Game Changers of Chennai

Here is what in my opinion can be regarded as "Game Changers" not in any particular order. 

Each of the following is "work in progress" and not finished by any stretch of imagination. 

Events that changed the way disability is perceived in Chennai: 

1. Arrival of Anthroposophy. 

This brought together a large no of professionals to ask and answer the question of "Humanizing Special Education and Children". 

The directives & teachings resonated with many. At least 6 organizations have been inspired and are actively practicing the healthy art of special education serving a majority of people with Autism. 

This movement has brought to fore the questions about healthy life style choices, nourishing diet & rhythms, to discard the toxins in our world today, the idea to look at the PWD as a whole and harmonizing the participators as co-creators of a happy life for all including parents, teachers, therapists, family & the community at large. 

2. Ability Awards

The installation of the Ability Awards to celebrate and honor PWD did greatly to promote just that. Many celebrities got attracted and these celebrations glamorized the much needed despair prevailing in the special education realm in those days. 

3. Organic Eco ahimsa silk store

The first Eco ahimsa organic silk store in Chennai was set up by the social entrepreneur Bhavna Botta. She is wheel chair bound. She is instrumental in bursting many myths about possibilities. A true inspiration and a force to reckon. 

4. Music and autism

Music and Autism go along together very well. This is because the children have an innate sense of rhythm and melody. They perceive it as their soul expression in this world. Some events that are "work in progress" are: 

• Vishal pens songs & bhajans that are deeply spiritual in nature. He also indicates the raga most suitable for each song. An album of his songs "Smaranam" was released. 

• The Lotus Foundation in conjunction with music therapist Mrs. Lakshmi Mohan release 2 albums sung by people with Autism. 

• 3 thematic concerts exclusively performed by PWD under the musical guidance of Mrs. Lakshmi Mohan - Bharathyiar, Nandanar Charithiram & Rama Natakam. 

• Musician Bombay Jayashri dedicating a whole section of her work for thereupetic approach for PWD through her trust. 

• Children of The Lotus Foundation periodically sing for the lonely elders under the guidance of their music therapist Venkataram thus blending both ends of the society's needy to create a celebratory environment. 

• Singer OS Arun has many a times publically included the children with Autism in his concerts. He is a strong spokesperson for these gifted gracious children. 

5. Healing Autism - The Spiritual Dimension

A conference exploring the spiritual dimension to the children with Autism was organized by Mrs. Mythily Chari. 

This is the culmination of decades of her work with the families and the children. 

The work continues in the heart of many individuals working in different parts of the world carrying the messages of the children themselves. 

Remarkable in this event are two things. 

One is the publication of 4 books on different perspectives of the spiritual question of disability. 

The other is the active participation of the gifted savants in the conference sometimes intervening to change the course of the direction of ideas being presented. 

This is movement that is bound to gain momentum in the coming years to explore the mind-body-soul connect in people with Autism. 

6. Yoga, Meditation, Sports for Special Children 

Prof Jayachandran pioneered Yoga as a way of life for PWD many years ago. Following this idea many individuals and organizations have transformed it to suit their style of working to provide a good all round life healthy life style for the PWD. 

7. Books by Autistics 

Krishna Narayan the first one to venture in publishing his journey as a book has spawned many gifted human beings with a diagnosis to come forth with their individual journeys. 

Aishwarya's incredible humour is being recorded in a dairy form and edited parts if it has been released as அவளுக்கு என்று ஓர் மனம். Vishal released 2 books "Meadow of Moods" & "Jumbo's Bag".

These have created a deeper understanding to the humanness of these loving generous beings. 

8. SCAN network

A powerful congregation of parents if special needs children. The sheer energy of the group had caused the hope factor to soar. This movement has harmonized the previously disheartened individual parents to come together with a sure solution to live happy lives with the children. 

9. Inclusion of CP

Focused efforts by Vidyasagar to include PW CP in mainstream schools, colleges & workforce has created strong inroads for people who the world thought were a burden. Today many individuals can be found to be contributing citizens of the world. 

10. Cooperation between different organizations

The trend to cooperate with one another has grown exponentially in the realm of special education. There is growing ease of share of information, know how and joint efforts to walk towards the goal of a better life for the children.