Support Abandoned Mentally Challenged Children

Summary

Sri Arunodayam is a reception home for abandoned mentally challenged children. We work to improve the quality of life of the children and encourage them to become participatory members of the society.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

In India, due to poverty, lack of awareness and lack of access to resources, parents abandon their mentally challenged children. With the support of the Police and Social Welfare Department, Sri Arunodayam rescues such children, provides medical attention, care, protection and rehabilitation. Presently 90 children are under our care, whose degree of mental retardation ranges from mild, moderate, severe to profound. The care and rehabilitation needs of these children are also unique and varied.

How will this project solve this problem?

We rescue the children abandoned in public places, conduct medical evaluation, provide food, clothing, shelter, physio, occupational and speech therapy. We assess their ability and impart special education. Networking and documentation are our forte.

Potential Long Term Impact

Right to lead an honorable life is irrespective of ability. Presently, society isolates mentally challenged children. Our work will boost the morale, dignity of our children, make them self-reliant and encourage society to accept them into their fold

Project Message

I lost my brother who had Downs Syndrome. The loss, lack of awareness & societal indifference made me resolve to work for such children. In 2003, we had one child. Presently, we care for 85 children.
- Iyyappan Subramanyan, Founder Managing Trustee

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

Resources