The Deaf Aid Society (DAS), has been an NGO since 1967, with the charitable purpose of providing free education for hearing impaired children, largely from the weaker sections of our society at the “Sheila Kothavala Institute for the Deaf” (SKID),Bangalore.
SKID is a co-education school for hearing impaired children and has classes from K.G to 10th grade(SSLC).
The school is managed by the Executive Committee of DAS composed of senior members in society which include retired defensepersonnel & officers working with the hearing impaired & community development and young enthusiasts that represent Corporates that have an ongoing linkage with the school. It provides the perfect environment for public and private services who are well-wishers, individuals with special skills and experience for hearing impaired children with ample space for games, sports and extracurricular activities.
The Sheila Kothavala Story
Founded in 1967, the Deaf Aid Society (DAS) began with a simple but powerful mission: to provide free education to hard of hearing children, particularly those from low-income families. The Sheila Kothavala Institute for the Deaf (SKID) started as a humble two-room garage, inspired by the determination of Ms. Aban Unvalla, a young deaf child, and made possible through the generous donation of land by the Sheila Kothavala family.
What began with a small group of students has grown into an institution that has empowered over 1,200 hard of hearing children with free education from Kindergarten through Class X, helping them build independent, dignified and fulfilling lives.
Our Journey
What started in 1966 with 20 students and 2 teachers soon grew into a larger school through the support of the community and well-wishers. As enrolment increased, the need for a permanent space became clear, leading to the generous donation of land by Dr. Zal and Mrs. Gool Kothavala and, eventually, the establishment of the Sheila Kothavala Institute for the Deaf in 1971.
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1967
The school moved to a larger rented building as enrolment grew to 40 students.
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1977
Growing enrolment created the need for better infrastructure and a more learning-friendly environment.
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1987
Dr. Zal and Mrs. Gool Kothavala donated 1.5 acres of land in their daughter Sheila's name.
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1997
Construction of the new school was supported by generous donations from well-wishers.
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2007
The school moved to its new premises and became the Sheila Kothavala Institute for the Deaf.
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2027
Description goes here
Our Vision
To build confidence, empower and mainstream members of the hearing impaired (HI) community through education, skills and communication techniques to live as normal citizens who can lead a life of dignity, provide for their families and participate in advocacy for their community.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower hard of hearing children through specialised education, vocational skills and speech therapy, enabling them to lead independent lives. We provide career guidance, employment opportunities and innovative training for teachers and volunteers, while encouraging self-expression through art, dance, crafts and other activities.
Leadership
Parveen Shaik
Principal
Parveen Shaik has been closely associated with the Sheila Kothavala Institute for the Deaf (SKID) for decades and has served as its Principal since September 1993. Her work has focused on creating an inclusive learning environment where hard of hearing children can develop communication skills, gain confidence and prepare for independent lives. Under her leadership, the school has continued to emphasise education, speech and lip-reading, sign language, vocational preparation and opportunities for students to build successful careers. She has also spoken about the importance of helping students become self-reliant, with many SKID alumni going on to work in both government and private organisations.
Our Partners
Documentation
80G Certificate
FCRA Approval
Payment Partner
