Know about Mumbai spaces helping neurodivergent people find their talents

Act like itTherersquos way more stage talent in the community than you realiserdquo says Andheri based actor Anupama Chouhan who runs Raashaa a theatre company exclusively for neurodivergent individuals Chouhanrsquos troupe stemmed from her experience of sifting through almost 1000 talents as part of the extensive casting process for the new Aamir KhanstarrerAishwarya in yellow with the troupe PICS COURTESYRAASHAA THEATREldquoEach session and every child in our troupe requires a different approach We usually relate the script with real life instances that they might remember It really helps them outrdquo reveals Chouhan who conducts 90minute workshops at her Andheri residence and performance studios in Aram Nagar Aishwarya a 16yearold star from the troupe tells us ldquoI love being on the stage but practice sessions with my friends are usually more funrdquoAishwarya has recently recovered from a cervical spine injury but itrsquos almost hard to believe ldquoMere boyfriend se gulugulu karegi toh dhoptungi na uskordquo she recalls Alia Bhattrsquos fiery punchline from Gully Boy 2019 that has remained her favourite AGE GROUP 14 years and aboveON Tomorrow introductory sessionAT Andheri West location revealed on request Zoom sessions available for participants outside MumbaiCALL 7073118043Thatrsquos sew coolA member of Karmann works on sustainable clothingSantacruzbased adult education centre Mann has been whipping up stitching and serving success stories in the community for more than a decade Through upskilling programmes in sewing and hospitality practices among others many neurodivergent adults continue to find employment in the city while following their callingA hospitality student shows off his skills PICS COURTESYMANNThe next time yoursquore shopping for sustainable fashion turn to Karmann the organisationrsquos conscious apparel initiative ldquoOur programmes can last between six months to a year based on the participantrsquos needs Learning a skill helps the individual find immense confidence in themselves It quashes the idea of being a burden on their familyrdquo shares cofounder Beverly LouisAGE GROUP 18 years and aboveON Monday to Saturday 9 am to 5 pm training sessionsAT Mann Milan Subway Junction Santacruz WestLOG ON TO mannorgin to registerLetrsquos talk techShooting editing and posting a video to social media might be second nature to you but those with special needs need a special push to put themselves out there Umang a collective of three spaces spread across Kandivli Bhayandar and Vasai organises freetoall tech upskilling sessions for persons on the neurodivergence spectrum From telling a gripping story to recording it editing it and colourgrading it the sessions lay out the creative process in simple termsA participant learns the basics of operating a computer at the learning centre PIC COURTESYUMANG CHARITABLEldquoWersquore assisted by experts in the field who dedicate one day to sharing their knowledge We encourage parents to accompany their children to learn how they can patiently and mindfully help their children learn a skill In that sense the workshops are for the parents as well as childrenrdquo founder and clinical psychologist Bhawana Kerkar sharesAT Near Dahanukar Wadi Kandivli West near Balasaheb Thackeray Udyan Bhayandar East Mary Villa Manickpur Vasai WestLOG ON TO umangcharitable for upcoming sessionsCALL 8976287060 Kandivli branchMoms know bestIn South Mumbai Kshitij a learning centre and skills training workplace is quietly helping individuals above 18 with intellectual challenges autism and learning disabilities learn new vocational skillsMoments from vocational skill training sessions conducted by the group PICS COURTESYKSHITIJIt was founded in 1997 by four mothers of children with special needs who drew from their own experiences and a shared vision From training in working on handicrafts to crafting delicious chocolates cookies and festive goodies the organisation lends a helping hand under expert supervision after assessment of each individualrsquos unique skillsetldquoEvery step is a small win for us We also strive to look beyond upskilling into daily living skills like cooking selfgrooming and outdoor visits to help individuals slowly build selfesteem and confidence in the world outside our centresrdquo administrative team member Meherangiz Baria reveals Supplementary to the skill training members also indulge in dance music and wellness sessions from time to time Those keen can apply for the programmes at the daytime sheltered workplaceAGE GROUP 18 years and aboveAT Patel Chambers opposite Royal Opera House Charni Road East F6F7 1st floor Gilder Road Municipal School Mumbai CentralLOG ON TO kshitijngoorg for details about programmesCALL 9920194032