Sneha Verma is 28years old, Down’s Syndrome adult, placed in the vocational unit of SBP, School for PWID at CBD, Navi Mumbai
Sneha Verma is trained in many skills. Main focus is Home science and housekeeping skills. She is learning Crochet, she is good in Painting she paints Diya, makes greeting cards, envelopes etc. This year onwards candle/ soap making and packaging has been introduced in her training program. She also makes Tea for the school staff at 3:00pm. She is a very good in dancing.
In 2015, she made India proud by winning a Golf medal for Swimming at Special Olympics World Games held at Los Angeles.
Sneha was admitted in SBP in 2005 when she was 11years old. She attended two schools previous to joining SBP.
“SBP has helped our child to be confident and more outgoing.” Says her mother Madhu Verma. “She has lost fear of the stage. Even in areas of her weakness like speech she is not apprehensive of facing the audience.”
During pandemic, Sneha Verma was kept engaged in different activities through online virtual classes and on her own efforts she kept herself occupied with music and art n craft. She helped with household chores and did a lot of crochet.
As soon as Sneha was born Madhu’s gynecologist informed her husband. She was informed two days later but she refused to believe till her blood test results were done. Being a psychology student herself, Madhu was aware what Down syndrome entailed.
“Acceptance came immediately to me.” She says.
She was aware that Downs Syndrome has mongoloid feature, flattened face, small head, slanting eyes, small snub nose. Sneha had all of them. Most Downs children have some heart complication and within a few days of her birth, they were running to various cardiologists.
“Our child was different, she was special so we needed to take special care of her” says Madhu Verma
Sneha's speech is not clear so at time its difficult to understand what she is saying especially for those with whom she interacts infrequently. Due to swimming she has developed auricular problems so there is no more swimming for her.
“Her health is a major concern for us. She is a very friendly, cheerful and social person. Helping is her second nature. She is very out going always very disciplined in her day-to-day life. She likes to learn new things.” Informs Madhu
Basic awareness of Down’s syndrome amongst Parents of such children is high, but for the rest of the population they are one amongst many children with disability.
Madhu feels that there should be acceptance of these children in society. On observing prominent features of Down syndrome like Mongoloid features, palm lines she advises parents to consult Doctors. They should be vigilant about heart, eye, and speech problems, They even have weight issues. They should be aware that these children are slow learners.
Down syndrome children can lead a near normal life if they are engaged in a social or economic enterprise with a strong support system from the society and the government.
Sharing some of the clippings during her road to fame
