Jai Vakeel School, Mumbai

Overview

Founded in 1944, Jai Vakeel School, Mumbai is a special needs schools which was started with two kids by Mr. and Mrs. Hormusjee Vakeel for their daughter Dina who was born with Down’s syndrome.

The Jai Vakeel School aims to provide students from age three to 18 years with early intervention, functional academics and pre-vocational training. We also build on their ability to be independent in their Activities of Daily Living (ADL). At present, the Jai Vakeel Schoolcaters to over 700 people annually and serves as a ‘one stop shop’ for all the needs of a mentally challenged person with ‘associated disabilities’ such as Epilepsy, Autism, Cerebral Palsy etc.

The school’s mission is “To train special children to their maximum potential so that one day each special child will be a contributing member of the family and a responsible citizen of India.”

Campus

The two-acre school campus in Mumbai boasts a special school (separate section for National Institute of Open School – NIOS), vocational training centre, research and therapy centre, boarding facilities for boys and girls, and teacher training institute.

The school also offers two rural branches in Nashik and Pune districts.

Academics

The child can be placed in any of the following four sections. On the basis of age and IQ of the child, an individualized programme for therapy and education is formulated.

Jai Vakeel School

This section focus on:

1. Functional academics such as sight vocabulary, functional writing, functional arithmetic etc.

2. Speech and Language Development –They are taught to talk about themselves and given the opportunity to address small groups to gain self-confidence.

3. Children of all ages are encouraged to participate in sports, dance and drama, singing, art and craft and learn to use the computer.

4. Children also learn through projects.

5. Children are given prevocational training in generic skills and personality development after the age of 12 years.

2. The Individual Education Programme

Individual Education Programme (IEP) is conducted for the child who is not ready for a group activity. In such a scenario, a suitable education programme is designed is and therapy started. The IEP is implemented by therapist, teachers and by parents/family members. Sometimes a child can stay at the centre for 2-3 years before they can be placed in a classroom.

3. The Learning Readiness Group

This group caters to the children who cannot be placed in the structured educational/training programme due to various reasons such as non-mobility, severe behavioral problems, hyperactivity etc. In this group, presence of family member is required at all times.

Initially the parent, child and teacher are together during therapy. Gradually, the child is weaned away from the parent and some other child’s parent takes their place.

4. The National Open School Section (NIOS)

Children in the mild to borderline category with an IQ between 60 – 90 points are evaluated and if found eligible, are placed in the NIOS.

In the vocational training centre, children learn agarbatti making, paper products (cards, giftenvelopes, bags), candle making,jewellery & flower making,home management,sewing and embroidery,envelope making, and file making.

When a child comes to the institute, a thorough assessment is done by a multidisciplinary team comprising a:

1. Pediatrician

2. Clinical Psychologist;

3. Occupational Therapist

4. Special Educator;

5. Speech Therapist; and Audiologist

6. Social Worker who takes details of family history, financial background etc

7. Cytogeneticist and Biochemist.

8. Eight consultation with a specialised consultant

For more details on admissions please contact the school office.

Fee – For detailed information on fees, please contact school office.