Ms. Alina Tulsiani Receiving Her PrizeFrom Ms. Bhavya Gour Chandrakar

New Horizons Group

Developmental PediatricianDr. Samir Dalwai (MD, DNB, DCH,FCPS, DNB and LLB) founded NewHorizons Child DevelopmentCentre (NHCDC now NHD) in2003. NHD has developed 5centres and currently houses ateam of more than 60paramedical professionals. NHDprovides multi-disciplinaryservices to more than 300children daily with a ratio of onespecialist to one child in eachintervention session.

New Horizons Health & ResearchFoundation (NHHRF now NHF), isa registered non-profitorganization[Reg.No.U85100MH2012NPL23856; No.DIT(E)/80G/111/N/2014-15],which works in the areas ofhealth, impairment and earlychildhood development. NHFfollows a four-pronged approach:Research, Rehabilitation,Advocacy and Training.

Established in 2014, NewHorizons Institute ofEducation & Research (NHIERnow NHI) is the educationalwing of NHG. In May, 2015,TATA INSTITUTE OF SOCIALSCIENCES (TISS), Mumbai andNHF entered a collaborationand offer diploma courses inSpecial Education andRehabilitation Psychology.

New Horizons Educationand Training Solutions(NHETS now NHS) provideshighly specialized solutionsto schools in Mumbai. Ourspecialists are deputed atthe school on a customizedbasis for conductingevaluation, intervention andcounseling for children withacademic, emotional andbehavioural concerns.

Dr. Waheeda Pagarkarstarted the New HorizonsAudiology (NHA) and HearingAid Centre for Adults andChildren in August 2014. In itsfirst year, NHA has seenaround 400 patients, out ofwhich 20 were adults and theremaining 380 were children.35 patients were diagnosedwith hearing loss of varyingtype and degree while 10 wereprescribed with hearing aids.

NEWSLETTER (QPM/ MNL-01, Vol. II Issue 7) | August, 2016

73,847EVERY CHILD CAN DO BETTER!!

FREEDOM SONGS

F!SH PHILOSOPHY WORKSHOPS

TWENTY-FIVE AND COUNTING: JOURNAL CLUB UPDATE FROM NEW HORIZONS HEALTH AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION (NHF) - BY DR. AMEYA BONDRE

REACHING NEWER HORIZONS – BY MS. DIKSHITA CHOUDHURY

LEND ME YOUR EARS!

New Horizons Audiology Centre (NHA) aims at enabling hearing of hearing-impaired adults & children with recent advances in technology and with skilled professionals, thus enabling them to lead a better quality of life with better speech and communication.

Dr. Waheeda Pagarkar is a renowned Audiovestibular Consultant at Hackney ARK and Royal National Throat, Nose & Ear Hospital, London. She has done her MBBS and MD in Pediatrics from Seth G. S. Medical College and K.E.M. Hospital, Mumbai and her MRCPCH (UK) and MSc (Audiology) from the University of London. Considering the paucity of care in the field of Audiovestibular Medicine for children and adults, for conditions like dizziness/vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss, in collaboration with New Horizons, she has set up a state-of-the-art Audiology Centre with international standards.

We are in the 25th week of our weekly Journal Clubs! Here is the compilation of intriguing topics, discussed since February 2016. Many congratulations to Team NHF and all presenters! Journal clubs include critical discussions on published papers, clinical cases or analyses of clinical data obtained from New Horizons Child Development Centre. Speaking before eminent experts to build and share knowledge on best evaluation and intervention practices for children with special needs is a skill to be nurtured, always! So far, we have discussed 28 topics over 24 journal clubs and 17 different professionals - our colleagues at New Horizons have contributed to the success of this event, under the mentoring of Dr. Samir Dalwai and Dr. Rashid Merchant.

I joined New Horizons Group (NHG) on 2nd March, 2016. Wow, time really flies! It is, indeed, a wonderful feeling that I have been able to interact and work with such warm-hearted, loving and experienced individuals.

Honestly, I had packed my bags and come to Mumbai with the motive to teach, but the plethora of opportunities and exposure that I received in such a short span of time will always be a learning experience for a lifetime. I never knew that I would be able to take responsibility for varied activities, be it conducting lectures at New Horizons Institute of Education and Research (NHI) as a faculty, coordinating and supervising the Clinical Observership and Internship Programs for NHI students and interns at NHG or participating and coordinating other activities at or for NHG. It has developed in me the skill of multi-tasking and completing tasks with consistency. I thank everyone for believing in me and encouraging me to be involved in different activities.

