It was a remarkable experience to be part of the recent event at Assisi Vidyaniketan in Kochi, Kerala. The school management's willingness to question its own practices and embrace change is indeed bold and beautiful. The school principal's admission of her previous ignorance about neuro-diversity and her commitment to keep learning is commendable. The workshop, which gathered 35 participants from various schools in the city, marked the first time in 25 years that the school took such an initiative to discuss the rights of children with disabilities and inclusion in schools. It was a privilege to be the first resource person for this event. What was most humbling was the feedback received from the participants. Despite the time constraints, they expressed a strong desire for more discussion and the opportunity to learn and ask questions. This eagerness to understand and include is the first step towards meaningful change. The initiative to drive this change was led by a passionate individual, Rose, who convinced the school management to take the plunge into the unknown and embrace the concept of inclusion. Her dedication is evident in the creation of a unique outdoor classroom that promotes natural sensory integration using discarded items. It's a testament to the impact that one person can have on creating positive change. As we move forward, it's essential for everyone in the neuro-typical world to remember the words of Dr. Seuss, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." Details of the discussion will be shared soon, highlighting the progress and ideas that emerged from this event.
