Adults with intellectual disabilities (PwIDs) or mentally challenged adults require consistent vocational training as an integral part of their rehabilitation process. Vocational training not only equips them with essential skills but also plays a key role in improving their behavior and self-management. However, providing this training comes with its own set of challenges, as identifying and nurturing the skills of mentally challenged adults demands significant dedication and effort. The role of special educators and caregivers is critical, as they guide PwIDs from the initial observation phase to full proficiency in a specific skill.
At Navkshitij, our mission is to empower persons with intellectual disabilities. We have designed Individual rehabilitation plans (IRP) at our two centers, where we operate sheltered workshops to impart vocational skills.
Inception of the Chocolate Unit
In 2008, Navkshitij established the chocolate unit as part of its vocational training program for mentally challenged adults. This idea stemmed from our special friends’ love for chocolates. Frequently, donors and parents brought chocolates to celebrate birthdays, and they were also used as rewards in behavior management strategies. Our late founder, Dr. Neelima Desai, saw an opportunity to transform this love for chocolates into a learning experience and approached Ms. Nitu Mudra, the owner of Tinies Chocolate, for help.
Ms. Mudra kindly agreed to provide training to our staff and also supplied the raw materials needed to start the chocolate-making process. This collaboration helped initiate a journey that would soon become an essential part of our vocational training program for intellectually disabled adults.
Challenges in Training Mentally Challenged Adults
Training mentally challenged adults in the intricate process of chocolate making was no easy task. The preparation of chocolates requires maintaining strict hygiene, precision in measurement, and careful packaging. Additionally, our special friends had to overcome the challenge of controlling their desire to consume chocolates, which could be harmful if not managed properly.
We embraced this challenge head-on by designing a training program that suited the abilities of our special friends.
Step-by-Step Approach to Vocational Training
- Selecting Participants: The first step was selecting a group of PwIDs to participate in the training. Our special educators carefully observed their abilities and divided the overall chocolate-making process into smaller, manageable tasks. Each task was then assigned based on the individual’s IQ level and skillset.
- Task Specialization: Instead of teaching every step to all participants, each individual was trained to master one or two specific tasks. This specialization ensured a more efficient production process and allowed each person to focus on their strengths.
- Addressing Overeating through Role Play: Before starting the training, we used role-play activities to address the issue of overeating. This helped our special friends understand the potential health risks of consuming too much chocolate and prepared them for their roles in production.
Focus on Hygiene and Safety
Given the importance of hygiene in chocolate manufacturing, we devoted an entire month to training our friends on proper hygiene practices. This training was more rigorous compared to when we produced non-edible items, like candles and akash kandils.
Key areas of hygiene training included:
- Wearing gloves and caps during production
- Proper handwashing techniques
- Safe disposal of waste materials
Production Training and Legal Compliance
After mastering hygiene protocols, our special friends moved on to learning the technical aspects of chocolate making, including:
- Measuring ingredients with precision
- Proper packaging techniques
Each individual was assigned tasks based on their capability and interest, ensuring a smooth and efficient production process.
Before launching the unit, we needed to secure the necessary legal permissions. Our dedicated team worked diligently to obtain the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) certification, which allowed us to legally operate our chocolate manufacturing unit.
Success and Sweet Rewards
Today, our special friends are fully trained in the art of chocolate making. They take pride in fulfilling numerous orders, especially during the Diwali season, without any difficulties. The chocolate unit has not only enhanced their vocational skills but has also added a sense of purpose and achievement to their lives.
Since its inception in 2008, the chocolate unit has brought an extra layer of sweetness to the lives of our mentally challenged adults, empowering them with valuable skills and increasing their self-confidence.
The journey of the chocolate unit at Navkshitij is a testament to the power of vocational training in transforming the lives of mentally challenged adults. Through patience, dedication, and structured guidance, these individuals have gained meaningful skills that contribute to their rehabilitation and overall well-being. The chocolate unit is not just a business—it’s a symbol of empowerment, growth, and the sweetness of progress for our special friends.
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