Our Story

Many parents came and went, marvelled at the programme but were extremely apprehensive about giving up rote academic learning. The space created at Together Foundation was for people with autism to move forward, to learn new things, rather than wasting precious time trying to learn something that was not an area of potential.

The Foundation was constantly on the lookout for other work opportunities, given that working in the bakery would not be everyone’s cup of tea. That’s when Together Foundation was given job work by Creative Handicrafts, an organization that empowers economically challenged women and brings out a line of clothing and handicrafts. The young adults at Together started sorting and tying labels together for them. This work is one of the most non-stressful, methodical work opportunities for the team at Together Foundation.

Talktime, one of Together’s most successful programmes, was conceptualized in this year. It provided a platform for people with autism to communicate about things that they experienced in their daily lives, it extended its bandwidth and was customized for non-verbal people who point, people who sign, people who speak very little and for people who can speak effortlessly.

Together Foundation had expanded to a full-fledged bakery with commercial size equipment, paper plate manufacturing unit and an initiative for block printing paper bags. There were now 8 students, two special educators and two support staff. A shop registered under the Shop and Establishments Act 1961 was launched in the premises of Together Foundation – providing an opportunity to retail the different kinds of products being made at the centre.

This year saw the beginning of the Phone programme, a painstaking exercise of every adult making a video call with teachers and later with family members, three times a week. This programme is designed to help people with autism to build and nurture relationships with family members and friends by learning to communicate over phone.

The organisation had started making its presence felt and relationships with the community around were forged. People came over to celebrate festivals and events with the young adults. Together was joined by a group of bright and committed volunteers. Workshops, orientations programmes and training for families with special needs were conducted by the Foundation.

The bakery had expanded to include many more products with a dedicated chef to train the teachers and students.

The teaching programme had expanded to include computer skills and shop management skills.

Together Foundation was granted exemption under Section 80g of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

The Foundation had expanded to 24 students. A formal computer training programme in association with Sujaya Foundation was begun.

HDFC Bank was approached and agreed to give the young adults an opportunity to start data entry for them. Multi faith weekly meetings- Balvikas classes for people with special needs was begun. The Foundation received financial support from Tata Investment Corporation Ltd and Perowshaw Dhunjhishaw Bolton Charities. Along with Dr.Anjali Tendulkar’s ongoing financial support, this was a landmark year for Together Foundation to offer certain programmes entirely free of cost. The Foundation could also nominate deserving adults with disabilities for internships.

Together Foundation launched data entry for financial Institutions. This initiative embarked a new area of vocational and economically sustainable livelihood initiative. The service with HDFC Bank underscored the trust and confidence placed in the abilities of these young adults, showcasing the Foundation’s commitment to creating meaningful employment opportunities. This initiative also helps in enhancing the vocational skills of the participants

The highlight of this year has been Gift a Smile! – a project that we took up during the lockdown period. People were requested to gift a smile which can help people to retain a happy frame of mind in the face of the global challenge that had descended on us. We developed an online training programme for adults, supported by parents. Rebuilding efforts at the centre were supported by Perowshaw Dhunjishaw Bolton Charities and Rajni and Ramesh Tendulkar Charitable Trust.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the young adults of Together Foundation learned a number of work skills. We persevered, continuing our efforts both online and at the centre. Our efforts were showcased through the ‘Box of Abilities’ e-brochure, which received great support from benefactors and well-wishers.

AutiTales, launched by Together Foundation in 2022, is a free Android-based app featuring interactive stories for people with autism. Conceptualized by Sangeetha Chakrapani, the Founder Trustee, AutiTales is a labor of love designed to make storytelling meaningful for individuals with autism of all ages. The app allows users to listen, read, match pictures, type key words, draw, record their voice or video, share on social media, and upload pictures. Between August 2022 and April 2023, Together Foundation conducted workshops and presentations at various institutions to promote AutiTales.

Together Foundation renewed it’s work for empowering special adults through stronger vocational training programmes. The sugar free bakery was launched, computer training programmes were taken up and the special adults continued working in other areas of vocational training.
The year was filled with vibrant activities, including get-togethers, Diwali and Christmas parties, carol singing with Osmond and the Bombay Cambridge International School Choir, a day-long picnic with friends and teachers, and a unique program called “Getting Ready for Summer Holidays.” Meanwhile, our residential project at Hosur (Greater Bengaluru) is under construction and will open in 2025.