Shishu Sarothi is a non-profit organization based in Guwahati, Assam that aims to empower children with disabilities. Founded in 1987, it has been providing education, therapy, and rehabilitation services to children with disabilities and their families for over three decades. In this article, we will explore the history, mission, and impact of Shishu Sarothi in the community of Guwahati.
Shishu Sarothi was founded in 1987 by Mrs. S.N. Sarma, a mother of a child with a disability. She was motivated to start an organization that could provide education, therapy, and rehabilitation services to children with disabilities in Guwahati. Initially, Shishu Sarothi started as a small center with only a few children, but over the years, it has grown to become a leading organization in the field of disability rights in Assam.
The mission of Shishu Sarothi is to empower children with disabilities and promote their inclusion in society. To achieve this goal, Shishu Sarothi provides a range of programs and services that cater to the needs of children with disabilities and their families. Some of these programs include:
Shishu Sarothi offers early intervention services to children with disabilities from birth to six years of age. These services include assessment, therapy, and counseling for children with developmental delays, cerebral palsy, hearing and visual impairments, and other disabilities.
Shishu Sarothi runs an inclusive school that provides education to children with and without disabilities. The school follows a child-centered approach to teaching and focuses on the individual needs of each child. The teachers are trained in inclusive education and use assistive technology and adaptive teaching methods to ensure that all children can learn and participate in the classroom.
Shishu Sarothi provides vocational training to young adults with disabilities to help them acquire skills that can enable them to become self-sufficient. The training programs include computer skills, tailoring, embroidery, and handicrafts.
Shishu Sarothi offers rehabilitation services to children with disabilities, including physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling. These services help children with disabilities to develop their physical, cognitive, and social skills and enable them to participate in the community.
Over the years, Shishu Sarothi has made a significant impact on the lives of children with disabilities and their families in Guwahati. It has provided education, therapy, and rehabilitation services to thousands of children with disabilities and helped them to become more independent and self-sufficient. It has also raised awareness about the rights of children with disabilities and advocated for their inclusion in society. Shishu Sarothi has been recognized for its work and has received several awards and accolades, including the National Award for Best Institution Working for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in 2017.
What types of disabilities does Shishu Sarothi serve?
Shishu Sarothi serves children with a wide range of disabilities, including cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, hearing and visual impairments, and multiple disabilities.
Is Shishu Sarothi only based in Guwahati?
Yes, Shishu Sarothi is based in Guwahati, Assam, but it serves children and families from all over the state.
How can families access Shishu Sarothi's services?
Families can access Shishu Sarothi's services by contacting the organization directly. They can call or visit the center to schedule an appointment for assessment and evaluation.
Does Shishu Sarothi offer any support to parents of children with disabilities?
Yes, Shishu Sarothi offers support and counseling to parents of children with disabilities to help them understand their child's needs and cope with the challenges of raising a child with a disability. They also provide parent training programs to help parents develop the skills they need to support their child's development.