A few days ago, 26 post graduate students from Anugraha Institute of Social Sciences, Tamil Nadu, visited our organization as part of their field study in Mumbai. Personally, the interaction session with them was special for me. While I made a presentation to them about NHG, I felt nervous and at the same time very proud that I am associated with such a noble organization and that people across the country want to know about us and our work.

Very recently, while in conversation with Ms. Sandhya Kulkarni Ma’am and Ms. Nita Mehta regarding NH Values (CITOCE), I realized how each value permeates the functioning of the organization so perfectly. As a NHite, I am working towards my everyday activities reflecting the values which are the foundation of all work at NHG. I am very excited and I am looking forward to learning more and making it a memorable journey!

I promise to CARE, be CONSISTENT, take OWNERSHIP and work in a TEAM which defines INTEGRITY and helps us achieve EXCELLENCE!

At the Thursday Clinical meetings on the 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th of August 2016, our Human Resources Consultant, Ms. Sangita Parmar, conducted Fish Philosophy workshops for team-members at the Goregaon (East), Bhandup, Dadar and Goregaon (West) centres respectively.

“The understanding and living of the Fish Philosophy helps us gain a more sensitive and compassionate attitude towards others and live more joyfully. In the process, we also add value to everything we do: to our work and to our relationships.” - Ms. Sangita Parmar

“Fish Philosophy is one of the most practical tools to create a better work culture; a culture in which every employee would love to work. It has four simple, yet very essential, principles and all of them are required for keeping the team united, having clear and transparent communication and increasing camaraderie, which is the need of every organization. A BIG thank you to Sangita Ma'am for conducting the workshop on Fish Philosophy and bringing to our notice the importance of these four important principles. Her interactive session had a huge impact on me. It made me realize how my small efforts like actively listening or expressing genuine appreciation can make a big difference. With her assistance we will work on these principles and make the New Horizons work culture a better work culture!”- Ms. Paullomi Shah

CLINICAL OBSERVERSHIP PROGRAM: REFLECTIONS OF A STUDENT - BY MS. SUMONA R. KUMAR

TELL ME A STORY! – BY MS. RADHIKA SHAH

About 6 weeks into the Post Graduate Diploma in Special Education (PGDSE) course, conducted collaboratively by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and New Horizons Health and Research Foundation (NHF), our class was introduced to the practical aspect of the program in the form of clinical observation sessions. Once a week, we observed one of the intervention programs conducted by specialists at New Horizons Child Development Centre (NHD). The various intervention programs we get to observe are Developmental Intervention, Communication Intervention and Educational Intervention. Individualised programs are based on the specific needs of the children, compassing gross motor, fine motor, communication and educational skills are designed for each child. We also get to observe psychological evaluations conducted at NHD.

Each time I observe a session, it takes me back to my therapy classes, and helps me understand them better, because I am able to draw a parallel with what we have been taught in class. Various developmental milestones, aspects of communication, individual learning styles and other topics become clearer to me as I observe it in the real world.

I now understand the red-flags to look out for, or identify the delays when I see them. I vividly recall the day when I was excited to make sense of a pedigree chart on a report, or understand the significance and meaning of the letters FTND (Full Term Normal Delivery), CIAB (Cried Immediately After Birth) and so on, in a report. More so, I wrote them down in my book when taking notes, and it only occurred to me later, as to how naturally it had come to me.

These sessions also familiarise us with the kind of work that is done with the children, and the world that we will be stepping into very soon. Most of all, it just reminds me of how much I am on the right path, because of the sheer joy I feel when I am around children.

NHD - Dadar (East)

1st Floor, Jeevak Nursing Home, Sai Kunj, MMSG Marg, Dadar (East), Mumbai - 400 014.

Tel: 022 65287397 / 022 24144596 / 7506171230

NHD - Bhandup (West)

Pawar Public School, Opp. DreamsMall, Off LBS Marg, Bhandup (West),Mumbai - 400 078.

Tel: 022 21663024 / 9769669332

NHD and NHAGoregaon (West)

2nd Floor,Techniplex II, Techniplex Complex,Veer Savarkar Flyover, Goregaon (West),Mumbai - 400 062.

