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In its endeavour to help the visually
impaired stand on their own feet, Nethrodaya leaves no stone
unturned. At Nethrodaya, intent finds expression in a variety of
vital services. In keeping with its vision, mission and goal,
Nethrodaya’s services go beyond the mere provision of basic
needs and focus on facilitating the development of the potential
that the visually impaired have.
Nethradhenu
How does a visually impaired villager earn a living?
 ‘Nethradhenu’ is
conceived and implemented by Nethrodaya. It reaches out to
the visually impaired villagers who are dependent on their families for
survival. By offering a cow it provides them a source of income and make
them independant, thus building up self-esteem, dignity, respectability
and self confidence. So far 10 people have been benefited out of this
scheme.
Nethrodaya believes that ‘Nethradhenu’ is a small first step towards empowering the beneficiaries to build a social enterprise out of this small service activity.
Jyothir Bhavan – Home for College Students
Where does
a bright student, burning with the fire to excel at college, go?
 To
the mainstream hostels that force him to live in inhuman
conditions? The answer is no and Jyothir Bhavan is Nethrodaya’s
response to fill the glaring gap.
This user-friendly hostel for poor, visually impaired college
going students is the first of its kind in Tamilnadu state.
Here, students with satisfactory academic credentials from all
over Tamilnadu receive all the support they need to pursue their
education:
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Free boarding and lodging.
With the valuable contributions of people from all walks of
life, Nethrodaya is able to provide nutritious food and
facilities for stay that are a vast improvement over the
kind that the students have been used to.
A well-coordinated reader
service. Numerous volunteers contribute time and read
lessons for the visually impaired students. Volunteers also
record lessons on tape for repeated use by students.
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Expert instruction in Yoga. Once
a week, a qualified instructor comes to Nethrodaya and
teaches residents simple yoga techniques that help them stay
in a state of good health.
In addition, visually impaired who come
to Chennai for entrance exams and selection interviews are
welcome at Nethrodaya for short stays.
Supporting the Education of Children with
Visually Impaired Parents
What is to be made of the lives of the children of visually
impaired parents?
Nethrodaya believes believe the impairment of the parents should
not impair the future of normal children. Accordingly,
Nethrodaya gives children of blind families proactive support in
receiving good education.
Rehabilitating those Involved in Begging
Why does begging so often become the default occupation of
the visually impaired?
The visually impaired take to begging because nobody shows them
alternatives. To do that, all that is required is an unswerving
commitment to help them come out of begging, find a viable
alternative and make it happen. Nethrodaya addresses this aspect
on an ongoing basis.
Financial Assistance for Business
How do you help the visually impaired earn their bread?
A grant of marketable goods, worth as little as Rs. 500/-, can
set a visually impaired person on the path of economic
self-reliance. By providing this seed money, Nethrodaya has
given several visually impaired people the power to earn a
living.
Shelter for the Shelterless
Is there no alternative to living in the open, exposed to the
elements and the world?
Nethrodaya is committed to help the homeless visually impaired
find a home. To do that, Nethrodaya finds a house, pays the
advance money and hands over the key to the visually impaired.
Health Helpline
Who should come to the rescue of the visually impaired when
they need medical help?
 Nethrodaya values the gift of life
and good health. When an accident or illness upsets the well
being of the visually impaired, Nethrodaya rushes in with all
possible assistance to ensure that health is restored.
Nethrodaya also organizes medical camps for the visually
impaired.
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