PRODUCTION CENTRE

The first production centre of the trust was started in Katpadi in rented buildings in an industrial estate. Now this centre comprises a MACHINE SHOP, AUATOMAT SECTION, FABRICATION facilities and employs over 130 persons. The machine shop is equipped with both indigenous and imported machines and manufactures high precision small components for use by original equipment manufacturers for AUTOMOBILE CARBURETTORS, SHOCK ABSORBERS, PUMPS and ELECTRCAL EQUIPMENT. The fabrication section produces WHEELCHAIRS, TRICYCLES and OTHER MOBILITY AIDA for the disabled and uses its surplus capacity to produce HOSPITAL and HOUSEHOLD STEEL FURNITURE.

TECHNICAL TRAINING CENTRE

Started in 1973, this co-educational residential centre is situated in the sprawling campus of the trust. The centre is well equipped and staffed by highly experienced and qualified instructors who impart training in turner, machinist, draughtsman and electronics trades. The two year course which admits around 60 trainees every year is recognised by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). The centre also provides functional training to boys who are not eligible for the above courses. All the trainees receive stipends during their training period.

PLASTICS UNIT

This is a more recent venture of the trust and is a full fledged production unit manufacturing PRECISION INJECTION MOULDED COMPONENTS. It was started in 1986 with generous support from SWEDISH RED CROSS and SIDA and currently employs over 45 persons. The unit has injection moulding machines manufacturing WATCH STRAPS, PARTS FOR SHOCK ABSORBERS, METERING WHEELS, BICYCLE PEDALS amongst other items. It also produces all the components for FLUSHING SYSTEMS for one of India’s leading SANITARYWARE manufacturer.

TRANSITIONAL SCHOOL FOR THE HANDICAPPED CHILDREN

a co-educational residential transitional school for about 60 orthopaedically handicapped children was started in 1976. Severely disabled children who are unable to attend normal school are brought here, surgically treated if required and provided prosthetic or walking aids. Formal education is given to them to bring them as close as possible to normal children at a given age. Physiotherapy treatment is also provided during the necessarily prolonged convalescence. The objective is to integrate these children into regular schools nearer their homes and rehabilitate them from an early age and at comparatively lower costs than when they are at an older age with less education. The school functions from a building specially designed too suit children with physical disabilities. Care is a lso taken to see that familial ties are maintained.

THE OUTREACH PROGRAMME

This scheme was initiated in 1988 and is primarily a community based rehabilitation activity carried out in the villages of North Arcot district for polio affected children. The outreach staff who generally hail from the same villages are given 6 months training in physiotherapy and other aspects of identification and management of polio. The objective of the program is to assist and rehabilitate polio affected children with the help of the parents and the community instead of resorting to institutional care. Physiotherapy and calipers are provided to the children, thus facilitating their acceptability and integration within their communities. Constant follow up action is taken and close monitoring is done to improve efficiency. The programme covers 90 villages at present and is being extended further.

MOBILITY AIDS DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

Started in 1992 this centre strives to improve existing mobility aids such as wheelchairs, three wheelers, etc. new models are designed and prototypes are developed and tested here. The results are shared with selected organisations.

ORTHOTIC WORKSHOP

Part of the activities at Katpadi is the small orthotic workshop where calipers, crutches, special footwear, etc are made.