Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) unique project ‘Sravanam’ to reach out many deaf and dumb infants is being appreciated by one and all in both Telugu States. Started 11 years ago, this project has become a boon today in the lives of such differently abled children across twin Telugu states.
Started in the year 2006 with just 15 infants and two trained faculty by the then Executive Officer of TTD Sri APVN Sharma with the support of Bala Vidyalaya Director Smt Saraswathi from Chennai, today there are 175 children and 31 faculties in this unique project. So far in the past 11 years, about 244 children who underwent training in this project are now leading a normal life along with other children in both the Telugu speaking states.
Sravanam is headed by the Chief Medical Officer of TTD Dr D Nageswara Rao. TTD is now contemplating to strengthen the Project by giving enhanced training to children. Dr Nageswar rao said “Our chief aim is to give a new lease of life to these specially abled children and lead a normal life along with other children. We conduct all sorts of recreational activities, competitions to encourage them during special occasions like Flag Day, Children’s Day, annual day etc. and they excel showcasing their talents”.
Infact with the overwhelming response the Sravanam project garnered over the years has prompted TTD to open a centre in Vizag last year. The centre has around 30 children, who are aged below three years are undergoing training.
To train the infants with hearing and speech deficiencies, TTD has employed teachers who have specialised in the area with a qualification of Diploma in Teaching Young Hearing Impaired (DTYHI). Here they train the children in Development of Hearing Voice and Natural Integration (DHVANI) in sound proof classes. The children undergo training in a pleasant environment and 57 dedicated non-teaching staff also takes care of these children.
In a one of its kind initiative TTD has started a program where parents too can undergo the training to have a better communication with their Child with special needs. TTD also provides boarding and lodging to the parents during the training period of their children. There are about 100 hostellers and 30 day scholars in Sravanam Project. Each faculty will be allotted with four students alone for better training.
A child with the special needs from the age of Zero to three years can sought the admission in the Sravanam Institution and TTD provides them with free training. For any information the phone numbers 0877-2264290,4644 and 4443 can be contacted.
Photo Courtesy: TTD
