Divya Down’s Syndrome Development Trust
The Divya Downs Development Trust is an exclusive centre for training and development of individuals with Down syndrome. Ms Esther Thomas inspired by her daughter Divya, who was born with Down syndrome, has started this centre. The centre is located in Viveknagar Bengaluru.
Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that causes severe to mild mental retardation, delayed milestones development due to inherent low muscle tone, and other congenital anomalies. Babies born with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome, which causes the mental retardation and other medical problems involving the heart, digestive tract and other organ systems. This is an irreversible condition. Statistically one in every 1000 births is a Down syndrome.
These individuals need immediate early intervention programme on an individualized basis after thorough evaluation, as this will only help them to stimulate growth and development, and enable them to reach the max growth levels possible, despite inherent limitations.
The Divya Downs Development Trust started in Oct 2003, and has been since providing the under mentioned programmes on an exclusively structured individualized plan. The Divya Down Development Trust is the first and only centre in Bengaluru for the individuals with Down syndrome.
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Early Intervention assessment/development plans for new born
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Speech Therapy
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Physiotherapy
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Basic academic skills commensurate with ability Based on the NIMH curriculum
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Computer operations for stimulating cognitive skills
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Social and self management skills
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Various Vocational skills for older individuals
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Dental and personal hygiene
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Counselling and Psychotherapy for parents and others
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Regular workshops for the parents conducted by experts
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The centre has been successful in integrating several children into the main school inclusive programmes, which is the primary objective of the Trust.