“The right of all HER citizens to a share in the blessings of the good life, education and SHE it generously provides for all their ‘favored’ children. If some of them are blind, deaf, or any disability, will SHE continue to provide them with special instruction at high cost; and will SHE any longer neglect the poor retarded – the most wretched of all, born at HER,-those who are usually abandoned by their fellows – who can never of themselves step up upon the platform of humanity- will SHE leave them to their dreadful fate, a life of brutishness, without an effort in their behalf?..”
After the initial phase of tsunami response, the different level of sensitivity incites amiableAID to bring the interests of mentally disabled children and adults to the forefront.
Intellectual disability is deeply stigmatizing. The presence of such a family member cruelly deprives even the family of a socially satisfying and economically productive life. A large proportion of patients require continuous care and year-round medication.
Between the tsunami and pre-existing complex humanitarian emergencies, many mentally disabled children and adults who survived the tsunami had to cope with a range of limitations. Both the mentally disabled and their families often face scorn, ridicule, fear, and rejection because of lack of awareness of the rural society. These stigmatizing influences make life miserable for them and their families and contribute to their difficulties.
amiableAID is committed to helping people with intellectual disabilities grow up in their own families. However, a major concern for parents is the possibility that their disabled child will outlive them. The question “What will happen to my son or daughter when we are gone?” keeps bothering them as they and their child grow older. In addition, families often face the problem of having to arrange temporary care outside the family during times of crisis, family celebrations, travel, and other situations. There are also families who find themselves in a very difficult situation and for whom the care of their disabled member becomes impossible. Even families who are very committed and take good care of their disabled member feel the need to be relieved of care for a short time to avoid burnout.
Children with intellectual disabilities were supported in tsunami-affected areas through the foster home operated by amiableAID; very disadvantaged cases have been rendered with monthly payeeship assistance.
A group of trained volunteers from amiableAID assisted families with MR a range of educational materials. In addition to working closely with families, the project intervention has also raised awareness of the needs of these children and sensitized communities. The early intervention creates appropriate care and education facilities for the children with intellectual disabilities.
As an extension of its projects, amiableAID establishs a care home with research programs and a vocational training center for people with physical and intellectual challenge and old age home at Sothupparai, Periyakulam, Theni district.
The first step to recieve services is to contact amiableAID. Once contact is made, a process called “intake” begins.
During this process, amiableAID gathers information about the person requesting services, helps the person fill out application forms, and provides information about programs.
amiableAID plans and promotes many different service options based on the needs and choices of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. The goal is to
give individuals the opportunity to determine their own lives as much as possible in the least restrictive environment.
amiableAID recognizes the importance of involving individuals and their family members in the planning, development and monitoring of the service system.
Individual Rights, Promotion of self-determination, Respect, Optimal health and safety, and Community inclusion, utilizing neutral supports and general community services to the greatest extent possible.