Tel: 022 60600650 / 7506171240

NHD - Goregaon (East)

Ground Floor, Saira Mansion,Pahadi School Road 2, Goregaon (East),Mumbai - 400 063.

Tel: 022 65711586

NHD - Santa Cruz (West)

Shop No. 47, 1st Floor, Hi-Life Mall, Opp. Santa Cruz Station, Santa Cruz (West), Mumbai - 400 054.

Tel: 022 26465649 / 9819224415

www.enablemychild.orginfo@enablemychild.orgwww.facebook.com/newhorizonscdc

New Horizons Group - www.enablemychild.org

SNAPSHOTS!

Services at NHA:

• Standard Audiometry • Play Audiometry • Visual Reinforcement Audiometry • Speech Audiometry • Tympanometry • Otoacoustic Emissions • Hearing Aid Trial and prescription of various digital hearing aids • Ear Mould Impression • Aural Rehab• BERA

Dr. Waheeda Pagarkar, Audiovestibular Pediatrician (London, UK) will be available for consultation at New Horizons Audiology Centre, Mumbai,from 29th September to 3rd October, 2016.

For appointments, please contact:

New Horizons Audiology Centre+91 7208079123 / 022 60600650 Techniplex II, Unit 10, 2nd Floor,Opp. Hotel Grand Sarovar,Off S.V. Road, Veer Savarkar Bridge,Goregaon (West),Mumbai - 400 062.

For more information about New Horizons Audiology Centre please log on to www.facebook.com/nhaudiology

This Independence Day, the Human Resources department invited associates to celebrate Independence Day and express their love for India in a write-up including a poem or a paragraph. The three best entries, based on originality and content, were from Ms. Alina Tulsiani, Ms. Marina Shaju and Ms. Jasmine Jagtap. Congratulations!!

From Bharat To India - By Ms. Alina TulsianiSitting alone, gazing at the Arabian Sea, a lady sat in a pensive mood. Lost in thoughts, her mind wandered towards thoughts of her children, who no longer understood love. Greed, competition and ego clouded their minds. “I’ve had a difficult life,” she thought to herself, “And it all began after I was forcefully thrown into the clutches of beautiful liars…” Tears began to roll down her cheeks as she shuddered at her traumatic memories. And then, she felt someone call out her name. It was an old man with a pleasing countenance. He came up to her and said, “You have forgotten that your greatness lies in your strength and resilience." Crying, she closed her eyes to wipe her tears, only to find that the old man had vanished. Strengthened by the compassionate words, she began her endeavor to bring back love in her children's lives, hoping to succeed someday.

We Salute, We Pray - By Ms. Marina ShajuIndependence Day! Independence Day! Please make way for India’s 70th Birthday.

We salute, we pray as we gather today To celebrate freedom in all its rhythm To honor our Jawans for their struggles and their martyrdom.

We salute, we pray as we gather today For inspiring leaders and a better future That’s the thought we like to nurture

Remember the days when we sat curled up near our parents or our Dadi or Nani and they told us stories? Stories of great kings that ruled, the wise queen, and the monsters that lived in the sea, about places far and un-travelled. The stories of witty Birbal, naughty Krishna and the righteousness of the Pandavas. Those stories taught us lessons about good and bad, right and wrong. They gave us important lessons of life.

Stories can be used to teach children important skills in a fun way. We can use stories to:

Introduce new vocabulary to children: We can choose a theme or a set of words we want the child to learn and use and weave a story around some of them, without explaining the meaning. The child’s curious mind will ask questions and it is easy to explain meaning in the context of the story. For example: Seasons – “There lived a girl with her step-mother and her four daughters. Once, when it was snowing and the whole country was covered with snow, the mother called the girl and said, “Go and get some mangoes for me, now.” The poor girl tried to explain, but in vain. She left her home, wrapped in woollen clothes and walked up the hill to the snow-clad forest. Four men sat surrounding a bonfire, heard her muffled cry and called out to her. She narrated her story and her innocence won their hearts. One of the men stood and snapped his fingers. The surroundings suddenly changed - as if summer had arrived - and there were many trees laden with ripe mangoes. The four men were the four seasons.” The story can be continued with the girl asking for things which come with each different season. The story-telling can be followed by worksheets or art activities.

