Awareness Program - World Autism Awareness Day 2025
Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy (SIMATS) Conducts Autism Awareness Program at Don Guanella Special School, Chennai, April 2, 2025 – On World Autism Awareness Day 2025, Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy (SIMATS) took a significant step towards inclusion by organizing an awareness program at Don Guanella Special School.
Aligned with this year’s theme, "Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals," the program focused on assessment, education, and empowerment for individuals with autism. As part of the initiative: Over 300 children with autism were assessed, personalized home-based intervention plans were developed, education and guidance were provided to parents.
Led by Dr. Punitha and Dr. Vikraman, the program was conducted with active participation from postgraduate and undergraduate students of Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy, SIMATS. This initiative aimed to promote functional independence and foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for neurodivergent children.
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Screening for Learning Disability (LD)
The Workshop "PARENTAL GUIDANCE FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF MOTHERS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM" was presented by Dr. P. Punitha, Associate Professor of SCOT, and D.S. Srinidhi, a final-year BOT student of SCOT on March 25th, 2025, at DonGuanella Special School. This event provided valuable insights and guidance to parents, particularly mothers, on the unique challenges they face in raising children with autism. It also covered topics such as:
* Understanding the emotional and psychological impact of raising a child with autism
* Coping mechanisms and strategies for managing stress and anxiety
* Building a strong support network and accessing available resources
* Promoting positive mental health and well-being for both mothers and their children
It was a valuable opportunity for parents to gain knowledge, share experiences, and connect with others who understand the challenges of raising a child with autism.
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WEBINAR - SENSORY PROCESSING AND DOWN SYNDROME
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On 21st March 2025, the department of Pediatrics of Saveetha College of Occupational therapy conducted our 52ND GUEST WEBINAR SERIES on the topic "SENSORY PROCESSING AND DOWN SYNDROME." The webinar was presented by Dr. BINCY JOHN, MOT (Paediatrics), Fellowship Dip. Paediatric Rehab (UK), Dip. Modern Applied Psychology
Certified CBT, OPT (USA), Autism Specialist, PG Dip. Special Needs TT (Canada TEFL), Director of HealVibe Rehab Centre.
Undergraduate OT students, Postgraduate OT Students and professionals have actively participated in this. We Thank Dr. BINCY JOHN for this webinar.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY CELEBRATION
On 08/03/25, Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy joyfully celebrated International Women’s Day with enthusiasm and unity. The event featured exciting games, a vibrant dance performance, and a heartfelt cake-cutting ceremony, honoring the strength and achievements of women. Students and faculty came together to celebrate empowerment, equality, and the spirit of womanhood, making the day truly memorable.
SDG PROGRAM ON GOOD HEALTH AND WELL BEING
Saveetha College of Occupational therapy conducted an SDG activity on " GOOD HEALTH and WELL BEING"* organized by Mrs. Jayashri Lecturer, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, SIMATS. The event helped students to gain knowledge and create awareness about vaccines to ensure a healthy life and promote well being for all ages .The program was held on 27 February, 2025 at 1.30 pm at Health Science Block, SIMATS.
SDG PROGRAM ON SPREADING AWARENESS ON DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND FIRST AID USING SKILLS DURING EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
Saveetha College of Occupational therapy conducted an *SDG activity under goal 11:* Sustainable Cities and Communities with the theme *" SPREADING AWARENESS ON DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND FIRST AID USING SKILLS DURING EMERGENCY SITUATIONS "* organized by *Mrs. P. Kaniga,* Lecturer, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, SIMATS. The event helped students gain knowledge on their preparedness and efficient response in critical situations. The program was held on 12th February, 2025 at 11 am at Health Science Block, SIMATS.
IIC PROGRAM ON ESSENTIALS OF ENTERPRENEURSHIP IN THE FIELD OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Saveetha College of Occupational therapy conducted an Institution's Innovation Council Program on " ESSENTIALS OF ENTERPRENEURSHIP IN THE FIELD OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY" highlighting Innovation Practice Opportunities and turning out Passion into Practice led by our speaker Dr. Triubhuvan Srikanth, Rashid Hospital, Dubai. It was held on 27th January, 2025, at AHS Block, SIMATS..
