In a world increasingly obsessed with speed and scale, Made by Special offers something quietly revolutionary: intention. Each handcrafted product, whether stitched, beaded, or painted, is not just a piece of art. It’s a testament to transformation. And behind this transformation stands an uncelebrated force: the educators at Disha Charitable Trust.
The educators don’t merely instruct; they invest. They nurture children with disabilities through vocational training, art therapy, and a curriculum that values confidence as much as competence, identities, and possibility. We saw what Made by Special truly means to those who shape it every day.
Preeti Ma’am, an art therapist who spent seven years at Disha, recalls a moment that still brings a smile.
“One of my students couldn’t even hold a brush. One day, he just started painting. It wasn’t just my victory, it was his,” she shared.
These small victories shape the essence of Made by Special. Every product that makes it into a corporate gift box or a family’s home carries within it the quiet efforts of teachers who guide students with compassion and purpose.
For Ankita Ma’am, a special educator with over six years of experience, this work goes far beyond duty.
“It’s not just a job. It’s a bond,” she said. “Even now, while preparing for maternity leave, I feel like I can’t go. I’ll miss them too much.”
“They’ve learned so much. Earlier, they couldn’t even do beading, now they do it on their own. That’s progress, and that’s everything.” When asked what Made by Special means to her, she smiled.
“The name itself says it all. It’s special. The children make these products, and they’re learning from us but in truth, they’re the ones who make us special.”
She isn’t alone in that sentiment. Minal Ma’am, who’s been with Disha for four years, added, “At first, only one child knew how to use the sewing machine. Now, several do. We show them once or twice, and they pick it up with such focus.”
The learning process is often slow, sometimes unpredictable. But it’s this steady rhythm that gives the children space to grow—and gives teachers room to reflect.
“Some days are chaotic, but watching a child master something they once feared makes everything worth it.”
Sir, one of the longest-serving teachers at Disha, started 16 years ago. He began by introducing children to paper-making—an activity that’s both safe and skill-building.
“Now, I’ve trained 6 to 10 children fully in the entire process,” he said. “Sometimes they’re moody, and won’t work. But after a while, they return to it themselves. That’s when we know they truly enjoy it.”
Made by Special is more than a brand—it’s a mirror held up to the values of inclusivity, patience, and perseverance. It gives the children of Disha a platform, and their teachers a purpose fulfilled.
Because here, teaching isn’t about delivering lessons.
It’s about watching children write their own.
