Considering the health and susceptibility of our students, Mata Bhagwanti Chadha Niketan was shut down because of COVID-19. I understand it’s difficult for our special needs children to understand why the school was closed, in the same manner it is also a challenging time for the parents to engage their wards in meaningful activity under these circumstances. But I am proud of my team of special educators and therapists who have found means of engaging, students of MBCN through virtual learning. My team has been guiding parents to develop teaching-learning material for the students, with the help of things which are easily available at home depending on each student’s individual learning needs and capacity. The most important thing parents or caregivers can do to help a child with special needs cope during these uncertain times is to create a routine or schedule.It is very important to help establish a routine in times like this. It helps kids know what to expect and help with any stress not knowing can cause.. I hope that our efforts would continue the learning process of our students, and would also empower the parents.
– Manpreet Singh Chadha, Chairman Wave Group & Trustee, The Ponty Chadha Foundation

A flagship initiative of The Ponty Chadha Foundation, MBCN has been providing rehabilitation and personal development services to children with mental and physical impairments since 1999. With the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and subsequent nationwide lockdown disrupting normal life, the MBCN staff and management have been committed to designing a carefully customised virtual learning programme for students. Keeping in mind the varied learning needs and mental and physical health of special-needs children, MBCN has been delivering virtual learning in the following ways:

WhatsApp and Zoom for communication: With e-learning platforms and live classes not being well suited to the learning style of children with special needs, the school has been using communication applications such as WhatsApp and Zoom to reach out to parents and students. 

Sample videos for learning: MBCN’s highly skilled team of special educators and therapists record sample videos and share them with parents and students. Parents provide prompt feedback on any improvements required if they are not able to follow the video properly. Worksheets and tips for making teaching-learning material at home are also shared with parents.

Customised goals and daily activities: Customised goals are set for students and daily activities are conducted based on the physical and mental health of students and their individual learning needs. Daily activities cover academics, sports and fitness, yoga, household activities, speech therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy and recreation activities (art/music/dance).

Parents Voices 

 “Ma’am, the worksheets you have shared are very useful, they have helped my child stay engaged in productive activities throughout the day.”

– Parent of Shwashank (student of Hearing Impaired Wing, MBCN) 

“We appreciate MBCN’s initiative to ensure continuous learning even in the current circumstances. We have been finding the videos and the worksheets very helpful.”

– Parent of Shivam (student of Academic Group, MBCN)

“Sir, the lip holding exercise that you have shared with us is very helpful; Gagandeep is now able to close his mouth and his drooling has also stopped. We are very thankful to you. We are also following the other exercises that you have shared.

– Parent of Gagandeep (MBCN student)