GERIATRIC SCREENING (OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ELDERLY SCREENING)
Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy (SCOT) under Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS) conducted “Geriatric Screening (Occupational Therapy Elderly Screening)” which is the comprehensive assessments for older adults to identify the potential medical, physical and psychosocial issues of the elderly persons. This program has conducted in more than 25 no’s with more than 750 elderly people in and around Chennai on 27th December 2024. This is to find out their needs, physical and psychosocial issues faced by the elderly persons and provide them with proper intervention strategies followed by this program. This was published in various news channels and media outlets such as malai murasu , porur , flash news etc .This will be very helpful for them to lead a barrier free life. This is the first initiative program by the Occupational Therapy professionals in the geriatric population. The World Book Record recognizes this program.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION - CHARITY BOX
Saveetha College of Occupational therapy took an initiative to set up a "Charity Box" and collected various items including clothes, bedsheets, toys, stationeries and some basic necessities. The students distributed the things to the building workers at the campus of Saveetha University for this season of Christmas sharing their gift of love.
SCOT wishes a "Merry Christmas!"
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
On 20th December Saveetha College of Occupational therapy celebrated Christmas.
The event had a message by the Principal followed by carol singing, dance, skit performances and the Santa Claus highlighted the event.
VISTRA - JOY OF MATH
On 19th December, 2024 Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy students participated in The Vistra- Joy of Math event conducted by the Department of Mathematical Science, SIMATS Engineering. They won 3rd place in Football and also participated in Volleyball, Kho-kho, Throwball and Kabadi.
WEBINAR - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY REACHING NEW HEIGHTS: PRACTICE ESSENTIALS FOR TELETHERAPY SESSION
On 20th December 2024, the department of pediatric OT Saveetha college of occupational therapy conducted a WEBINAR on the topic "Occupational therapy reaching new heights: Practice essentials for teletherapy session". The webinar was presented by Dr. Prapti Saxena, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Kanpur. Postgraduate OT Students and professionals have actively participated in this. We Thank Dr. Prapti Saxena for this webinar.
CME PROGRAM - ENHANCING CLIENT OUTCOMES IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY WITH ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
On 19/12/24 Saveetha College of Occupational therapy, conducted a CME on "Enhancing client outcomes in Occupational Therapy with assistive technology" and our resource persons were Samson Daniel and Lakshmanan from National Center For Assistive Health Technologies, IIT Madras.
More than 200 students from various colleges actively participated in the CME.
It was organised by associate professor Dr. Beniel Raja and other professors who accompanied were Dr. Punitha and Dr.Vikraman
WORKSHOP - ANTI - RAGGING AWARNESS
Dr.J.Yaseetha, Assistant Professor, SCOT was invited as the guest speaker for a Workshop on 18th December, 2024 conducted by the Saveetha College of Pharmacy. She spoke about "Anti-ragging Awareness" and had an interactive session with the first year students of Pharmacy department which created awareness on the consequences of bullying or ragging and ways to overcome it. Pamphlets were also distributed which greatly benefitted them.
CME WORKSHOP - IMPORTANCE OF REHABILITATION FOR SPORTS INJURIES
Dr. Shiny Achariya, MOT(Ortho), Assistant Professor, SCOT was invited as the guest speaker for a CME workshop on 17th December, 2024 conducted by the Department of Physical Education, SIMATS. She spoke on the topic "Importance of Rehabilitation for Sports injuries" which created awareness and updated knowledge on the strategies for effective recovery and optimising the professional performance among the Physical Education students.
CME WORKSHOP - TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS IN NEURO REHABILITATION
On 14/12/24 Saturday, students of Saveetha College of Occupational therapy participated and received certificates for a CME workshop on "TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS IN NEURO REHABILITATION" conducted by the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, CMC Vellore.
The event helped students explore and learn through engaging sessions with lectures and live practical demonstrations by renowned experts in Rehab and Assistive Technology about Robotics, Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial intelligence (AI) and Adaptive Gaming as therapeutic approach and their use in improving the motor and cognitive functions of patients with neurological conditions.
WORKSHOP - ROLE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN REHABILITAION
On 14/12/Dr. P. Punitha, MOT(Neuro), Associate Professor, SCOT was invited as the guest speaker for a workshop on 12th December, 2024 conducted by the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Saveetha College of Pharmacy. She spoke on the topic " Role of Occupational therapy in Rehabilitation" which created awareness about the importance of Occupational therapy among the pharmacy students.
CME PROGRAM - AMPUTEE REHAB
On 07/12/24 Saturday, students of Saveetha College of Occupational therapy participated and received certificates for a CME programme in AMPUTEE REHABILITATION conducted by Sri Narayani Hospital and Research Centre. We had informative sessions where experienced doctors and prosthetists gave lectures and had discussions about prosthetic training with its models. It was a very good platform to gain more knowledge on handling Amputees and improving their quality of life and independence.
