Roxanne D'silva
DOSTI (Developing opportunities for Socialising, Togetherness, Inclusion) was a year-long program conducted by TIES (Towards Inclusion Everywhere in Society).
It was organised in collaboration with Divya Sadan (a Caritas project) and Give Goa initiative by the Goa Institute of Management (GIM).
The DOSTI program had 12 adults with intellectual disabilities (such as autism) and 3 resident members with special needs of Divya Sadan.
6 students from GIM participated in a 6-month program, dedicating 20 Thursdays to it.
The main objective was to help adults with disabilities to socialize with their neurotypical peers and to adapt to new places and people on a regular basis.
The sessions included activities like art and craft, cooking, gardening, games, dance and movement as well as outdoor sessions at the Pilerne Heritage market, Serendipity festival etc.
There was a video screening which showcased the various activities of the program as well as an interactive performance by all the participants.
The DOSTI finale session was held as an Inclusion Day at Caculo Mall, Panjim, recently. It aimed at creating awareness and showcasing the success of the program.