Tripti Someshwar
Tripti Someshwar - East London Voices
After a year of practising law, I married and relocated myself to a new city. After relocating, I stumbled upon an opportunity that changed everything. My neighbour’s child had cerebral palsy and she mentioned they needed volunteers at a special needs school. Walking into that school, I was blown away by the kids I met. Despite facing huge challenges, they had this incredible spirit and determination to keep going. Inspired by their courage, I felt a strong pull towards special education—a calling I never knew I had.
I enrolled in a teacher's training programme and started working in special education schools. Over the years, I moved to different cities, gaining diverse experiences in various educational settings.
But it was during this journey that I noticed a massive gap—the transition period for children with disabilities as they moved from school to higher education or adulthood. This realisation led me to delve deeper into the field, eventually undertaking a master's programme in special education at the University of East London.
My master's programme, particularly the dissertation phase, was a turning point. It highlighted the struggles neurodivergent students face when transitioning to higher education in India, where they often lack the resources available to their counterparts in the UK. I knew I needed to apply this knowledge back home in India so I could help create support systems for neurodivergent students in this critical phase of life.
Inspired by my studies and driven by a desire to make a tangible difference, I founded Vision Board Projects—a multifaceted initiative aimed at empowering neurodivergent youth. From college readiness programmes to recreational centres, each aspect of Vision Board Projects is designed to address specific needs and challenges faced by this community.
Through my work, I've witnessed incredible transformations. I remember one student in particular who I recently met after many years. She was nonverbal and needed a lot of assistance and now works as an editor for an online magazine focusing on disability. This story taught me a valuable lesson – never underestimate the potential of individuals, regardless of their challenges. The sky truly is the limit when they are given the opportunity to thrive.
As I continue this journey, I remain committed to advocating for inclusive education and creating a more supportive environment for individuals with diverse abilities.
Tripti Someshwar, Special and Additional Learning Needs (ICEPE) MA, alumna
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