UNIQUE AUTISM/IT WORKSHOP HELD IN DEHRA DUN
May ‘06

     Autism is on the rise all over the world. It has been attributed to environmental factors, as well as a genetic predisposition. It is characterised by the inability of the child/person to communicate effectively, leading to a deep sense of rejection and deprivation. This has been well portrayed in Krishna Narayana’s “Wasted Talent” – Musings of an Autistic.

                   The use of computers could be a means to channalise this frustration. Keeping this in mind, “Inspiration” agreed to collaborate with The Anil Karanjai Memorial Trust to conduct a 7-day workshop from 22-27th May’06. It was held at the Information Technology Development Agency office at Vasant Vihar, Dehra Dun. It was conducted by Dr. Arun Mehta, a well-known computer scientist, who has been working with other disabilities, particularly with visually & orthopaedically handicapped.

During these 6 days, Dr. Mehta modified a few softwares to suit the needs of this group. The whole proceedings were filmed as a movie by Juliet Reynolds, Trustee, The Anil Karanjai Memorial Trust.

                    This workshop was sponsored by the IT Dept. Uttaranchal Govt. and supported by the Social Welfare Dept. The Secretaries of both these departments visited the workshop and highly appreciated the efforts.
The film-“A for Autism …M for Mouse” is complete & was released at a premiere, report follows.

The Microsoft Company has done a free training of Special Educators of Inspiration &Uttaranchal State in early October. All these have been due to the pioneering efforts of the organisation. There is also a team of highly trained professionals on the Panel of Advisors

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