·         6,26,809 people in the age group of 0-19 living with disabilities in the state of Maharashtra

·         800-1000 children with disabilities a year visit the Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children

On the occasion of Helen Keller week, Centre for Empowerment of Children with Disabilities (CECWD) is inaugurated in Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children.

Helen Keller, though  deaf-blind had earned Bachelor’s degree in Arts and was a known American author, political activist, and lecturer. All this would not have been possible without the support of her teacher Anne Sullivan. At the CECWD, special educators like Anne Sullivan will be appointerd who will empower the lives of children with disabilities.

In the state of Maharashtra alone, the statistics show that when the census was conducted in the year 2011, there were 6,26,809 people in the age group of 0-19 living with disabilities, of them 44,083 are people living with Multiple Disabilities. There are very few centers, providing, services to this large population.

Dr Minnie Bodhanwala, CEO Wadia Hospital says, “Today, with the new life style choices adopted by people there has been increase in the diseases, genetic conditions, and trauma at birth along with varied other causes there is an increase in the number of children with disabilities. At our hospital on an average we cite 800-1000 children with disabilities a year. This made it imperative for us to have a CECWD, to enhance the quality of their life and empower them to overcome the limitations caused by disabilities We also thank MCGM corporators for helping us in this initiative.”

“The centre will disseminate all information related to disabilities like, the applicable concessions and government schemes available, Legal Acts and their implications. Direct services provided by the centre would be Special Education, Remedial Education and Vision Rehabilitation, these shall work in collaboration with the other services provided at the Hospital. The Hospital will now house all the services under one roof at cost-effective prices. ”

B.J. Wadia Children’s Hospital has been awarded the Best Hospital in Asia. Renowned Pediatricians, offer their expertise to provide medical services to these children.  It also has the best rehabilitative services for children. Their programs have Occupational Therapy, Physio Therapy, Speech Therapy