AWMD's ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

A model day care center and home-based program for economically backward families, which provides direct services to 100 beneficiaries, both, children and adults.

HOMEBASED PROGRAM:

An early intervention program, home based activities empower families with information, guidance and counseling. Weekly training programs assist parents with teaching their child self-care skills, as well as providing continuity and continuous support.

SELF-HELP PROGRAM:

This program helps children learn social behavior and self-care skills to encourage their independence. With increased autonomy, children learn to brush their own teeth, hair, and are toilet trained. Speech and physio therapies are also provided. Parents are provided with information, guidance, and awareness-educational programs on disabilities and management. Counseling and in-service training is provided both for parents, as well as siblings. This group creates a valuable forum where parents can gain emotional support. Parents' improved knowledge base enables them to better monitor and manage their child's development through active involvement.

SPECIAL EDUCATION: Functional academics establish specific goals for each child. Individualized academic programs are formulated for each child based on his/her ability. PRE-VOCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL PROGRAM: Designed for teenagers and adults, this program focuses on group work, behavior modification and appropriate training in job oriented / therapeutic skills. The program includes a functional academic program.

SHELTERED WORK PROGRAMS:

Candidates are prepared with the necessary skills to enter into the mainstream job market. Presently, more than 10 adults are working in their communities. The sheltered work program provides work opportunities for those who cannot be integrated into the mainstream because of their condition. Beneficiaries produce eco-friendly products such as: recycled paper dustbins, newspaper bags, hand-made paper bags, brown bags, cloth bags, jute mats, candles, and greeting cards. INCOME GENERATING PROGRAM: AWMD offers in-service practical training to parents, siblings, women with mental illness, and school/college dropouts in eco-friendly paper bag making. This provides such individuals with an income they would otherwise not have.

OUT-REACH SERVICES:

Out-reach resource services are provided to NGO's involved in CBR (Community Based Rehabilitation) programs. Services are currently being provided to following organizations: SAMUHA - SAMARTHYA CBRD – A rural development project in north Karnataka covering the drought-prone rural areas of Raichur, Koppal and Haliyal.

IN-SERVICE TRAINING FOR STAFF:

In-service practical training programs are conducted for teacher trainees, volunteers and those wishing to work with the mentally disabled.

COUNSELING SERVICES:

Counseling services are provided to disabled persons, parents and their family members. Additionally, school and college youths are included in the program.

COMMUNITY AWARENESS PROGRAM:

AWMD strongly believes that community plays a large role in integrating people with mental disabilities into the main stream. AWMD emphasizes awareness programs via public exhibitions, educational lectures, integrated camps with young students and by providing opportunities for volunteers to participate actively in our programs and activities.

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