Introduction

Our Commitment to Vocational Empowerment

The Sadhana Skill Development Centre (SDC) is dedicated to empowering adolescents and adult students with intellectual disabilities by providing hands-on, market-relevant vocational training and skill development. Building on Sadhana Society’s 27 years of service, the SDC is an integral part of the organization’s mission to ensure that every individual achieves optimal levels of independence and integration.

A dedicated 5,000 sq. ft. Skill Development & Early Intervention Center building was constructed in 2024, supported by the Sapthaparni Foundation, enhancing the infrastructure available for these programs.

Vision and Goals: Independence and Dignity

Sadhana’s overall mission is to empower persons with intellectual disabilities through vocational training, specialized education, and therapeutic services. The SDC aims to transform individuals into productive members of society so they can lead lives of dignity and self-respect.

Key Objectives of the Skill Development Program:

1. Economic Empowerment: To provide income generation activities that enable trainees to gain a sense of self-worth and economic independence.
2. Holistic Development: To ensure individuals reach their maximum developmental potential across vocational, cognitive, physical, and emotional domains.
3. Life Skills Integration: To instill confidence by helping students develop essential life skills, enabling them to face challenges with satisfaction.
4. Community Integration: To offer job placement assistance and opportunities for social inclusion through co-curricular programs like sports, cultural events, and field visits.

Comprehensive Vocational Training Initiatives

Sadhana operates vocational training across its two primary centers, catering to the needs of students aged 5 years and above. Currently, Sadhana actively supports 209 individuals through its educational, therapeutic, and vocational programs.

1. Urban Center: Nacharam, Hyderabad

The flagship Special School at the Nacharam campus supports 160 students. Vocational training for adult students and pre-vocational skills for younger students are provided.

2. Rural Centre: Tekulasomaram, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri District

The residential facility in Tekulasomaram was established in 1999 to extend services to underserved rural areas, housing 60 students who benefit from special education and vocational training.

Marketplace and Financial Sustainability

Sadhana ensures that the vocational efforts directly benefit the students:

• Product Sales: Finished products created by students, such as handcrafted items and diyas, are displayed and sold in local exhibitions and shops.
• Reinvestment: All proceeds from these sales are reinvested in the students’ welfare and skill development.
• Exhibitions and Outreach: Students regularly showcase their craftsmanship at various events, such as the Exhibition of Craft Items at AOC Centre and the Children’s Craft Exhibition at the HPCL Stall.

Integrated Support System

Vocational training is implemented alongside specialized, multi-disciplinary therapeutic services:

• Assessment and Planning: Students undergo individual assessments by a multidisciplinary team (including special educators, speech therapists, and physiotherapists). This informs the customized learning plans, which focus on daily living skills, social skills, and pre-vocational skills.
• Therapeutic Integration: Vocational learning is supported by services such as speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, and yoga therapy to enhance overall development, including improved motor skills and communication.
• Capacity Building: Regular workshops are held for staff on topics like behavior modification to ensure effective teaching strategies are employed.