“I have no wish to be cured of being myself.”
– Temple Grandin, PhD (prominent author and speaker on Autism)
Welcome to the virtual home of Taarana School, which is infinitely more than just a unique educational centre for special children. Taarana seeks to unlock every child’s ability and help them become an active, contributing member of society.
Meaning ‘Awakening’ in Sanskrit, Taarana was established in May 2011 by RYTHM Foundation, the QI Group’s Social Impact Initiative. The Foundation advocates for inclusive educational environments that pave the way for equal access to quality education – for children of all abilities.
Taarana’s establishment followed RYTHM identifying a dire need for resources and support for children with special learning needs and their families. With Taarana, RYTHM hopes to raise awareness about the importance of special needs education and change attitudes and practices associated with exceptional children. Taarana and RYTHM also play an active role in meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 – to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Taarana’s Special Education Programme – available to eligible students between the ages of 4 and 18 – stems from the Negotiated Education Plan (NEP). The NEP is a structured plan helping educators, families, and learners develop a negotiated curriculum based on the learner’s needs.
Taarana draws up each child’s personalised goals and developmental milestones in consultation with their parents/guardians, ensuring consistency in the treatment and expectations of the child to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Taarana provides programmes with social and emotional support for children with, among others:
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)
- Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD), or Dyspraxia
- Down Syndrome
- Global Development Delay
