Disabled-friendly van on MITHRAs fleet

CHENNAI: Madras Institute to Habilitate Retarded Afflicted (MITHRA) added a disabled-friendly van to its fleet besides launching its own website, when it turned 35 on Monday. The van, which was donated to the institute by Federation EMMAUS-Switzerland (FES) through ECOMWEL can accommodate upto three wheel chairs.The seats inside the van were altered to wheelchairs besides accommodating two escorts other than the driver. It also has a hydraulic lift to move in and move out of the vehicle to make it much easier for access. It will cater to the rehabilitation and welfare of differently-abled persons afflicted with cerebral palsy, autism, down syndrome and mental retardation who come for treatment.The van was handed over to the institute's founder-secretary Sr Mary Theodore by Secretary Disabled Welfare Kannegi Packianathan.  The service of the disabled friendly vehicle can be availed by contacting the institute, the secretary said.Mary Theodore, who read out the annual report, pointed out the key services rendered by the organisation. MITHRA’s activities over the years through its services like occupational therapy, physiotherapy, special education, residential accommodation, computer lab and speech therapy were also brought out in the report.David Holly, Australian Consul General for South India who launched the institute's website, (www.mithra.org.in) praised the commitment of the institute to serve the needy. Joshua Mar Ignathios Bishop of the Eparchy of Mavelikara presided over the ceremony which concluded with the children from the institute performing a dance. They also staged a skit portraying the value of life.