“It’s a dream come true to be ranked India’s #1 special needs school with top scores on four of ten parameters of special needs education excellence in our golden anniversary year. For this, credit must be given to our dedicated teachers and therapists who are awarded highest score under the individual attention to students parameter. Our varied activities, events and training have enabled students to become more aware, contributing members of society. Indeed, we are proud that every student graduating from SPJSS has secured meaningful employment in mainstream society. Sharing our best practices, working to secure internships and employment in mainstream society for our well-educated students are always high on our agenda” — Fionika Sanghvi (centre), Principal, SPJ Sadhana School, Mumbai (68 students, 30 teachers)

“This is a huge honour and we accept this recognition with humility. Our leap forward from #8 last year to #3 this year is due to the hard work of our dedicated teachers and staff awarded the highest score under competence of faculty. We are equally grateful to our parents who partner with us with trust, patience and positivity. Our high scores under infrastructure is also testimony to the enabling environment we provide our teachers and students. In the near future, we intend to reach out to special needs learners countrywide by replicating the Aatman Academy model. Our research and training division is all set to expand our programmes including an iLEAD program for cultivating a culture of inclusion. This programme has received a Global Teacher Grant 2024 from the US department of state education and cultural affairs” — Manjushree Patil, Director, Aatman Academy, Thane (65 students, 25 teachers, 32 staff)