Chennai woman runs institute for kids having learning disabilities

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“When I took my first class, I knew this is what I wanted to do my entire life,” says Suganya Kandasamy, who runs a rehabilitation institute for children with learning disabilities in Triplicane.

These kids, coming from underprivileged backgrounds, often fail to develop a positive cognition of the world because of the social stigma along with an expensive education system.

Suganya has been helping these children by conducting speech therapy classes, special education, and also counselling for parents and teachers, completely free of cost.

She says, “I have always loved spending time with children. I used to work in the banking sector but was never content. 8 years ago, after my father’s demise, I decided to quit my job, and did a course on special education and sign language to dedicate my time for these kids.”

Suganya is actually the daughter to a fisherman, and is also the breadwinner of her family. She says whatever little money she earns through conducting her classes, helps her support her mother along with her institution. She adds, “There are about 50 students. I don’t charge the underprivileged kids, but for those who can afford it, I charge a nominal fee of Rs. 200 per session. Usually, these classes cost Rs. 800 -1,200 per session. Nevertheless, I won’t increase the fees.”

The early detection of some delay in communication development is essential, but thoroughly uncommon in the underprivileged, since most of these people are neither aware, nor do they have the necessary means. Early language intervention is vital for children to be able to develop communication skills. The earlier the child receives required help, the better their language outcome will be, said Suganya. She also emphasised on the importance that speech therapy carries.

In the future, she plans to open a vocational training institute for these children so they can be self-sufficient. “Many parents are worried about the future of their children. These skills will help the children earn a livelihood.”

Besides from delivering special education, Suganya also volunteers for numerous different NGOs. She also provides occupational therapy in order to improve sensory processing skills understanding, registering, and responding to sensory information, fine motor skills for writing, attention by improving sitting tolerance, and social behaviour like making interaction with peers.

This was about Suganya and her thoughtful initiative to help the underprivileged children get the education they need and deserve. The world is need of more people who care enough about kids with disabilities, to put a foot forward and help them. If you know of any more such people, tell us in the comments. Do share your thoughts about Suganya and her work. Visit the space for more such stories!