The Manbhavan Mitra Mandali, a Self-Advocacy Group of Manovikas Charitable Society on Saturday organised a training program to augment the well-being of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The training included the individuals with conditions such as autism, intellectual disability, learning disability, and cerebral palsy. The training was mostly determined on promoting better well-being and empowering individuals with IDD to take charge of their health and happiness.

Kaka, a South Asian football player and a 16-year-old with an intellectual disability, shared that the workshop helped him make a decision to improve his well-being. Kaka said, “This program helped me understand how important my well-being is.” He further added that he learned about what makes him feel good and how to take care of himself better.

Another attendee Deepika who is currently undergoing Domestic Data Entry Skill Training at the Aryaman Center of Excellence (ACE Lab) in Delhi and a Governing Board Member of Manovikas shared how the program helped her open her eyes to discovering the new ways to well-being. She stated, “I learned simple things that I can do daily to feel better. These small steps make a big difference in my feelings, and I can do them independently.”

Harsh Bharadwaj, another boy who attended the training, also a talented arts and crafts artist from the Love Arts Training Lab, spoke about choosing well-being activities. He said, “Our activities made me feel happy and calm.” He further added that he knows what to do when he feels stressed or sad, and it helps him stay positive.

The event saw the active participation of more than 25 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

The training was also attended by the parents and family members of the participants where they were taught about the valuable strategies which will help them to support their loved ones in their well-being and encourage independence. The session also emphasised practical ways to enhance the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of people with IDD.