1964

 

At a seminar held in Delhi, social workers, doctors, educationists and parents of mentally handicapped children discussed the problem of inadequate facilities available in India for the education, training and rehabilitation of mentally handicapped children and decided to form a society.

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1965

 

This resulted in a society under the name of The Delhi Society for the Welfare of Mentally Retarded Children being registered in the year 1965. This is a voluntary organization registered under the Indian Societies Registration Act of 1860. Later, at a General Body Meeting held on 5.03.06, it was decided that, in keeping with the times, the Society be renamed as Delhi Society for the Welfare of Special Children. As per census in 200, the range of the completely disabled in the country was between 2-3% of the total population. It was estimated that in India more than 50% of the disabled were mentally challenged people, of whom about 8 million were children of school-going age. These children could not go to an ordinary school; they could not grow up with the mind of an ordinary adult. Yet, with patience and skill, they could be trained to do things for them selves- to read and write a little, to learn a simple trade and to become useful members of the community. Unfortunately in the earlier years, adequate facilities for education, training and rehabilitation of these children were not available in the country, with the result that a vast majority of them were forced to lead a life of isolation, which was a source of frustration to themselves and their families.

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1966

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The Society organized the first All India Seminar on Mental Retardation. At this seminar both the Prime Minister Ms. Indira Gandhi and the Minister for Social Welfare made it clear that in the subsequent years, care for the mentally handicapped would fall on voluntary agencies. The Society, therefore, launched a project to provide special schooling and workshop training to the mentally disabled, to establish research facilities for the study of causes and prevention of mental disability and also to find ways and means for their rehabilitation.

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1967

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The Building Fund was launched in November and within a short span the Society raised Rs.1,00,000/- through sale of Building Fund coupons and donations. This was matched by an equal grant by OXFAM. The Government of India also sanctioned a grant of Rs.84,000/- towards the Building Fund. The President of the Society Mrs. Yasho Karan Singh also made a personal contribution of Rs. 1 lakh to build a Holiday Home for the children.

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1968

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The Society acquired a plot of land, situated directly opposite the Holy Family Hospital, from the Delhi Development Authority, for the purpose of construction of its own building.

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1969

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On 6th April, the late Dr. Zakir Hussain, then President of India, laid the foundation stone of the building. Less than a year later, the first wing housing a school for 50 children, was ready for occupation. Two playgrounds and a second wing were built shortly afterwards to expand the school to include 100 children.

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1970

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On 1st March, the All India Women's Conference (AIWC) handed over the Society and the School for Mentally Retarded Children started by them at 6, Bhagwandas Road. Mrs. S.M. Pathak of the AIWC continues to be associated with the Society as one of its oldest serving office bearers. On 5th April the Training-cum-Research Centre for mentally retarded children was formally inaugurated by Shri V.V.Giri, the then President of India.

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1975

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The President of the Society, Mrs. Yasho Karan Singh made a personal donation of Rs.2.75 lakhs to construct a Vocational Training Centre block in the school.

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1976

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The Society equipped the Diagnostic Clinic for the purpose of assessing the children in Audiometry. This was later expanded.

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1979

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With financial assistance from the State Bank of India the Society set up the Vocational Training Centre to equip mentally retarded children with simple repetitive skills in printing, candle making, handloom weaving, caning of chairs, and making of file covers and envelopes. The services in the Diagnostic and Child Guidance Clinic were expanded to evaluate development of mentally handicapped children in the area of academics, learning, skills, psychosocial adjustment, interpersonal relationships, vocational aptitudes and health. Around a 150-200 children were evaluated each year by a team of specialists consisting of a pediatrician, clinical psychologist, speech therapist, special educator, physiotherapist, occupational therapist and social worker. A comprehensive rehabilitation programme was designed for each child. Parents were given guidance for home training of those children who could not be admitted to the school.

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1985

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The Society launched a project for sponsorship and adoption of poor children by charitable trusts, social and welfare organizations and well-wishers of the mentally challenged. Under this scheme a donor paid the annual expenses of one or more of the students on the rolls of Okhla Centre. The Centre kept them informed about the progress of such children. With a generous contribution of Rs. 2,71,424/- by the Women's India Association of the United Kingdom, London, the Society set up a Rehabilitation Centre to provide sheltered employment to handicapped children trained at the Vocational Training Centre. Initially, 10 handlooms were installed which provided employment to about 20 children.

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1989

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The Society constructed a Sheltered Workshop block at a cost of Rs. 13 lakhs.

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1999

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The Teachers' Training Institute (TTI) was established with a two year Diploma course in Special Education (MR), in collaboration with the Rehabilitation Council of India. It was set up essentially in order to upgrade the existing special educators and to train them with necessary skills required in managing children with special needs. 

