Government efforts help differently-abled enter regular schools

Under the SSA (Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan) scheme, 13 day care centres were established in Perambalur district in the areas including Ammapalayam, Esanai in Perambalur , Chettikulam and Kolakkanatham in Alathur, Kunnam, Vepur and Keezha Perambalur in Vepur, Thaluthalai, K- Kalathur, Valikandapuram and V-Kalathur in Veppanthattai. 

State-of-the-art equipment needed for the exercise, amounting to Rs 3 lakh was earmarked in 2012-13 for each of the centres, to help children suffering from a range of disorders, including cerebral palsy. The children are also provided free transportation as well as meals rich in nutrients. 

Some of the facilities include trunk balance equipment used to train children who do not have neck control even after three months of their birth, trampoline for breathing exercise, parallel bars for walking exercise on strong board, ankle exerciser for calf muscle disability and bean bags to improve sitting postures. Stimulators for touch- therapy, ultra sound and wax bath for reducing pain, supinator-pronator for hands, special exercises on pulley for strengthening collar muscles, bolster for neck control, special board for holding exercise have also been installed. “These would simulate the entire organs and even develop the cramped parts”, said a trainer at Esanai centre. 

According to the district Collector K Nandakkumar, after completing the physio training, the day centres had successfully sent 107 children to regular schools. Parents too are happy with their ward’s progress. 

Geetha of Sirugudal village said that her girl child, afflicted with cerebral palsy has been undergoing treatment at one of the centres and has been responding to a few signals. Madhan, a hearing impaired slow learner has availed of the government’s free hearing aid scheme for the differently abled . “My son is now attending classes in a regular school and is showing improvement”, said Manikandan from Nallarikkai village.