Society of Parents of Children with Autistic Disorders (SOPAN)

Supported by: Wipro Cares

About SOPAN

SOPAN is a Non-Government Organization (NGO) set up in 2002 to provide needs-based services to children with autism and their families. SOPAN initially started with the mission of empowering persons with autism and their families but expanded its services to include persons and families with other developmental disabilities, as there was a strong need for these services. In 2002, autism was not very well known and hence, children with autism would not get admission in mainstream schools or in special schools.

Mission Statement: “Empowering persons with autism and developmental disabilities, and their families”

Vision Statement: “To create an inclusive society where persons with autism and developmental disabilities can live with dignity”

SOPAN Has Registration with • Society Registration Act, 1860 • Public Trust Act, 1950 • Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961 • Section 12A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 • Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 • Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 • Rehabilitation Council of India

The Approach

As an NGO working for autism and developmental disabilities, SOPAN

• Provides services that include diagnosis, early intervention, school education, therapy and vocational training
• Provides guidance, counseling, and training of parents and families
• Promotes and supports enhancement of inclusive education
• Conducts human resource development programs in the area of autism and developmental disabilities
• Conducts community awareness and advocacy programs
• Networks with other similar organizations at local, state, and national levels
• Liaises with local, state, and central governments for formation/implementation of disability specific policies and schemes

Location

SOPAN right now offers services at Jogeshwari East. Enrolment of students with disability is from all over K Ward. Teachers and students of Suvidya center come from all over Maharashtra. SOPAN liaises with Local Level Committees and Registered organizations of the National Trust all over Maharashtra. Several meetings are also held at New Delhi by the National Trust, which requires SOPAN representative to attend these meetings.

Plan for the Next 1 Year

In the next year, SOPAN plans are as follows:

• Continue its current projects and activities

Upcoming new projects are:

• Shanay Project being set up at New Panvel. This project will serve New Panvel and several districts around it. This is a new center and requires new staff members who will work at here.
• Sheltered Workshop: SOPAN is planning to set up a sheltered training workshop for young adults with disability. This will serve many of SOPAN’s students who are adults and other such students who need this training. The workshop will focus on skill building for the youth to create livelihood opportunities. The need is to set up 2 workshops in different areas of Mumbai to provide services to persons with disability in that locality.