DOST - (Developing Opportunities for Special Teenagers) is a program consisting of a group of teenagers with various special needs, which includes Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, Selective Mutism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – (ADHD), etc.
Their main common challenge is social inhibitions. The last program was conducted in collaborations with the Goa Institute of Management (GIM), Goa and The Owl House, Aldona. The GIM students volunteered to guide the teenagers during the session, which also served as a peer support to the teenagers.
The program consisted of a combination of indoor and outdoor activities. The selection of activities were aimed at providing opportunities for teenagers to have fun together, learn from each other, make conversations, communicate with a peer, share enjoyment and be part of a group, just like any other teenager. DOST provides the teenagers with a platform to support each other and to use their strengths to build peer relations. DOST is the only program in Goa which brings together teenagers with various disabilities and allows them to build their own social network.
In the words of the parent, Suchi Sharma, “Happiness comes with friends around. Children with special needs can't express that they also need friends but yes they can. My son, Aaryaman, enjoyed every moment with his friends. A big thanks for giving this wonderful opportunity to Aaryaman to spend some time with friends through DOST program. I wish more practice of this kind of initiative is done. My son is not only better to socialize but also learnt to enjoy himself with people around”