CHENNAI: As a way forward for inclusive education and leisure, School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi inaugurated the Multi-Skill Sensory Park at Poppili Raja Government Higher Secondary School in Puzhal, Tiruvallur district.
The facility is focused on improving the sensory, cognitive, gross motor and fine motor skills of children with disabilities.
During the grant request in 2024-25, Minister Poyyamozhi had announced that a multisensory park will be created so that children with various disabilities are stimulated and gain learning experiences through play.
Based on this, 20 multi-purpose parks were planned to be set up in 20 districts of Tamil Nadu for children with special needs under the integrated school education. A fund of Rs 2.6 crore has been allocated for each park at the rate of Rs 13 lakh each.
In the first phase of this project, the multi-skilled park has now been established in Puzhal. This park stimulates disabled children’s various senses such as vision, hearing, touch and balance. “It is an ideal place for all children to play together and also learn through play. This will benefit 410 students with special needs studying in Puzhal from classes 1 to 12,” he said at the event. “The equipment at the park will provide a safe and therapeutic play experience for children with special needs such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and cerebral palsy.”
Some of the play and sensory equipment installed in the park are slide, swing, see-saw, blocks of different textures, basketball and volleyball facilities, skipping rope and occupational board. Mobility equipment installed in this multi-purpose park, such as a slide, see-saw, and spinning platform, will improve children’s balance, body control, and spatial awareness.
Meanwhile, the ball pool will feature sensory elements such as various surface areas, flower pots, and wind chimes to enhance the sense of touch, sound, and nature, creating a sense of peace and tranquillity. Additionally, functional equipment such as basketball, volleyball, skipping rope, and activity board help beneficiaries improve hand-eye coordination, muscle strength, teamwork, and fine motor skills.