D. Hemantha Kumar, the director of Helen Keller, Institute for the blind, though visually challenged himself, has attained several educational degrees.A yeoman in his service to the society in general and visually challenged and the disabled in particular, he is a man of extreme courage and determination.
Helen Keller Vocational Training Center: P.Shobha Rani started this association in 1988. Apart Braille and music, we conduct different activities for the visually impaired and train them in different trade skills. The Government of India, Ministry of Welfare has rendered its invaluable support to our training center since 1992. During 2004-2005, from government aid the association continued its training in Braille, orientation and mobility, life skills, music, canning, stenography, computer. Some of the activities which deserve mention are filling of drinking soda bottles, making chalk pieces, candles, soap, detergent and phenol.Helen Keller Hostel For the Blind : It was started on 1st June 1992, with the help of Ministry of Welfare, Government of India. We are happy to mention, ours is the first Organization in Andhra Pradesh to start a hostel for blind adults. We have a residential school for blind boys and girls. At present 144 members from different parts of Andhra Pradesh are residents of this school.
School for the blind :This special school for the blind was set up in 1997. Ours being the only school with hostel facility , there lies a great demand for it in Visakhapatnam district and north coastal Andhra Pradesh. At present the school holds classes up to the 7th standard and bridge courses for 10th class students. 84 children have benefited from this school during 2004-2005.
Braille book printing center : We have started a computer Braille press with an outlay Rs. 4 lakhs for the benefit of blind students in Andhra Pradesh. Our honorable Member of Parliament Visakhapatnam, Sri M.V.V.S Murthy has funded this project from his M.P. Local Area Development Scheme. We propose to release journals and magazines in future. At present we distribute Braille books to elementary school students throughout Andhra Pradesh. 503 children have received such books on general knowledge, poetry and school books during 2004-2005.
Braille Library : To propagate knowledge amongst the blind, a Braille library with about 1000 books in Telugu, English, and Hindi language have been launched. The books have been assembled from different organizations and is a boon for the blind. Schoolbooks, religious books, books on general subjects and those that we have published are kept in the library.
Physical education for the blind: Modified and adaptable versions of volleyball, cricket and a few other games, were introduced in the physical education programme for the blind. The number of visually handicapped and visually impaired persons of Visakhapatnam attending physical education have been steadily improving their physical structure and hygiene. A Mobility and Orientation instructor is supervising this programme.
Tuition center for the blind : Under the supervision of the basic Braille instructor and our warden, the training centre staff and school teachers are coaching the visually handicapped in higher classes to prepare for B.A. Entrance, B.A. B.Ed Entrance and M.A. As of now 40 persevering blind have benefited from this program.
Marriage links : Marriage for the blind is our ultimate concern. We encourage marriage links between normal and blind persons and have given top most priority to this matter. The secretary of the association is specially looking after this issue. 5 couples have been married due to our incentives.
Placement and employment: Our placement officer is persuading all private and government industries to recruit the visually handicapped. We have also recommended loans from the Banks and Governments to the visually handicapped and the blind. Three persons hold Government jobs and 5 blind persons acquired self-employment through placement officer's efforts this year.
Prevention of the blindness : Above 80% of blindness is due to cataract and other preventable diseases. If these are diagnosed at the right time further harm can be arrested. We have launched a programme to this effect.
Home teaching for normal persons : Braille instructors and members of the training centre are teaching those that are normal to learn and write Braille, and conduct home tuitions twice a week, not only to assemble more books for the blind but spread concern and awareness in society. We are indebted to those who are writing these books for our association.
Sports: We encourage sports like running, shot put, discuss throw, volley ball etc. We also plan to conduct state level volleyball and chess tournaments. Sporting events benefit the blind significantly. It improves their physical fitness and increases their confidence.
Functions : We observe 4 important functions.
Helen Keller Birth day celebration on 27th June.
White cane day celebration on 15th October.
Louis Braille birthday celebration on 4th January.
World disabled day on 3rd December.
The ministers of Andhra Pradesh and several VIPs have been our distinguished guests.
Future plan: Helen Keller Memorial Association for the blind executive committee has decided to start a school for the blind in Srikakulam during the year 2005-2006. It has also decided to construct a building in the coming year. The Committee aims to render its service to the poor, the physically challenged the S.C. & S.T. We have plans for a community-based rehabilitation centre in Visakhapatnam district for the benefit of rural disabled persons.
APPEAL: Donors will get the benefit of Income Tax exemption under Section 80 (G) and under FCRA Number - 010350061 for the contributions from the foreign countries.
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