In February 2024, Kindness In Action awarded a grant to ... in the amount of $4,000.
The Arulchandru Special School for the Mentally Retarded, administered by the ANISE society under the Brothers of the Sacred Heart is located in Ulaganathapuram, Paramakudi in the civil district of Ramanathapuram of Tamilnadu, India. Recognized by the Government of Tamilnadu, the school serves children with a variety of mental disabilities, including but not limited to: Mentally Retarded, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Cretinism, Micro Cephalic, Hydro Cephalic, Muscular Dystrophy, Intellectual Disability, and Multiple Disability.
Regardless of caste or creed, the school provides therapeutic education and care to these children, tailoring their approach to their individual aptitudes. Comprehensive programs include: Self Help Training, Activities of Daily Living Skills (ADL), Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physio Therapy, Alphabetical and numerical learning, Vocational Training in activities such as Foot mat weaving, Jute bag making, bead ornament crafting, and Sports Activities.
"Currently, we have an enrolment of 58 children, supported by a dedicated team of 7 special teaching staff, 1 physiotherapist, 2 caregivers, 3 cooks and 2 drivers. The children arrive at school via our transportation services, where they receive breakfast, lunch and evening refreshments. At the end of the day, they return home, strengthening our commitment to community-based rehabilitation. Our goal is to provide therapeutic care and vocational training to equip these children with the skills they need to lead fulfilling and productive lives."
Augustine K Raj, Director
"After attending schooling, Sakthi has gained the ability to eat independently, sit in his wheelchair without a seatbelt, move around by crawling, speak consistently, and express his needs for natural functions."
Vembayee, mother of Sakthi Pandi
"Special children are instructed in essential daily activities like eating, drinking, dressing and attending to their natural needs. They are training to seek assistance from others when necessary and are given basic social skills training. Physiotherapy, speech therapy and yoga form integral components of their daily curriculum."
G. Kokila, Special Educator
"When Afsal enrolled in the school, he would urinate wherever he was, but now he independently goes to the toilet."
Deepa, Care-giver