The Spastics Society of India is India’s most noted non-profit and a Non-governmental organization(NGO), working for Neuro-Muscular and Developmental Disabilities. Started in 1972, to provide education and treatment services for the spastics (children suffering from cerebral palsy)
Today it has broadened its scope to include programs on teacher training, vocational training of young adults with Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Mental Retardation, handicap products, Multiple Disabilities and Learning Disabilities. It also works in the field of advocacy and awareness and offers support to parents and other professionals. It has led to the formation of independent Spastic societies in 16 states in India. In 1999, it established the ‘National Resource Centre for Inclusion (NRCI), in Mumbai, to include disabled children from special schools into normal schools.
History
In 1966, when daughter Malini, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Mithu Alur found no proper schools for children with disabilities. So in 1968, she got trained as a teacher in the field of Special Education at the Institute of Education (IOE), University of London. Back home, she wanted to open a school in Mumbai, and she contacted the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. Indira Gandhi asked her to get in touch with actress, Nargis Dutt. Nargis Dutt became the first patron of ‘The Spastics Society of India’ (SSI), which formally started on October 2, 1972
Later the first ever special school in India for children with cerebral palsy, “Centre for Special education” was set up at Colaba on October 2, 1973, providing education and treatment facilities under one roof. It commenced with just three children — Malini (Mithu Alur’s daughter), Farhan and Imtiaz. Nargis Dutt, remained its lifelong patron. After her death in 1981, her mantle was taken up by her husband, Sunil Dutt.
Today, SSI Mumbai, runs centres in Colaba, Dharavi, Bandra and Chembur. SSI has spread its services in 16 states, and in cities like, Kolkata, Delhi (1978), Bangalore, Chennai, Allahabad, Dayalpur, Puneand Cochin, where it runs special schools for children with disabilities, and offers Wheelchairs, hearing aids as well vocational training and help for finding suitable jobs to the students, through rehabilitation, communication and speech therapy, counseling, parent training and support programs. Certificate and diploma courses are conducted for special educators, basic developmental therapists and community rehabilitators.
In 1987, the SSI received the National Award for the “Best Voluntary Agency” from the Government of India, and later in 1989, Mithu Alur was herself awarded the Padma Shri.
