Special centre for deaf & blind children opens in Goa!
 

In India, there are very few educational centres or schools that cater exclusively for disabled children or adults. The ones that are already there lack modern facilities and specialised staff. But Goa is all set to own an exclusive institute for both deaf and blind children. Authorities claim that this centre will be one-of-its-kind.

This special centre, located at Saligao in Goa is supported by Sense International India and the Hans Foundation. The institute will cater to educational, vocational, and therapeutic needs of deaf and blind children as well as adults. Children with multisensory impairments are also welcomed with open arms at the institute!

An official from the centre said that all facilities will be provided under one roof. Home based services will be provided to those who cannot access the centre. Some of the other facilities provided at the centre are physiotherapy, speech therapy and medical nutrition support.

Officials at the centre believe that with the right training and support, deaf and blind children will be able to learn many new things that will help make them independent in life.

Since 2012, Caritas has reached out to 65 children and young adults under the deafblind project. Its educators assist 36 children, equipping them with life skills and helping them improve their quality of life.

A combination of vision and hearing loss, the unique disability creates challenges in communication, mobility and access to information, sometimes leaving children feeling isolated. Deafblind children also develop additional physical, sensory and learning difficulties, but have made tremendous progress with the intervention of special educators.