Kerala's Madappally launches autism park and free therapy centre for differently abled

The therapy centre for differently abled and autism park built by Kerala's Madappally block panchayat in Kottayam will be inaugurated today at 2 pm. An arts fest and a musical concert by differently abled people and children are also part of the event. The therapy centre for differently abled and autism park with all the modern facilities is in the premises of the block panchayat office. The project was conceived by the Madappally block panchayat in association with the Women and Child Development Department, by including it in the 2024 – 25 people’s planning. 

Free treatment
The treatment and therapy at the centre are free of cost, and therapists have been appointed to assist. Differently abled and autistic children from Madappally, Thrikodithanam, Vazhappally, Payippad and Vakathanam panchayats can take therapy here. The project has been implemented by spending Rs 40 lakh, including the remuneration of the therapists. The district panchayat contributed Rs 10 lakh, while the five panchayats gave Rs 5 lakh each. 

Currently, 58 children have been identified for therapy and treatment after the initial screening process. Block panchayat president N Raju said that others who require free treatment would be accommodated according to specific guidelines and that they should contact the block panchayat office for assistance. 

Facilities at the therapy centre
• The therapy centre functions in five rooms in the 1,400 square feet building.
• Modern equipment and treatment methods have been arranged by spending Rs 18 lakh. 
• Autism park offers extensive facilities and assistance, including occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychiatry and special education.
• Play area for siblings who accompany the differently-abled kids.