Teaching life skills to specially challenged

Manovikas Nagar: The Department of Adult Independent Living (DAIL) at National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) which has entered its 24th year has taken upon itself to nurture and train those 18 years and above and suffering from various mental issues to live an independent life.
From its humble beginnings with 10 students and 4 to 5 work stations, it has grown over the years considerable, and is now helping over 100 students operate various work stations.

"With more than 25 instructors, the institution is ably meeting its lofty goal of helping specially abled citizens earn a minimum livelihood," said Srinivas, the Rehabilitation Officer (RO), at NIMH.The students are trained in various activities ranging from tailoring to operating photo-copiers under one roof at a nominal fee of Rs 45 for 3 months. Sushma, who was seen waiting for her 32-year-old son working at art and craft workstation, said, " I am proud of my child. He can now hold scissors and paste things and he also makes flowers for me out of papers."

"I wish my daughter could learn to do at least a bit for herself,” stated Sonakshi's mother who was waiting for her daughters admission. Javed, the watchman at NIMH, said, “Seeing the kind of passion these individuals have astonishes me every day and makes me feel lucky to be working here."

NIMH has helped as many as 500 students in various trades and even secured livelihood for them in self-financed institutions and MNCs, with salaries from Rs 4,000 to Rs 12,000. Amravati, an instructor, said: "I have been here for more than 9 years and it's amazing to see how these special students can also be trained to live an independent life. I am proud to say that many of my students today are self-employed at different photo-copying centres."

"The students are initially assisted and analysed. Later they are sent to work stations, based on their ability. A few of them are in severe condition and we try to aid them through government pensions," said P Sammaiah, Senior Rehabilitation Officer (SRO). He also adds, "We all deserve equal opportunity to live our life and earn our livelihood and that's all we focus on here." The department works from 9 am to 3 pm. The students are also taken to ground every day after lunch. Care is taken to keep them happy and enthusiastic.

What they are taught
Printing: Ten students are found at this station. Each of them is assigned particular work. They are taught folding of paper, binding of books and printing through traditional blocks. The printing work they do is used on the campus of NIMH itself.

Photo copying: Amravati, an instructor, says: "I have been working here from more than 9 years and it's amazing to see how these special students can also be trained to live an independent life and take it as a pride to say that many of my students today are self-employed at different photo-copying centres. The students are taught how to interact with visitors, tell them about rates they charge, count cash and say thank you.”

Spiral binding and paper shelves arrangement are also taught. Mukesh Thakur and Rayudu, who recently employed in Bolaram and Kukatpally respectively, are now a source of help to their families.Art and craft: Prerequisite skills and functional skills are taught here. Pot making, paper cuttings, kites, gift wrapping and coloring and painting are taught here. The students enjoy doing it and are excited. Not much employment prospects this training provides, though, says Swati, the instructor.

Photo frame: Students motor skills are worked upon here. They make a number of photo frames by using decorative pieces which are sold during campus celebrations. Students are taught to achieve hand and eye coordination.

Paper bags: More than 10 students are working at this station. They are taught to make paper bags, painting, envelopes and paper toys.Computer:Two students Vamshi and Anthony who learnt how to operate PC are now proud employees at Microsoft, earning more than Rs 8000. The students are taught typing, online card making, online calendar making, Microsoft Word and Excel.
Tailoring: This station has more female students. They are taught things like simple tailoring, making bead purses, glass painting and making of wall hangings.

Book binding: At present there are 15 students learning about about arrangement and counting of papers, binding, punching, folding and pasting and getting books and registers ready to use. A student, Ramesh, recently got employment at Ramaswami Printing Store at Old Bowenpally.
Other workstations are domestic workstation, physical workstation, acrylic workstation and agro-based workstation, which have around 10 students each. "Earning bread and butter is not that difficult. It's just about the right way. And that is all we show and teach these adults who enter DAIL with a hope of earning leading an independent life," said Sammaiah.