Chandigarh, December 5:- PRAYAAS, a Rehabilitation Centre for Handicapped Children, Sector 38, Chandigarh today organized a function in its premises to mark the World Disabled Day. President, Indian Council for Child Welfare, Chandigarh, Mrs. Jean Rodrigues was the chief guest at the function.
Mrs. Rodrigues also inaugurated the Preparatory School for children with special needs in the building of PRAYAAS. She took round of the school and appreciated the efforts and enthusiasm of staff working there. Teachers apprised her about the educational, cultural and other related facilities being provided to the mentally retarded children.
Differently abled children from various institutions took part in the function. They presented a colorful cultural programme. Mrs. Rodrigues gave away prizes to the winners of various items. The highlight of the celebration was the recognition accorded to six alumni of PRAYAAS who had excelled in their lives. sMrs. Rodrigues appreciated the role of the Institute in rehabilitating of disabled children.
On the occasion, Director of the Institute, Dr. B.N.S. Walia highlighted the activities and programmes of the Institute. He expressed that trained staff and technologies can transform disability into ability. He emphasized on the role of general public, trusts and NGO’s who should come forward in a big way to help this section of society.
Dr. Walia informed that a visiting consultant from UK shall be conducting workshops for parents of autistic children and for speech therapists on 8th & 12th December, 2008. The Centre also honoured three NGOs namely, Chandigarh Senior Citizens Association, Sai Tara Ummat Foundation and Senior Citizens Welfare Association Greater Chandigarh for their financial support to poor children of the Institute.
Director Social Welfare, Mrs. Amandeep Kaur, staff of the Institute, parents of the special children and other distinguished guests were also present on the occasion.