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2003

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In the new millennium, on 9th January, another milestone was reached, when Lt. Governor Shri Vijay Kapoor inaugurated the new building ‘Yasho Bhawan’ on the birthday of Mrs. Yasho Karan Singh, President of Delhi Society for the Welfare of Special Children. Dr. Karan Singh, M.P., presided over the function.

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2009

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The Founder & President of the Society, Mrs. Yasho Rajya Laxmi passed away 25th May, 2009. 

Mrs. S.M. Pathak, was elected the president of the society. She has been involved with the society from 1970.

The Respite care program for an intensive educational and therapeutic plan was started to help children become independent.

Generous patrons have been funding major renovation & improvements, which have been in the process in the Society Buildings & environment. 

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2010

An Eco - Club Grant is received from Delhi Govt. for Plantation/Greening Drive, Disposal of Garbage/Zero garbage concept, etc.

Beauty-culture, a new activity section where girls are taught salon skills was started.

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2011

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A Grant in Aid for Purchase of equipment to upgrade Diagnostic Clinic was received from Delhi Kalyan Samiti, National Capital Territory of Delhi, New Delhi for Rs. 9,00,000/-.

 

The State Bank of India still continues to contribute machines & equipment for the school.

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The long standing requirement of a ramp outside the original building was completed on 3rd, October. Mr. S.P. Singh Oberoi sponsored the construction of the ramp of which Mr. Vasanth & Mrs. Revathi Kamath were the architects.

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An annual painting competition was held in Memory of our founder Late Mrs. Yasho Rajya Lakshmi. 141 students from 21 schools participated on 28th, February.

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Major renovations and refurbishments were taken up in school.

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A computer section has been added to the facilities.

 

Mr. Sanjay Passi has been a generous benefactor to the school.

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A day care class to accommodate adult students was created.

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Dr. Karan Singh gave a generous donation to the society.

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2012

 

A Library grant was received from Raja Ram Mohan Roy library foundation Calcutta, under the non-matching scheme of financial assistance to voluntary organization providing Public Library Services. This library was created by Mrs. Surekha Panindker's and Mrs. Indira Bagchi's efforts. 

 

Through Ms. Ameeta Mehra's contribution the candle making unit was improved on and safety measures were updated.

 

An Early Intervention Unit 'Flyers' was started in February. 

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The school shop was re-launched the 'Soul Shop' with great effort by Mrs. Jai-inder Kaur & Ms. Natasha Chaudhari.

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Sports Day was organised in Okhla Centre School on 23rd, November.

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The Teachers' Training Institute got a five year clearance from the Rehabilitation Council of India to conduct the B.Ed Special Education (MR) one year regular mode course with affiliation from the Guru

 

 

Gobind Singh Indraprastha University.

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Mrs. Chitrangada Raje Singh is nominated as Vice President of the Society.

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2013

 

The Annual Painting competition was held in Memory of our founder Late Mrs. Yasho Rajya Lakshmi. 109 children from 16 schools participated on 1st, March.

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Mr. Dushyant and Mrs. Ami Dave contributed towards the renovations of a full wing of the school.
 

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2014

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Mrs. Chitrangada Raje Singh is elected as the President of the Society.​

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ONGC donated two buses to the society.

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United Nations Womens' guild Vienna contributed to the society.

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Ms. Natasha Chaudhari & Ms. Mriganka Singh have been involved in the design and production of Vocational Training Centre items.

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​National Institute for empowerment of persons with multiple disabilities Chennai approached the Society for organising the national conference on children with multiple disabilities in Delhi. DSWSC provided local and logistical support to this event at the Sri fort auditorium. Ms. Stuti Kacker, secretary, ministry of social justice and empowerment was present.

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The Annual Painting competition was held in Memory of our founder Late Mrs. Yasho Rajya Lakshmi, on 19th, February.

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Mr. V.C. Bahri, a dedicated member of the Executive Committee passed away on 13th, August 2014.

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2015

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Mrs. Onjali Wadhwa contributed for the installment of a new transformer panel.

 

In the Teachers' Training Institute (TTI) a B.ed in Special Education (LD) a two year regular course started on 15th, August with affiliation from the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University.

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The Annual Painting competition was held in Memory of our founder Late Mrs. Yasho Rajya Lakshmi. 135 students participated from 21 schools on 21st, February.

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2016

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Mrs. Bim Bissell contributed towards the society.

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2017

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In the Teachers' Training Institute (TTI) we discontinued the B.ed (MR) and (LD) courses with affiliation from the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, due to the lesser number of students opting for them.

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Annual Sports Day was conducted on 8th, December. 150 students from 17 schools participated.

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Sunrise Sports India Pvt. Ltd. Donated funds towards purchasing a bus for the Society.

