Sankalp, a Vadodara-based initiative, is making a big difference in the lives of children with special needs by offering inclusive education, therapy, and life skills training. The organisation focuses on children with conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, and learning disabilities, ensuring they receive individual attention, specialised teaching, and a supportive environment to grow.

I’m writing about Sankalp because special needs education is often overlooked in India, despite the increasing number of children requiring it. In many places, parents struggle to find schools that understand their child’s learning challenges, and even when they do, the facilities may not be adequate. Sankalp’s model shows how patience, professional guidance, and community involvement can change the game. It’s not just about helping children learn—it’s about giving them the confidence and independence to live meaningful lives. By highlighting their work, I hope more people become aware of the importance of inclusive education and the need to support such initiatives so that no child is left behind simply because the system wasn’t ready for them.

About Sankalp and Its Mission

Sankalp was started with a simple goal: to bridge the gap in quality education for children with special needs in Vadodara. Over the years, it has grown into a full-fledged institution that offers academic support, therapy services, vocational training, and counselling for families. The team includes special educators, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists who work together to create customised learning plans.

How Sankalp Supports Children

Sankalp’s approach goes beyond classroom learning. Some of their key services include:

• Individual Education Plans (IEPs): Tailored teaching strategies based on each child’s strengths and challenges
• Therapy Services: Speech, occupational, and physiotherapy under one roof
• Life Skills Training: Practical lessons in cooking, money management, and social interaction
• Parental Counselling: Guiding families to understand and support their children better
• Inclusive Activities: Sports, art, and cultural programmes to encourage participation and confidence

Success Stories from the Centre

One of Sankalp’s remarkable stories is that of a young boy diagnosed with autism who struggled with communication and basic self-care. After two years at Sankalp, he not only learned to express himself through speech but also developed the confidence to perform in a school play. Similar success stories are common here, showing that with the right support, children can break barriers once thought impossible.

Challenges in Special Needs Education

Even with organisations like Sankalp, there are still big challenges:

• Lack of trained special educators in many parts of India
• Limited awareness among the general public about special needs
• Financial strain on families for long-term care and therapy
• Social stigma that can isolate children and parents

Sankalp addresses some of these issues by running awareness drives in schools, collaborating with local organisations, and keeping fees affordable or offering financial aid where possible.

The Bigger Picture

The work done by Sankalp is not just about helping individual children—it’s about changing mindsets. By proving that children with special needs can learn, work, and contribute meaningfully to society, they challenge the stereotypes that still exist. Their model can inspire similar efforts across India, especially in smaller cities where options for special education are very limited.