On 23rd August 2016, Dr. Samir Dalwai spoke on Specific Learning Disorder to post-graduate students of Psychology at the Univerity of Mumbai, Kalina. Dr. Dalwai stressed on the importance of Sherlock Homes-style observation rather than just mugging-up the criteria for diagnosis. Ms. Sohini Chatterjee, Ms. Nita Mehta, Ms. Jemima Jacob, Ms. Paullomi Shah and Ms. Trupti Patil spoke of clinical work at New Horizons.

“On 23rd August 2016, Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), Mumbai’s 6th successful PAALAK (PArenting with Love And Kindness) event was held at Utpal Sanghvi School, Juhu. The legendary, indefatigable Dr. Y. K. Amdekar and the dynamic pediatrician Dr. Rajesh Chokhani had the audience of mums and dads enthralled! I'm grateful to Sir for the opportunity to share my two cents. Thanks to our dear Dr. Amin Kaba for coordinating the event and Dr. Sangeeta Chokhani for organizing this at the school. Thanks to Dr. Anand Shandilya for his presence.

Thanks to my colleagues - Ms. Sohini Chatterjee, Ms. Nita Mehta, Dr. Megha and Dr. Tanvee - for attending, and all my appreciation to the charismatic visionary educationist Mrs. Aabha Dharam Pal who has turned the school into such an awesome institution!” – Dr. Samir Dalwai

On 26th August 2016, Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), Mumbai’s 7th successful PAALAK (PArenting with Love And Kindness) event was held at Bombay Scottish School, Mahim, by the legendary Dr. Y.K. Amdekar, Dr. Rajesh Chokhani, Dr. Amin Kaba and Dr. Samir Dalwai. It was an interactive session with a lot of learning and clearing-up of old myths about physical health and illness and food habits in children.

We salute we pray as we gather today.

Let us fight today’s poverty, hunger and corruption For that’s what we fought for, throughout our revolution Let us leave our bitter past aside And march ahead with glory nationwide.

We salute, we pray as we gather today To rejoice and be happy as we say “Sare Jahan Se Achchha, Hindustan Hamara!!”

Jai Hind! - By Ms. Jasmine JagtapIndependence Day is celebrated all over India with much pleasure. This day is of great importance to all Indian citizens as it gives us an opportunity to remember all those freedom fighters who had sacrificed their lives just for giving us a beautiful and peaceful life. Before independence, people were not allowed to get an education, eat healthy food and live normal lives like us. We should be grateful to those events responsible for freedom in India. Indians were treated worse than slaves by the Britishers just to fulfill their meaningless orders.Some of the great freedom fighters of India are Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhiji, Bal GangadharTilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh, Khudi Ram Bose and Chandra Shekhar Azad. They were famous patriots who struggled hard for the freedom of India till the end of their lives. We cannot imagine those horrible moments suffered by our forefathers. Now, after many years of independence, our country is on the right track of development. Today, our country is a well established democratic country known all over the world. Gandhiji was a great leader who taught us about the effective way of freedom through ahimsa and sathyagraha methods. Gandhiji dreamed of an independent India with non-violence and peace. It is our responsibility to lead our country ahead and make it the best country of the world!

Independence Day Artwork at Santa Cruz Independence Day Artwork at Goregaon (East)

Dr. Waheeda Pagarkar

Ms. Jasmine Jagtap Receiving Her PrizeFrom Ms. Deepti Kanade-Modak

Ms. Marina Shaju Receiving Her PrizeFrom Ms. Bhavya Gour Chandrakar

Bhandup Centre Dadar Centre Goregaon (East) Centre Goregaon (West) Centre

Ms. Dikshita Choudhury

Ms. Sumona R. Kumar

Bombay Scottish School

Mumbai University

Utpal Sanghvi School

Improve listening skills and retention: Listening to interesting things increases our attention, at least for that moment. A chapter of history can be narrated or explained in the form of a story, to help children retain important facts.

Improve imagination: Children can be encouraged to write their own little stories with some help or asked to provide their own endings to given stories. For example, “What would Goldilocks have done if the three bears had not returned home that day?” or, “What would have happened if Snow White had not accepted the apple from the wicked queen?”

Teach sequencing: Children can be asked to list down the main events of the story in a sequence or arrange given pictures in a sequence.

Teach children to ask questions: Stories can be used as a way to make children curious and encourage them to ask questions because this makes a child think.

Teach values and morals: Stories can be used as a medium to guide rather than instruct older children towards personal values, teach them lessons in self-dependence or help them find innovative solutions to solve problems.

So, parents and teachers, go ahead: tell stories and make learning fun and unforgettable!