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2018

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On 22nd, March we held our first Seminar on “Developing Minds’’ organized by Mrs. Vijay Bahl, (head of academics & rehabilitation at DSWSC) in memory of Late Mrs. Yasho Rajya Laxmi. Dr. Karan Singh was the chief guest, the special invitees were Mrs. Maneka Gandhi, Kumari Selja & Dr. Mrs. Kiran Walia. Four speakers Dr. R.K. Hora, Dr. Shahid, Dr. Jyanti Pujari and Dr. Mita Singhal spoke on important related topics. More than 200, Rehabilitation Professionals, Special Education students and parents attended the program.

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The Annual DSWSC Painting competition was held on 28th, September. 150 Students participated from 25 schools.

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Sunrise Sports India Ltd. Donated a wheelchair assisted bus, a photostat machine and a motorized paper cutting machine for VTC.

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2019

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The School was equipped with smart boards with a special interactive design software for special students.

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Camera's were installed in school transport through the efforts of Mr. Rashy Todd, Mr. M.L. Aggarwal, Mr. Rishi Aggarwal and Mrs. Sarvat Amin Aggarwal.

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A generous donation for the upgrade of school premises from Samudra Mahal trust was received.

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USHA International donated sewing machines for the VTC. 

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Students of Bachelors and Masters of physiotherapy from Jamia Milia University, Bachelors and Masters of social work from Delhi school of social work, university of Delhi, Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, Diploma special education from action for autism were placed for clinical training and internship with DSWSC.

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2020

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The government of NCT Delhi closed all Educational Institutions for students on 13th, March due to the rapid spread of Novel Corona Virus Covid-19.

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The Teachers' Training Institute (TTI) faculty conducted online courses successfully with the students who graduated. 

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A new Diploma Course in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was started in the TTI.

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2021

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AGM member Mrs. Aradhana Kashyap passed away.

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Treasurer and Vice President, Sri Vinod Wazir passed away in June. Associated with DSWSC for a long time, he devoted a lot of time interest and efforts towards the Society till his health permitted him.

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The teachers of DSWSC are in constant touch with parents and students on zoom calls. Working on pre-planned activity programs.

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TTI lectures and assignments were all conducted online and the students graduated successfully.

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The RCI discontinued the Diploma courses in Intelligence Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder. A new Diploma course in Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) a two year course was started.

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The Society has been paying full salary to the employees throughout the pandemic.

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The Delhi Government reopened the schools for physical attendance after COVID in September.

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2022

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Annual Sports Day was held on 7th, December and attended by 9 schools.

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2023

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Students of Bachelors and Masters of physiotherapy and masters of social work were placed for clinical training and internships from: Jamia Hamdard University, Jamia Milia Islamia, Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, and Msc Nursing Holy Family Hospital, at DSWSC.

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Our beloved Executive Committee member, Mrs. Shyamli Mukherjee passed away in February. Her experience, proximity to staff and students, gentleness and ever readiness to help and counsel was invaluable.

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Mrs. Shyam Mohini Pathak who was president of the Society from 2009-2013 passed away on the 10th, December.

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2024

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Mrs. Komal Wazir contributed generously to the Society in the memory of her family.

 

In May we started extensive extensions in the school building to increase the number of classes for DSWSC students and the TTI lecture halls.

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2025

 

The auspicious opening pujan ceremony took place on the 5th, September, for the extension of the DSWSC Building. We now have a full ground floor block dedicated to a Diagnostic Counseling Clinic. Consisting of a Reception, a Physio/ Occupational/ Speech – Therapy & Sensory Integration rooms & Consulting pediatrician & Psychologist rooms. We have added two more lecture halls to the Teachers’ Training Institute. With the addition of 8 classrooms, 2 TTI lecture halls,  a completely redesigned & refurbished ground floor section we have created a much better environment for the students.

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Champa Lal Tara Devi Usha Lohia Charitable Trust has contributed part payment towards the purchase of a bus. In memory of their daughter who used the transport facilities of the school.

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Veena Malhotra has contributed for the Society.

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Mrs. Komal Wazir has contributed funds in the memory of her father Mr. M.R. Chhabria.

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For further information refer to News & Events.

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The Society is registered under the following:

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- National Trust for the welfare of persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation & Multiple Disabilities (Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India) registration no. 091218443166028/MR/CP/AUTISM/MD

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-Societies Registration Act, 1860 

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- Section 12A of the Income Tax Act, 1961

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- Department of Social Welfare of Govt. of N.C.T Delhi under section 52 of Persons with Disabilities 

(Equal Opportunities Protection of Rights & Full Participation) Act 1995.

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- Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 

 

All donations made to the Society are eligible for deduction under section 80G of the Income Tax Act 1961.

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