Tiruvannamalai Opens 9 Centers for Disabled Adults

Nine social care centers for persons with disabilities above six years of age were inaugurated in Tiruvannamalai on Thursday. These centers are established in towns like Cheyyar, Chengam, Kilpennathur, Vandavasi, Arani, and Chetpet.

The Welfare of Differently Abled Persons Department will manage these new facilities. They will offer special education, early intervention services such as physiotherapy, other therapies, rehabilitation, and vocational training.

District officials noted that around 53,000 persons with disabilities reside in the district. Each center will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., except Sundays, with at least five staff members.

Initially, about 50 individuals will attend sessions covering psychology and other areas. The plan is to establish a total of 21 centers in the district to cater to a larger population requiring specialized care.

These nine centers are located within existing government primary health centers to leverage existing infrastructure. Previously, such specialized care was available at government hospitals.

A model One Stop Centre, costing ₹10 crore, will be constructed in Tiruvannamalai town in the coming months. This center will house comprehensive facilities for physical activities and health sessions for beneficiaries.