The Spastics Society of Tiruchi has bagged the State government’s ‘best institution award for 2010’ in the cause of children with cerebral palsy and also for the differently-abled persons. The award carries a citation and a cash of Rs.50,000 in recognition of the services being rendered by the Society.
The Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi presented the award to C. Shanthakumar, Director of Spastic Society, during the Independence Day celebrations held at Chennai.
The citation referred to the Society’s service in the area imparting special training, special education and ensuring rehabilitation of the children with cerebral palsy. The Society has been utilising the services of professional experts, special educators and special therapists, the citation said.
Apart from the children with cerebral palsy, the Society has also been identifying the differently-abled persons. The Society, by virtue of its capacity as a member of the Local Level Committee, has been implementing the ‘Nirmaya medical insurance’ scheme of the National Trust.
The Society was founded in 1982 with a day care centre in Tiruchi. The Society has started its rural residential centres in Musiri, Lalgudi, Thuraiyur and Manapparai. About 300 children with cerebral palsy benefit through these units, Mr. Shanthakumar said.
Mr. Shanthakumar thanked R. Shyamala, District Differently Abled Welfare Officer, for her continued support for the activities of the Society.