Annai Illam History

Adhiparasakthi Annai Illam, a centre for differently abled children is a project to fulfill one of the social commitments of Adhiparasakthi Charitable, Medical, Educational and Cultural (ACMEC) Trust founded by Arul Thiru Bangaru Adigalar in 1978.

The school is situated in Melmaruvathur in the busy locality adjacent to Siddhar Peedam and characterized by unique infrastructure and eco-friendly environment for providing special education and therapy services to differently abled children. The institution had a very impressive growth ever since the project was initially launched in 2005 in the pediatric department of Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Institute of Medical Sciences (MAPIMS) and later on shifted to the present location in 2008.

In the initial years of medical service to rural population, the pediatric department of MAPIMS received a number of cases pertaining to birth defects such as mental retardation and other developmental problems. A separate day care unit was opened in MAPIMS in 2005 to take care of these children supported by special educators and therapists. As more disability cases were reported, there was a need to accommodate more children and provide them rehabilitation services on par with national standards and government approval meeting all statutory requirements. Accordingly the centre started functioning from 2008 in the premises constructed on the land dedicated by Government of Tamilnadu exclusively for the welfare of disabled children.

The clear vision of Top Management along with the total involvement of educators and therapists supported by MAPIMS staff could make this institution iconic in the district as well as state level. The institution is a great boon for the parents of differently abled children particularly residing in and around Melmaruvathur. The institution is functioning as a day care centre and provides basic facilities like transport, food and health care for the needy children. The institution also supports financially weaker section irrespective of their cast and creed for the welfare of children through various schemes. There is ample support from ACMEC Trust and other charitable trusts such as CLBT, Sakthi Foundation and also devotees spread over India and abroad. About 1250 beneficiaries availed the rehabilitation services so far and some of them could successfully return to main stream of life with independent livelihood.

The workplace is having two major divisions designated as O- Block and M-Block for the functional convenience with administrative block centrally located. Special education is functioning in O-Block having separate class rooms for early intervention/pre-primary, primary, secondary and pre-vocation. The class rooms are equipped with computer systems, a smart board, essential teaching aids and a separate library. There is also a separate vocational training unit with facilities for various trades such as tailoring, envelope making, paper plate making, candle making and handicraft. M-Bock is equipped with facilities to carry out physiotherapy, sensory integration and speech therapy. There is also a GAIT lab annexed to physiotherapy department with advanced facilities. A separate prayer-cum-multipurpose hall named as Thiumathi Amma Hall and a playground specially equipped for differently abled children are also the added features for the institution.

The institution is also an authorized centre to conduct secondary and higher secondary classes and vocational training courses affiliated to National Institute of open schooling (NIOS) since the year 2017. The objective of this program is to create opportunity for slow learners to complete their academic level up to secondary education and/or expertise in a trade thus paving the way to a brighter future.

Top Management is efficiently monitoring the daily activities with a proper feedback system. Periodic review meetings are conducted with a focus on delivering the best service to the beneficiaries and effective utilization of allocated resources. The short term and long term goals are made known to every employee and progress is monitored and corrective actions are taken as and when necessary.

The organization structure is made such that specific roles & responsibilities are assigned to every staff according to their hierarchy level. The work culture demonstrates a very impressive development with the adaption of ISO quality management system which is regularly updated to new versions as mandated by certification authorities.

The children are exposed to extracurricular activities and get opportunities to take part in sports and cultural programs organized in-house as well as by other leading institutions in the country. Apart from academic activities, the children and their parents take part in Sakthi Neri programs with a view to boost up their morale and lead a disciplined life. Parent counseling is scheduled to take place periodically to help them to overcome issues related to their children.

The expert team consisting of educators and therapists regularly visits nearby Panchayats, PHCs and institutions for creating awareness about disabilities and various government schemes under welfare ministry.

Top Management is keen in providing rehabilitation services to other common disabilities also such as blind and hearing impaired and these projects are on the anvil. There is also a long term plan to conduct RCI approved courses in special education and allied subjects.

The Institution bagged ‘Best Special School award’ from Tamilnadu Government In 2015. With the showers of blessings from Arul Thiru Amma, the top management with the fullest cooperation of employees is taking forward the institution on the right path and will certainly continue to win several accolades in the days to come.

The center runs 6 days a week from 9am-4pm.