World Mental Health Day
Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy(SCOT) organized a event for "World Mental Health Day! "Celebrating this day is crucial for raising awareness about mental health issues and promoting understanding in the community. rally and distribution of awareness pamphlets, signature Banner, flashmob, competition like clay modeling, t-shirt painting, face painting, and mind quest not only encourage participation but also foster creativity and collaboration among students, enhancing their understanding of mental health in a fun and engaging manner.This event was organized by Dr. Rini Stefania, lecturer and MOT (MENTAL HEALTH) 2nd years & Psychiatric interns of SCOT.
AYUTHA POOJA CELEBRATION
On 11th October 2024, Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy celebrated the vibrant festival of Ayutha Pooja. This auspicious occasion, dedicated to honoring tools and instruments, saw enthusiastic participation from both staff and students. The campus was beautifully decorated, creating a festive atmosphere filled with joy.
World Cerebral Palsy Day
On 7/10/2024, Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy organized a event on occasion of "World Cerebral Palsy Day," by Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) students. During the event, students set up an awareness exhibition that featured informative posters and models related to cerebral palsy. They engaged with patients and visitors at the hospital, explaining the condition and its impact on individuals and families. This hands-on approach not only educated attendees but also fostered a supportive environment for those affected by cerebral palsy. Additionally, parental guides were distributed to help families understand the condition better and navigate the resources available to them.The event also included various contests such as quizzes, doodle competitions, poster-making, and photography events. These activities encouraged active participation from students and attendees.
WORKSHOP ON WHEELCHAIR MODIFICATION
On 27/09/2024,Saveetha college of Occupational therapy conduced WORKSHOP ON WHEELCHAIR MODIFICATION. The workshop was presented by Mr.JOTHIKUMAR RAMAKRISHNAN, community healthcare network manager, CHO9,HSE Ireland. Students of SCOT participated in it. The session was informative and engaging for participating students. coordinate by Dr. Shiny Achariya, Lecturer, SCOT and other faculties.
CAREER GUIDANCE PROGRAM FOR INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT
On 27/09/2024,Saveetha college of Occupational therapy conduced "CAREER GUIDANCE PROGRAM FOR INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT" . The workshop was presented by Mr.JOTHIKUMAR RAMAKRISHNAN, community healthcare network manager, CHO9,HSE Ireland. Students of SCOT participated in it. The session was informative and engaging for participating students. Coordinate by Dr. Shiny Achariya, Lecturer, SCOT and other faculties.
ONAM CELEBERATION
Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy celebrated Onam on September 13, 2024, with vibrant decorations and a variety of fun games. The event was filled with the festive spirit, showcasing traditional Onam elements and bringing together students and faculty for a day of joy and cultural appreciation. The celebrations included activities that highlighted the essence of the festival, fostering a sense of community and togetherness among all participants.
SEMINAR & WORKSHOP ORGANISED
Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy organized a seminar on "Clinical Pathways in Stroke Rehabilitation: Occupational Therapy Perspective" on September 11, 2024. The seminar featured a lecture by Mr. Lakshminarayanan, who holds an MOT and MBA in GHCM, and is affiliated with Western Health in Victoria, Australia. His presentation provided valuable insights into the latest approaches and strategies in stroke rehabilitation from an occupational therapy standpoint, emphasizing evidence-based practices and innovative treatment methodologies. This seminar aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of students and professionals in the field of occupational therapy
Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy organized a seminar on "Stroke Recovery and Its Importance in Stroke Rehabilitation" on September 11, 2024. The lecture was presented by Mr. Lakshminarayanan, MOT, MBA GHCM, from Western Health, Victoria, Australia. He shared key insights into stroke recovery, highlighting the crucial role of rehabilitation in improving patient outcomes. The seminar provided an in-depth understanding of evidence-based practices in stroke rehabilitation, offering valuable knowledge to students and professionals in the field of occupational therapy.
Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy conducted a workshop on "Powerful Standardized Assessment Tools in Mental Health in Occupational Therapy" on September 11, 2024. The session was led by Mr. Lakshminarayanan, MOT, MBA GHCM, from Western Health, Victoria, Australia. He provided an in-depth exploration of key assessment tools used in mental health practice, emphasizing their importance in delivering effective occupational therapy interventions. The workshop aimed to enhance the participants' skills in using these tools, contributing to improved mental health outcomes in occupational therapy practice.
