SSA-IED launches Free special resource centre for children with autism, speech disorders and mongolism in Srirangam of Trichy.

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Trichy District under inclusive Education for differently abled children in collaboration with a Trichy based NGO, SEVAI launches a special Resource Centre for the children in need with intellectual disabilities such as Autism, speech disorders, mongolism or down syndrome. The District Programme officer of SSA, Trichy has announced that this special Resource centre will be housed at Sriranga municipal corporation middle school of Amma Mandapam, Srirangam. This Autism, speech disorders, mongolism care Resource Centre is a not-for-profit community focused organisation committed to meeting the needs of such children of the locality. The officials said, “Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is an effort to universalize school education by community-ownership of the school system. It is a response to the demand for quality school education all over the country. The SSA programme is also an attempt to provide an opportunity for improving human capabilities to all children, through provision of community-owned quality education in a mission mode”. The Ngo, SEVAI Project Coordinator R.Deivakumar mentioned “this SSA-IED/SEVAI resource centre for children in need would Support Individuals with Autism, speech disorders, down syndrome, Aspergers Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorders. The IED special educators of Resource Center conduct indoor training, and consultations, engage in counseling the parents, and develop and disseminate information focused on building the capacity of local communities, and families to support children across the autism and other intellectual disorders spectrum in typical work, school, home, and community settings. The special educators will strive to address the specific needs of the individual by providing information and training on a variety of strategies and methods”. R.Deivkumar further added that the SSA Authorities had given guidance to give special attention to the children with Down syndrome or mongolism, a condition in which a person is born with certain distinctive features:  flat face, short neck, and a degree of mental delay (mental retardation). R.Deivakumar of SEVAI opined, “Although Down syndrome cannot be treated, most affected can lead a normal life. With the proper care and help they need, children with Down syndrome can have a spectacular growth and development and can become healthy and happy adults. Special Educators of IED will offer a range of services, including Assessment and Diagnosis, Information, Direct Therapy and Education Support, and Training of regular teachers and parents and volunteers. It will offer life skills and mainstream academics for its students. The special educators have personal experiences with disability, so they genuinely understand their needs and offer free, non-biased advice, to assist the children in making informed decisions on accessing services that will assist them in your daily life”.SSA authorities made announcements the parents of such children with Autism, speech disorders, mongolism or down syndrome can send such children to the SSA-IED Resource centre for free care as per the norms of SSA.-Govin