Physiotherapy centre for differently abled children

[sajiv]

Physiotherapy centre for differently abled children

MADURAI: At a time when life has become mechanical and we are unable to take care of ourselves, it is, indeed, highly compassionate to take care of others and this is what real service is all about, according to N. Mathivanan, Collector.

After inaugurating the physiotherapy hall-cum-counselling centre built with the help of State Government's Disabled persons Rehabilitation Fund at Anbagam Special School here on Tuesday, Mr. Mathivanan said that Thangaraj, who served as the Principal of American College and Mary Thangaraj, started Anbagam Institution during the year 1970.

Started with seven differently abled children, the institution recognised by the State Government now takes care of 155 children from Madurai and its suburbs. An Early Intervention Centre was started here earlier and now 31 girls and 21 boys are being intervened at the centre. Later, he distributed prizes to the winners of various competitions held in the school.

K.M. Kanagaraj, District Disabled Rehabilitation Officer, said that the State Government had given priority to distribution funds for the welfare of the differently abled and Madurai district is one among the four districts to get funds for a pilot project. He also said that other special schools could contact Anbagam to avail the physiotherapy centre's facilities, if needed.

Radha, parent of a differently abled child, said that the Early Intervention Centre was highly responsible for instilling the confidence among the parents of these children that when special education was imparted the child would develop to an extent. Citing that when she brought her son to the Centre he was not able to do anything and was immobile but now after early intervention techniques and occupational therapy, he does things on his own. She also said that we are indebted to the State Government and the institution for their efforts to mainstream the differently abled into the society.

The physiotherapy centre built with a fund of Rs.12 lakh has shoulder wheel, finger ladder, pronator, supinator, wrist exerciser; pulleys, sand pits and also has wax therapy facility. Sr. Maria Alphonsal, Provincial, Maria Province and Sr. Selvi, Principal, were present during.