TEACEHR'S DAY
The students of Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy organized Teachers' Day celebration on 5th September 2024 with enthusiasm and gratitude. The event featured a series of cultural performances, including dance and singing, showcasing the talents of the students. During the celebration, students expressed their appreciation for the faculty by sharing heartfelt messages and presenting gifts. The event concluded on a joyful note with a cake-cutting ceremony, making it a memorable occasion for both students and teachers.
DRUG FREE TAMILNADU - PLEDGE
On 10/08/2024,Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy organized a significant event - the "MASS ANTI DRUG PLEDGE" under the theme "ANTI DRUG TAMILNADU". Over 30+ enthusiastic students from Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy actively participated in this event, demonstrating their commitment to creating awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. This initiative not only showcased the students' dedication to promoting a drug-free Tamil Nadu but also highlighted the importance of community involvement in combating substance abuse issues. The collective effort of these students in spreading awareness is a commendable step towards building a healthier and safer society
ANTI - RAGGING AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
On 14/8/24 Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy organized an anti-ragging awareness campaign as part of National anti-ragging day and week (12/8/24 - 18/8/24) at Thandalam campus, Health science Block, employing a multi-faceted approach that included students showcasing their talents through thought-provoking mime performance, and creative expressions through essay writing, poster making, face and nail painting.
NEURO REHAB AWARENESS WEEK
On 13/08/2024 Saveetha college of occupational therapy organized Neuro rehab awareness day in which we created public awareness and OT role in neuro rehabilitation. Awareness posters and treatment posters are displayed in the SMCH lobby. Mime was enacted by students to create awareness and other events like singing and dance where performed by the students of SCOT. Based on the neuro rehab awareness events like t- shirt painting and cognitive games where conducted. Students actively participated and show casted their talents. All the faculty members of SCOT and health care professions and students participated.
BOT & MOT INDUCTION CEREMONY 2024
Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy organised an Induction day ceremony and welcomed the new batch of students admitted in the BOT and MOT course, on 07/08/2024 at SIMATS. The honourable chancellor Dr.N.M.Veeraiyan, the honourable Registrar Dr. Shreeja Varghese , Dr.Ashwani Kumar, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Global Collaborations & Scientific Advisor),Thiru P. Muthusamy, IRS (Rtd), CEO, SIMATS Trust and Dr. M. Arun kumar, Principal of SCOT, along with the faculties were present at the ceremony, and delivered their heartfelt wishes to the newcomers. In the event, a student Mr.R.M.Brfrin shanfo BOT course under SIMATS scholarship scheme, was provided with a provisional admit card by our honourable Chancellor. Nearly 100 students for BOT and 30+ for MOT admitted in this year
National Conference on Autism
Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy conducted a National Conference on 02.02.2024 to observe World Autism Awareness Day at Kurinji Hall, SIMATS. Prof.Dr.S.Suresh Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SIMATS inaugurated the program and addressed the gathering with his inspiring speech. The guest speakers for the conference were Dr.Lal D.V.Nair, Developmental and Behavioural Pediatrician, Saveetha Medical College, Dr.Poongodi Bala, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Mr.Joseph Thomas Raj Bedford, Lecturer, Christian Medical College, Mr.Ramanathan, Assistant Professor, SLHS, Mrs.Arthi Baranidharan, Director of Impower rehabilitation centre, and Mrs.Jasmine Christy, Special Educator. The speakers delivered lectures on their respective topics, imparting valuable knowledge to the attendees. The event featured release of updated version of Tamil Nadu Clinical Directory ,Parents home program guideline Book,and Research articles published in the year 2022-2023 based on Autism. Nearly 500 students and professionals attended the Conference. The program also included competitions such as Quiz, Poster Presentation. The winners of the competitions were awarded and participation certificates were distributed to the attendees.
Autism Awareness rally
Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy in Collaboration with Chaitanya Therapy center conducted World Autism Day Awareness Rally at SIMATS on 01.04.2024. The Chief Guest Mr.Srinath, Actor and Director, inaugurated the rally by waiving the flag. He also released the Autism awareness Pamphlet and started the signature campaign. Dr.M.Arun Kumar, Principal of SCOT and EC member- AIOTA, the event Coordinator Dr.S.Sivapriya, SCOT, other faculty members, Mrs.Geeva Kamalraj, Director, Chaitanya Therapy center, Student Coordinators, students from SCOT and other colleges were present at the event.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION - CHARITY BOX
Saveetha College of Occupational therapy took an initiative to set up a "Charity Box" and collected various items including clothes, bedsheets, toys, stationeries and some basic necessities. The students distributed the things to the building workers at the campus of Saveetha University for this season of Christmas sharing their gift of love.
SCOT wishes a "Merry Christmas!"