Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RD)
Mangalore, Dec 7: 'World Disability Day' was observed at Fr Muller Medical College (FMMC) and Fr Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH), separately in recognition of the contributions of specially-abled people to the society. At this backdrop, the staff and students of FMMC, physiotherapy department observed 'World Disability Day' on two different occasions and in two different ways.
Fr Muller Rehabilitation Unit at FMMCH, observed 'World Disability Day' on Monday, December 3.l. The rehabilitation unit was started around 42 years ago by Swedish women, Hilda Z as a means of lively hood for the cured leprosy patients who are rejected by the society. At the beginning, the articles prepared by them were sold with great difficulty. But, Hilda never lost hope and today this seed sown by her has bloomed into a beautiful and fruitful tree. Today, the unit is being managed by Sr Prabha of Sisters of Charity with around a total of 30 inmates.
The employment here is offered to all specially-abled, the dumb, the deaf, the leprosy patients or any one affected by nature's play. The articles manufactured by the inmates with little help by others. As many of them who work at the rehabilitation unit and equal number work from home. Their creations are a feast for the eyes that can be experienced only by a visit here. Things manufactured here include 'BATIK' made greeting cards and clothes, hand printed clothes and bed sheets, toys, cards, files, wall hangings and ever ending list of beautiful creations. The items thus manufactured are sold in the market with the country and exported to western countries. A fund has been instituted to provide housing to the homeless inmates / employees.
As part of CBR Curriculum, we visited Mangala Jyothi Integrated School at Vamnjoor on Thursday, December 6. The school was founded by Meena Nair, around 26 years ago, with 6 dumb and deaf children at Roshni Nilaya. As the numbers grew, the school was shifted to its present location. It's a private school run on sponsorships till recently by the CCF and now by SDMT. All except the mentally challenged children are admitted here. The ratio has been one special child to two normal children. Education provided here includes study material, mid-day meals; physiotherapy training with hydrotherapy, environmental conservation and others at a nominal fee of Rs.300/- per year. Transport to and fro the school also provided free of cost. Few of the teachers too belong to the especially abled category. The school today houses 607 students in all. Students are trained in all aspects of normal education and also include arts, crafts, music and vocational training, along with base education for the specially abled. The students here under the guidance of their teachers manufacture greeting cards, clothes, toys, books, paintings and other crafts. The school also houses its own water harvesting system. As a token of gratitude, sweets were distributed at both the places and their creations patronized on this special day. Hope this would inspire others also to take such visits and help our specially abled brethren.