Support Abandoned Intellectually Disabled Children

Project Report | Aug 4, 2025
Rehabilitation of Children with disabilities

By Sapna Gupta | Executive Coordinator

During the reporting period, children enrolled in speech therapy, physiotherapy, special education, and occupational therapy have shown significant progress across various developmental domains. In speech therapy, many children have improved their verbal expression, articulation, and comprehension. Those with limited or no speech have started using alternative communication methods effectively.

In physiotherapy, children have gained better muscle strength, balance, and coordination. Several non-ambulatory children are now able to sit independently or walk with minimal support, enhancing their mobility and confidence.

Through special education, children have demonstrated progress in academic and cognitive skills. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) have supported improvements in attention span, reading, writing, and problem-solving abilities. Social interaction and classroom participation have also increased.

In occupational therapy, children are now better able to perform daily living tasks such as dressing, eating, and using school tools. Improved fine motor skills have enhanced their ability to write and complete structured tasks.

Overall, with consistent therapeutic interventions and a multidisciplinary approach, the children are gaining functional independence, better communication skills, and increased participation in everyday activities, contributing positively to their holistic development. Continuous assessment and family involvement remain key to sustaining this progress.

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Apr 11, 2025
Gratitude for Partnering With Us on Care

By Iyyappan Subramaniyan | Founder Managing Trustee

Dear Friends,

Thanks to your valuable partnership, we provided holistic medical care to 120 children with intellectual disabilities. This included preventative care, treatment of conditions like seizures, psychiatric medication administration, and provision of essential resources like nutritional supplements, diapers, and assistive devices. Our program comprised routine check-ups, hospitalizations, surgical facilitation, and medical camps, supported by meticulous medical and legal record-keeping, ensuring high-quality care.

Our physiotherapy program, served 50 children daily with diverse therapies. We addressed pain management, posture, and flexibility, utilizing appropriate tools to promote mobility and functional independence. Here's a quick look at what we accomplished.

Managing seizures:42 children received medication to help control their seizures.
Supporting emotional well-being: 55 children received psychiatric medications to help them manage their mental and emotional health.
Boosting nutrition: 25 girls received nutritional supplements to support healthy growth and development. All children received multivitamin syrup and folic acid supplements, as needed.
Diaper support: 46 children relied on diaper support. Diapers were changed more than three times a day to maintain cleanliness and prevent sickness.
Hospitalizations: We had 14 hospitalizations and one boy underwent a thigh fasciotomy surgery.
Illness prevention through screening: While we conducted dental, menstrual hygiene, TB, and eye screenings, our commitment to preventative care extended beyond the camps. We prioritized follow-up appointments, ensuring children received the necessary ongoing support for their diagnosed needs, which is essential for their long-term health.
24/7 in-house and external medical support: To ensure our children have access to 24/7 medical support, we maintain a strong in-house team and collaborate with trusted external partners.
Comprehensive physiotherapy program: Providing 5 hours of physiotherapy daily, including Saturdays, resulted in 1,440 hours of treatment. Therapies ranged from chest physio to gait training and electrical stimulation, with CP chairs aiding bedridden children in strengthening hips and lower limbs.
Assistive devices for greater independence: We provided wheelchairs for 22 children and fitted 14 children with splints to help them with mobility and support. These devices made a real difference, helping them move more freely and participate more fully.
Equipped centers for quality care: Our medical and physiotherapy centers are now equipped to provide enhanced quality care. We expanded our medical equipment inventory with multipara monitors, oxygen cylinders, and a suturing kit, among other essentials. Our physiotherapy center now features specialized equipment like CP chairs, IFT/TENS units, ultrasound machines, and a comprehensive range of exercise tools, supporting strength, flexibility, and mobility improvements.
Our multi-disciplinary approach to wellness: A team of specialists work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care for our children - doctors/pediatricians, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, mental health specialists, and caregivers.
Empowered Through Care, Our Children Achieve Greatness!

