The Hindu : A computer centre for the mentally challenged

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Apr 28, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Karnataka

A computer centre for the mentally challenged

By Our Staff Correspondent

MYSORE April 27. Mythri Charitable Trust, Mysore, which is engaged in the rehabilitation of mentally challenged children, has started a computer centre for the benefit of these special children. With donations from Software Paradigms Pvt. Ltd. and IT Kids Centre, the computer centre has four computers with colour monitors. It was dedicated to the mentally challenged children and young adults at a function organised by the trust on Friday on its institute premises near Nanjumallige Circle, Chamundipuram.

In view of the mentally disabled children's shortcomings and handicaps, the donors have offered to the computer centre suitable software that is not only user-friendly and attractive but also helps their mental development. According to the Managing Trustee and Coordinator of the trust, P.S.Balakrishnan, the software for the children who suffer from Cerebral Palsy, has all the ingredients of fun and frolic, entertainment and education, adventure and brain-teasing programme. "This will captivate the children,'' he said and hoped that such children will be drawn towards the wonders of the computer.

The mentally retarded children are generally receptive to dance and music than any other activity. "I am sure a computer will interest them,'' he said. Though it was not an easy task, Mr. Balakrishnan expressed the hope that the special children would grow up to become computer professionals. The trust authorities were so far using different tools to improve the mentally challenged children's abilities. Training had made several such special children develop job-oriented skills such as bookbinding, toy making etc. "Computer appears to be a better tool to improve such children's attention and concentration. A computer can help them develop imagination, memory sequencing skills, hand-eye coordination and creativity,'' Mr. Balakrishnan said and added that "a computer will also serve as an entertainment for them.''Even the Trust's other programmes for children will be reinforced at the computer centre through visual media. This is expected to leave an indelible impression on the children's minds. Also, the faculty will offer computer training to children in a steady and planned manner so that the element of amusement and entertainment will always be part of the computer classes.

"Hopefully, the children will familiarise themselves with the basic operations of the computer,'' Mr. Balakrishnan said. The special children's initial reaction to computers has been encouraging. Referring to Mary, who is under the trust's care, he said she and her friends, all special children, were thrilled on listening to various rhymes and accompanying cartoons on the computer. Similarly, Keshav, son of an autorickshaw driver, was excited when he touched and operated the computer. A special coaching camp in English is being organised for the children to prepare them for computer learning, which is largely English-based.

Far from distracting the children's attention from other activities for their benefit, Mr. Balakrishnan hoped that the computer training programme would complement other activities such as art and craft, yogasanas, sports, music, dance, job-oriented courses, etc.

The trust is planning to extend the computer training programme to mentally challenged children studying in different schools of the City. Parents of mentally challenged children, who are interested in exposing their wards to the wonders of the computer, can contact the trust representatives at 775, 10th Main, 7th Cross, K.H.Road, Saraswathipuram or Mythri Institute, Dr. Gopala Swamy Shishu Vihara and Higher Primary School Campus, Chamundipuram. Information can also be obtained from Mr. Balakrishnan on Ph: 545997.

Meanwhile, the institute conducted a summer camp at which participants were trained in marbling techniques on paper, designing special greeting cards using leaves and flowers, clay modelling, candle-making, laughter therapy techniques, cricket and computers.

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