Over 100 persons with disabilities avail services of ‘Vizhuthugal’ in Tiruchi

The One-Stop Centre (OSC) known as ‘Vizhuthugal’ (Roots) functioning in Tiruchi under the World Bank-funded TN RIGHTS project launched by the Department for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons, has registered 133 beneficiaries since it became functional in October 2025.

Aimed at providing integrated rehabilitation services to persons with disability (PwD), the OSC in Tiruchi is one of four sub-divisional centres (the others being in Manapparai, Musiri and Thuraiyur), of the Vizhuthugal initiative. The district has 18 block-level centres.

“The project is targeted at promoting early identification of disabilities and need-based services for PwD. Along with Dharmapuri, Tenkasi, Cuddalore and Chennai, Tiruchi district is part of the first phase of the initiative,” R. Ravichandran, District Differently Abled Welfare Officer, Tiruchi, told The Hindu.

The OSC’s services are given free of charge, and are available to PwD who are not beneficiaries of disability aid, said officials. “Since the centre’s services are free, many parents and PwD have started approaching us voluntarily, and are actively following up on their appointments. Families in rural areas are not aware of opportunities that can improve the earning capacity of persons with disabilities who are skilled. Besides job reservation in government postings, they can become entrepreneurs with the right kind of support,” said centre manager Ruban.

The OSC, located behind the Collectorate premises in Tiruchi, has separate sections for optometry, psychology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, special education, and speech therapy. Appointments are given in 40-minute slots, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, depending on the type of care required. Up to 45 persons can be attended to in a day. Queries on financial aid or medical devices are directed to an online registry and the Welfare of the Differently Abled Persons Department.

“Existing unused government buildings have been shortlisted and re-purposed for this project. The Tiruchi centre was refurbished at a cost of ₹20 lakh to make it user-friendly for PwD. We are planning to add some more facilities such as a sensory park in the coming months,” said Mr. Ravichandran.