M. Sridhar, who lost vision in both his eyes after a jaundice attack, gave up his job with a national daily in Mumbai. Currently, he serves as a Public Relation Officer (PRO) with the United Orphanage for the Disabled in Coimbatore. This home for the mentally-disabled was founded in 1998 by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan. “Initially, it was a school for those suffering with polio. However, with the near eradication of polio, it has been converted into a home for the mentally-disabled since 2005,” he says.

In 2005, The United Orphanage for the Disabled had about 47 inmates. Currently, it houses 110 mentally-disabled orphans. The home accepts inmates who are over 18 years of age. The oldest inmate in this home is 60. People are referred to this home by the District Administration. Ever since it came into being, the United Orphanage for the Disabled gives hope to its abandoned inmates and to the less fortunate, by giving them the renewed confidence to face life.

The home, located at Kurumbapalayam, 15 kilometres from Coimbatore, takes care of the physical and emotional needs of all inmates by providing them with an environment that enhances each inmate’s awareness of his or her self, dignity, security, comfort, and peace of mind. The basic and medical needs of all the inmates of this home are taken care of. From time to time, the inmates are also offered counselling.

The home also shelters abandoned and aged mothers, and adult mentally-ill patients who are referred to by the District Administration. The United Orphanage for the Disabled has 17 full-time employees and a dozen residential staff. Currently, this home runs on public support.