HPCL-CSR: Breaking Barriers - A Triumph of Resilience

by Psu Connect
Date: 16-03-24

HPCL-ADAPT project has supported thousands of CWSNs to provide the education, therapy needs (Physiological, Occupational and Speech therapy) and counselling needs of the children with multiple disabilities like cerebral palsy, downs’ syndrome, muscular dystrophy, autism etc.

HPCL-CSR: Breaking Barriers - A Triumph of Resilience

Embarking on a new academic year journey in July 2022, a dynamic trio graced HPCL-ADAPT Centre at Bandra in Mumbai - Ankit, a spirited 7½ years old boy, accompanied by his ever-supportive mother and a lively young brother. Their mission? Admission. Rejected by other schools, their visit to this Centre was a beacon of hope.

Ankit, a ball of energy, was a local pre-primary school alumnus grappling with academic roadblocks. The former school offered no solutions, leaving his family worried. The informal observation at the Centre unveiled a spirited Ankit, struggling with presented activities. His cognitive prowess was evident but something needed nurturing. A therapeutic exploration revealed a young body with challenges: struggles with independence, frequent falls and a penchant for rule-bending in play.

Undeterred, Ankit dived into a training program at HPCL-ADAPT Centre, rocketing through progress and success. In his new class, Ankit found a buddy in Rahul - a caring influence. Suddenly, phonetics, numeric and communication skills were his playground. Regular sessions of occupational therapy and psychological therapy became Ankit's secret weapons, enhancing his visual perception, coordination and cognitive skills. Eating without chaos and independently wearing shoes became victories and Ankit emerged as a leader in group activities.

An ophthalmological revelation uncovered vision impairment but armed with spectacles, Ankit's world transformed. The first term's end saw Ankit radiating confidence, excelling academically and stealing the spotlight in extra-curricular activities. His therapeutic journey unveiled a transformed Ankit - mastering hand skills, eye-hand coordination and becoming a team player.

This is more than a success story; it's Ankit's captivating odyssey - a testament to resilience, progress and the boundless possibilities ignited by HPCL’ firm commitment towards holistic development of Children with Special Needs (CWSNs).

HPCL-ADAPT project has supported thousands of CWSNs like Ankit to provide the education, therapy needs (Physiological, Occupational and Speech therapy) and counselling needs of the children with multiple disabilities like cerebral palsy, downs’ syndrome, muscular dystrophy, autism etc. and envisions to bring them into the mainstream schools and give them equal opportunities for education and growth. HPCL envisage that the children supported through the Project are made competent enough that they can face the society and can live with dignity against all the bias persistent in the society for the disabled.

This Project also aims to sensitize various stakeholders including nearby communities, parents, schoolteachers etc. on various aspects of disability and create an inclusive environment for children and youth with special needs.

By providing a platform for skill development, the Project enables individuals with disabilities to lead independent lives and contribute to the socio-economic fabric of the nation. This Project is working towards building a more equitable and inclusive future for individuals with disabilities in India.

Helen Keller eloquently expressed the transformative potential of treating those who are severely impaired as normal human beings, stating, "Hidden sources of strength remain undiscovered until one is treated with dignity and encouraged to shape their own life." This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the Project's mission - unveiling the latent capabilities and empowering Children with Special Needs to chart their own paths!