While some students with autism attend regular school classes, many require training in vocational and community living skills. Vocational training plays a crucial role in empowering individuals with autism to develop the necessary skills and pursue meaningful employment opportunities. These programs not only help individuals with autism to gain valuable skills, but also provide them with the support they need to thrive in the workplace. These skills often include attention to detail, reliability, strong problem-solving abilities, and a high level of focus.
Kanon: School of AWF provides a specialized and supportive environment for adolescents and adults with autism to learn these skills through a vocational training centre named Krishnochura. The focus is on both job-specific skills and transferable skills that can be applied across various industries. These include technical skills (training in vocational areas such as boutique, tie-dye, pottery decoration, block printing, arts and crafts etc), communication skills, problem solving, time management, adaptability, collaboration and work ethics.
The program offers training in 6 specialized categories with the goal to improve hand-eye coordination, releasing stress, develop fine motor skills, aid in sensory and tactile development, enhance cognitive function, improve mental focus, augment creativity, and improve confidence and self-esteem -
Therapy facilities are available for all children with autism enrolled in Kanon, where sensory issues interfere with learning and daily functioning. Areas of intervention include providing an individualized sensory diet, speech and language therapy (SLT), activities to develop motor skills and life skills, and providing training and home-based programs for parents. Sessions are conducted by a trained Occupational Therapist (OT) and trained Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) employed at Kanon. An Educational Psychologist is also available at the campus to provide counselling services for students, teachers and parents.
Many self-income generating activities are run by students at Kanon. AWF believes that for a brighter and meaningful future for these autistic students, self- income generating activities are inevitable to make them aware of their efficacy and capacity in the real world. Some selfincome generating programs currently conducted at Kanon are:
Annual Eid Handicrafts Mela
Every year, AWF arranges an Eid Handicrafts Mela in its premises during the month of Ramadhan, where products created by students enrolled in the vocational training centre are showcased for selling among the general public. Products displayed include kameez sets, sarees, panjabis, home décor items, Eid greeting cards, etc.
Sales Centre at AWF
A sales centre is located on the ground floor of AWF campus, where products manufactured from vocational sales centre are displayed throughout the year for purchase.