We believe in our children's capabilities and provide the tools for their growth. Their journey of discovering and developing their potential has led to extraordinary sporting achievements, and we are filled with pride! Here are their stories: https://mailchi.mp/dab01c6c78d3/meet-the-real-mvps

Ajay Kumar’s Story

Twelve-year-old Ajay Kumar, born in October 2012, has had a tough journey. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a baby, his father abandoned him and his mother when he was just three years old. Thankfully, Ajay’s grandmother stepped in to help, but on her passing, they found themselves living in an ashram in Kovalam. For six years the Ashram was their home. When it closed, they were left under a bridge.

A kind soul from a nearby school saw them and offered a safe haven. With his mother’s health failing, she requested the Child Welfare Committee to find Ajay a place where he could be cared for. And so, Ajay came to Sri Arunodayam on May 9, 2024.

When he arrived, it was clear he needed a lot of help. He couldn't stand, and his muscles were tight. Our physiotherapist began working with him. It was hard work, but he's making good progress. He can now sit and move around by dragging himself. He's also showing progress in special education, learning to read, match objects, and follow instructions. It's a testament to his strength and the loving care he's receiving. We're so hopeful for his future.

To our cherished GlobalGiving partners, thank you. Your support breathed new life into the precious children we serve. We are grateful for your belief in our work, and we pray for your continued support to bring joy and healing to even more lives in the year ahead!

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Dec 12, 2024
A Year in Review, of Growth and Resilience

By Iyyappan Subramaniyan | Founder Managing Trustee

As the year draws to a close, we find ourselves filled with gratitude for the countless blessings that have come our way. This year, our family has expanded by over fourteen precious children. Each one has been assessed and enrolled in the most suitable rehabilitation program, tailored to their specific needs. We are committed to nurturing their unique abilities and helping them reach their full potential.

At Sri Arunodayam, we cultivate both the mind and the body. We were one of the first disability service providers to ensure a balanced lifestyle for children by encouraging them to explore their artistic talents through singing, dancing, painting, and music. They appear to possess a natural inclination towards the arts, and we are delighted to see their creativity flourish. We also encouraged them to explore martial arts and sports. This holistic approach to education and development has proven to be highly beneficial.

We attribute our children’s progress to several key factors: a nutritious diet, timely administration of psychiatric and anti-seizure medications, daily world-class rehabilitation therapy, and round-the-clock care provided by our dedicated team of therapists, special educators, and caregivers.

Our children receive wholesome meals, including nutritious soups, calcium-rich milk, and a variety of fresh fruits. Additionally, many of them benefit from psychiatric and anti-seizure medications, which play a vital role in managing their behavioral, emotional, and neurological challenges. These medications are also instrumental in reducing anxiety, aggression, and disruptive behaviors, while improving cognitive function. As a result, our children are better equipped to engage in therapy and educational programs, leading to enhanced social skills and increased independence. Many of them have excelled in sports, becoming champions in their respective fields. (Read our latest report here).

As our family continues to grow, so does our commitment to providing a safe and loving home. To meet the increasing demand for shelter and rehabilitation, we have undertaken several ambitious projects: expanding our home for boys, establishing a new support system for young adults aged 18 and above, launching a free mobile rehabilitation service, and opening a free special school for children with disabilities in rural areas.

We owe our growth and success to our dedicated team of professionals, and to you, our generous donors. We are sincerely grateful for your commitment to our cause!

Shivjeet’s Story

Shivjeet, a ten-year-old boy from Punjab, faced the heart-wrenching loss of both parents within two years. In 2022, he found refuge at Sri Arunodayam in Chennai, seeking the care and support he so desperately needed. Bereft of the love of his parents, Shivjeet often felt alone and vulnerable.

His journey at Sri Arunodayam has been one of substantial recovery. Since arriving at our home he has embarked on a tailored rehabilitation program, making remarkable strides. Initially unable to perform basic motor functions like sitting or standing, he has now achieved the milestone of taking assisted steps. He’s also become a linguist, communicating in his native tongue Punjabi, and English and Tamil. This has opened new worlds for him, thanks to our dedicated special education experts.

While he still faces physical challenges, Shivjeet's determination to make the most of life is admirable. With the support of his Physiotherapist, he's working hard to regain his ability to walk independently. As his cognitive abilities continue to blossom, his growing curiosity and engagement with the world around him fill us with hope.

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