Karunyasparsham: Observed differently able day
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) was observed at Vikas, Kottapuram. Mr.Tyson Master, MLA Kaippamangalam inaugurated the programme. Speaking on this occasion he observed collective and united effort by differently able persons would scale them up in life. In true spirit they are gifted with special qualities, he substantiated it by narrating a story of his own differently able classmate. KIDS’ initiative in generating employment to persons with disabilities was praise worthy. During the presidential address Fr. Paul Thomas Kalathil, Director, spoke on the significance of the day and upcoming projects for inclusive and sustainable development.More than 200 participants attended included people with disabilities and their family members. Cash awards were distributed to most needy people.
Santhwanam - pilgrimage to Guruvayoor temple:
One day pilgrimage cum picnic to Guruvayoor was organized for “Santhwanam” - Self Help Group for differently abled persons on 30th of April, 2019. A team of 52 persons comprising 30 differently abled artisans, women craft artisan, social work students accompanied by Sr. Mercy Thomas, Administrator visited Lord Krishna Temple at Guruvayoor. The temple authorities extended a rousing welcome and made all arrangements for pilgrimage. It was very pious experience for most of them as they could get blessings of Lord Krishna through sacred visit. In fact, majority of them visited Krishna temple for the first time became enthralled.
Self Help Group (SHG)of Differently-abled
At present we made them into a Self Help Group, in order to strengthen them a s a group and to have concrete goal oriented programmes like continuing t heir education and writing the state examinations, teaching them digital literacy etc. It is always a learning experience for us how they are able and willing to share the little they have with their companions whether it is food, material or their own energy. They are people without complaint. In this SHG, we give them literacy coaching and awareness programmes regularly. Sadhik, a deaf and dumb artisan with cripples legs caught the attention of Media for his outstanding creativity and was interviewed by Mr. Sujith Chandra Kumar,Times of India.
Natural Fibre Cards for State University Youth Festival of Kerala
The beginning days of January 2018 were very encouraging and enterprising days for the differently-abled, as the Media section of the Kerala State youth festival, held in Thrissur selected the cards made out of water hyacinth by the differently-abled from KIDS for their badge. It was indeed a great honour and KIDS got another boost as the state media gave big coverage for it on TV and newspapers.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE DIFFERENTLY- ABLED
December 3rd being the International Day of the Differently- abled, we planned to celebrate it in a different manner than the usual way of having a big get-together. We planned a whole day outing for them, which is the first outing for them in their whole life time. We took them for a drive in the newly established metro in Kochi, which they have only heard about and also to have lunch in a big hotel. The travel was in a a VOLVO bus which was their greatest dream. They could also visit the famous Bolgatty Palace in Kochi and the Shrine of Our Lady of Vallarpadam. The presence of our beloved Bishop, Rev. Dr. Karikkassery added colour to the whole trip. As a gesture of gratitude for the generous and whole- hearted support of the staff from the Kochi Metro, we have presented to them a few stars made by the differently-abled. The whole group with 80 participants enjoyed the whole day and thanked us making it a memorable day for them. This was another turning point for us and for the staff members of Kochi Metro and KIDS. Taking inspiration from the gift given to them, they came up with a new project to support and encourage the differently abled of KIDS by making 200 stars to decorate the Kochi metro in their eight stations in blue and green, matching with the colours of the Metro. Star Unit” for the differently abled was very active in fulfilling the pleasant surprise that came to them It was a great experience for them as the whole project was recorded and made a film for 5 minutes, which was published on the Kochi-metro site. Greater was the surprise when they were invited to Aluva Metro Station to inaugurate its lightening and the differently-abled of KIDS really felt themselves very special.
CELEBRATED INTERNATIONAL DISABILITY DAY 2020
On the occasion of International Disability Day, KIDS Kottapuram organized programs based on the theme ‘Building back better; towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post Covid 19 world’ as declared by UNESCO. Rev. Fr Paul Thomas, the Director of KIDS inaugurated the programme. The social work trainees from different colleges performed a “Mime” on this theme. KIDS has been working for the welfare of the differently abled for several years. As part of these efforts KIDS has provided various trainings, skill development programmes for them. More than 30 Differently abled people work under KIDS in various sections.
Chirakukal (Flying wings)
Chirakukal 2019, cultural programme for the differently abled was organized at KIDS campus. Rajagiri College of Social Sciences and Lions Club Kodungallur collaborated to organize the event. Differently able persons put up stage programme. Main highlights of the show everybody enjoyed included group dance, skit and mimicry. More than 40 persons with disabilities along with their family participated.
DIFFERENTLY ABLED KODUNGALLUR MUNICIPALITY GATHERING
KIDS being the patron for the Differently-abled of Kodungallur Municipality supported the gathering of them on the Municipality level of Kodungallur in Bishop Joseph Karrikkasery and which Fr. Paul Thomas,the Director of KIDS Kottapuram participated. The Differently abled who got distinction in studies was given cashaward.REFRESHMENTCATHARSISPROGRAMMEFORPARENTSOFDIFFERENTLY-ABLED
As in the past this year also we have conducted the refreshment cum counseling programme for the parents of the Differently-abled and their facilitators. The objective of the programmer is to create an atmosphere empathy while sharing their experiences. This time Psychologist Dr. Maya Nair led the session. In addition, we have invited Dr.P.Suseela, Professor, Hi-Tech Research and Training Unit, Instructional Farm, Vellanikkara, Thrissur who has been a warded "Swami Sahajan and Saraswati Outstanding Extension Scientist Award 2015" by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for her outstanding contributions in the field of Agriculture. This is to enlighten the parents who are tied up at home looking after their Differently-abled children, to start family farming, which can be an occupation as well as our income for them.