In a major push for inclusion, Tiruvannamalai opens nine disability care centres

Tiruvannamalai district took a step towards strengthening disability welfare services on Thursday when Collector Vandana Garg inaugurated nine social care centres for persons with disabilities above six years of age. The centres, to be maintained by the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons Department, will be located in Cheyyar, Chengam, Kilpennathur, Vandavasi, Arani, Chetpet and other key towns.

Officials of the department said that the new centres will offer special education, early intervention services, physiotherapy and other therapies, rehabilitation, and vocational training. The objective is to provide comprehensive support to persons with disabilities, helping them gain skills and confidence for independent living.

Early intervention is particularly crucial for children with developmental disabilities, as timely therapeutic support can significantly improve their long-term outcomes. The centres aim to address this by providing a structured environment where children and adults can receive services tailored to their needs.

M. Saradha, District Disabled Officer, said each centre will have at least five staff members, including instructors who will conduct sessions for visitors. The centres will remain open from 10 a.m. to 5.45 p.m. on all days except Sundays. Initially, each facility will cater to about 50 persons, offering sessions that also include psychological support.

According to district records, around 53,000 persons with disabilities have been identified in Tiruvannamalai. The nine centres inaugurated now are part of a broader plan to establish 21 such facilities across the district. This expansion is expected to ensure that more beneficiaries can access specialised care closer to their homes.

A notable feature of the new centres is that they will function within the existing government primary health centres (PHCs). This arrangement allows the administration to utilise the available infrastructure, including buildings and basic facilities, while integrating disability services with the existing healthcare system. Earlier, such services were provided only at government hospitals, which posed a challenge for many families living in remote areas.

By locating the centres within primary health centres, the administration hopes to reduce the stigma associated with disability services and make them a part of regular community health care. PHCs often serve as a first point of contact for rural residents, and the co-location of disability services may encourage more families to come forward and seek help.

Vocational training at the centres will focus on helping persons with disabilities acquire marketable skills, enhancing their opportunities for livelihood and self-reliance. The training programmes are expected to be designed keeping in mind the varied abilities and interests of the beneficiaries.

In a separate development, the district administration has planned a model One Stop Centre for persons with disabilities in Tiruvannamalai town. The facility, which is expected to cost ₹10 crore, will provide a wide range of services, including physical activities and health sessions. It is designed to serve as a centralised resource for beneficiaries.

The initiative assumes significance in light of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which promotes community-based rehabilitation and inclusive education. By establishing these centres, the district administration aims to create an environment where persons with disabilities can access support services in a dignified and convenient manner. The move has been welcomed by disability rights advocates, who see it as a positive step towards overcoming barriers in rural areas.

Local residents and families of beneficiaries have expressed hope that the new centres will reduce the hardship of travelling long distances for therapy and training. The administration has encouraged eligible persons to make use of the facilities and has assured that efforts are being made to staff the centres with qualified personnel. The remaining centres under the plan are expected to be opened in phases.