Milestones
2002
Establishment of a Free Hostel for Visually Impaired college students
In 2002, Nethrodaya identified a critical gap in support for visually impaired students pursuing higher education. Many boys and girls from remote villages in Tamil Nadu, despite securing college admissions in the city, were denied boarding and lodging due to financial constraints.
To address this urgent need, Nethrodaya established a free residential facility for underprivileged visually impaired students. Since its inception, the hostel has provided a safe and supportive environment for over thousands of students, enabling them to focus on their education and build a better future.
2003
Establishment of an Exclusive Computer Training Centre
In 2003, Nethrodaya recognized the lack of access to computer education for visually impaired individuals. Understanding the transformative potential of digital literacy, Nethrodaya established an exclusive Computer Training Centre dedicated to visually impaired students.
This initiative not only equipped them with essential computer skills but also opened up wider career and academic opportunities. Many have benefitted from this program till date. The centre also served as a resource hub, offering browsing facilities for students after college hours.
2004
Launch of an Exclusive Medical Help Line for the Visually Impaired
In 2004, Nethrodaya launched a 24x7 cost-free medical helpline (044-26533680) dedicated to providing quality healthcare support to underprivileged visually impaired patients.
Since its inception, the helpline has handled several medical emergencies and saved precious lives ensuring timely and accessible health assistance in our ongoing initiative.
2004
Creation of Audio Study Material for the Visually Impaired
To address the severe shortage of Braille textbooks, Nethrodaya launched a pioneering initiative to create Audio Study Materials for underprivileged visually impaired students across Tamil Nadu.
This innovative resource eased the educational challenges faced by these students by providing accessible learning content. The audio books are distributed in all districts of Tamil Nadu free of cost..
2004
Self-Employment Scheme for Poor Visually Impaired Families
Nethrodaya introduced a Self-Employment Scheme to support families of unemployed visually impaired individuals facing daily survival challenges. The scheme provided seed capital by procuring and distributing marketable products to beneficiaries, who then sold these items in trains to earn a livelihood.
This initiative empowered beneficiaries to become motivated and independent, helping them to build confidence and improve quality of their life.
2004
Supporting the Children of Visually Impaired Parents
Nethrodaya launched a scheme to support the education of children born to visually impaired parents. This initiative ensured that these sighted children could complete their education without financial barriers while fostering their growth as compassionate and supportive caretakers of their parents.
2006
Allotment of Land – GO No. 748
On 20th November 2006, the Government of Tamil Nadu issued the historic GO No. 748, allotting land to Nethrodaya for the establishment of a State-of-the-Art Resource Centre. This centre was envisioned to provide special education and support to economically disadvantaged differently-abled students from remote villages across Tamil Nadu.
2006
Cow Project
Launched in 2006, the Cow Project provided families of visually impaired persons with a cow and a calf free of cost. This livestock support helped under privileged blind families generate a stable income and live with greater self-esteem and independence.
2009
Inauguration of State-of-the-Art barrier free building for the welfare of the Differently Abled by the Minister of Social Welfare Govt of Tamil Nadu
2012
Establishment of Free Residential Higher Secondary Special School
In 2012, a government-recognized Free Residential Higher Secondary Special School for visually impaired and physically challenged boys and girls was inaugurated. The school provides inclusive education and residential facilities at no cost to support their academic and overall development.
2009
Release of Vaayupugal Book
A book highlighting various government welfare schemes for the differently abled was released to promote awareness and accessibility. Awareness being the first step toward empowerment, this initiative aims to help beneficiaries make full use of available support.
The Honourable Minister for Information officially released the book, marking a key step in reaching the underserved.
2011
The Inauguration of Free Community Hall
Nethrodaya proudly inaugurated its Free Community Hall, a dedicated space created to empower underprivileged and visually impaired communities. This inclusive facility was established to serve as a hub for educational, cultural, and social initiatives—completely free of cost.
2018
Death with Dignity
Launched in 2018 across all 38 districts of Tamil Nadu, the Death with Dignity scheme was initiated by Nethrodaya to ensure that visually impaired individuals receive a respectful and dignified final farewell.
Recognizing that many families faced financial difficulties or lacked support to perform last rites, this initiative provided assistance for cremation or burial ceremonies, allowing families to honor their visually impaired loved ones with the respect they deserve.
2022
Establishment of an Exclusive Fitness Centre
In 2022, Nethrodaya inaugurated the first-of-its-kind Exclusive Fitness Centre dedicated to the differently abled community. This centre set new standards in promoting independence and accessibility, empowering differently abled individuals across Tamil Nadu to lead healthier and more active lives.
2022
Launch of Monthly Free Grocery Scheme
In 2022, Nethrodaya launched the Monthly Free Grocery Scheme to support families of visually impaired persons facing financial difficulties. This initiative provides essential groceries free of cost every month, helping alleviate poverty and ensuring that these families have access to basic nutrition and sustenance.
2024
Launch of Unique Scheme: Medicine for the Blind
In 2024, Nethrodaya launched the unique “Medicine for the Blind” scheme to support poor visually impaired patients unable to afford their medicines to treat their chronic medical condition. This initiative delivers essential medicines free of cost directly to beneficiaries’ doorsteps across various districts of Tamil Nadu, ensuring timely healthcare access for those in need.
