Date:31/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/31/stories/2006073106470400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Venkatachala opens centre for special children

Staff Reporter

I enjoy working with these children, says educator

Bangalore: N. Venkatachala, former Lokayukta, inaugurated the Centre for Child Development and Disabilities at Chitrapur Bhavan here on Sunday.

Interacting and enjoying the company of children there, he lauded the initiative of Nandini Mundkur in starting the centre.

Speaking to The Hindu, Savita, a special educator at the centre, which handles with children with autism, dyslexia, Down's syndrome, lack of attention span and other such development and behavioural disorders, said, "I enjoy working with these children. It is a learning experience. I have been working as a special educator for the past 12 years and this enables me to interact better with these special children."

Dr. Mundkur, paediatrician and director of the centre, said, "We believe that treatment of children with special needs should be holistic. We are dedicated to help every child achieve its maximum physical, intellectual and emotional potential. The centre intends to address various development and behavioural problems under one roof." The centre brings together various specialists in the field of development paediatrics, paediatric orthopaedics, paediatric neurology, psychiatry and rehabilitation specialists, she added.

Shameem, another special educator at the centre, said that the institution offered hope to children with several development and behavioural disabilities.

Later, Mr. Venkatachala spoke to the children and distributed gifts.