Inclusive schooling - Hope my decision is right!

Its quite some time I blogged., mostly because of priority changes, when there is minimum time. As years go by, the differences between Abhi and any other kid of his age, seems to be increasing. Though the society awareness is increasing, Our Indian society has to change a lot still. It is always a concern in parents mind about their child’s future.

    Now Abhi is in 9^th grade and which means lot of studying and writing in Indian education system!. He writes very slow, so he needs my help in completing his notes/homework.  I am very sure that he has a knowledge to get a score of 70-75%, but manages to get only 55-60. This I feel due to his writing difficulties. When he tries to complete an answer, he omits punctuations, sometimes grammar in the sentences.

    All these have made me to look for the additional facilities and concessions (like scribe) given by the government for these children. I feel I have to start the process by this mid-year so that for the 10^th examination we will be ready. Now I have very little info on the process itself.

Sometimes I have even thought whether I did it right to put Abhi in a normal school.? Am I giving too much pressure on him? Was there any alternative to this education which I didnt look into or aware of? 

A ver special day for me.

The school annual day was on Saturday the 30th.The day was one of my special days to cherish. Abhi sang on the stage as part of the School Choir. Another happy event was, as part of the school annual report presentation, the bird photos taken by Abhi was displayed and his name was announced. There were no words to describe my happiness.

Photography is his latest interest. My aim is to give maximum exposure for him and I have to make sure that he is not left out in this fast world.

Today when I went to school, the teacher in charge of the Choir, appreciated me for my effort in bringing up Abhi. That made me to think – is it my effort or is it his enthusiasm that needs a great pat. Infact his enthusiasm and self inspiration is what makes me go about. By Gods grace let that light be always there in him.

One day you can be a singer or writer

This month is the time when I feel so down with regard to Abhi. Because July the school has Sports Day. Till 5th class, he was able to participate, because there were small games or some cultural dances, where he was given small roles. But from 6th onwards, its real sports, atheletics etc and Abhi cant participate in these. During the practice sessions, almost for 2 weeks, I used to send him story books for reading.

One day I almost cried, when he asked "Amma, why cant I also join?". Another sad part for him is , I opted him out of Scouts. I asked him to join choir. I always try to give positive replies, telling him that, "Everyone may not be good in everything. May be you can sing , write etc - One day you can be a singer or writer, if you concentrate on these". Though I tell such things, I can see and understand how bad my son must be feeling inside.

This is one disappointing thing I find when we include special needs children in normal stream. Atleast in India. Everyone still need to accept others in the society who are not as fast as themselves. I dream of someday, when everyone slows down a bit to give chance for such co-citizens. Not only in schools, but in all walks of life. Though there are many changes and awareness happening these days, I feel India is backward with regard to this.

Another year has gone by!

Another academic year has gone by and Abhi has been promoted to Class VII. Every year it is one my joyous moments, which words cannot express. Tommorow I have to pay the fees for class VII. Sometimes I still cannot believe this. Let me pray to GOD and thank him for all the helping hands he is giving.

GOD's hidden hands.

When every academic year starts, I will have anxiety, because Abhi will have new teachers. I will have to explain the problems to them and get excuses for his incompleted class works etc. Though by now most of the teachers know him.
This year, since he is now in middle school (!) he will have regular exams. The mid term exams he was not able to complete papers like English, History etc. The class teacher asked me to meet the Principal. With apprehension I enetered her room. But she is one of the very understanding and supportive teachers I have seen. She said she can give 1 hour extra time for Abhi for the exams, which the Govt themselves allows. If he is able to complete within that time then well and good. We will see for the quarterly exams how he fares. She was very encouraging in telling that she has seen much improvement in Abhi and if this doesn't work well, we will see what else can be done.
My mind became relaxed and I am now confident that Abhi will be able to write better.

I have complete faith in GOD and believe that this is his way of doing things.His hidden hands will be with us to Help when required.
Power of GOD is great!