th main, Viveknagar, Bangalore 560047.
Tel : 91 80 65648745
Mobile : 9845540303
E mail : estherthom@gmail.com