A group of parents of intellectually challenged per- sons have come together to form a community living space at Keezhariyur in Kozhikode district to help their children become self-reliant.

D.K. Babu, a retired college teacher, who is the joint secretary of the Parents’ As- sociation for the Rehabilitation and Assistance for the Intellectually Disabled to Support and Empower (PARADISE) Trust that has come up with the initiative, said the parents had pooled in money to buy five acres of land at Meerod Mala. He said the community living space would have facilities for the mental and physical well-being of their wards. “If they live here with their parents for some time, they will be able to continue here even after their parents’ lifetime. Villas are also being planned for the parents,” he said. The trust is planning to set up daytime shelters and therapy centres on the premises. There could be centres for skill development so that they can take up jobs.
K. Koyatti, chairman of the trust, pointed out that intellectually disabled peo- ple were still not getting State support in the country unlike what they got abroad. The trust is expecting funds from philanthropists and corporate social responsibility initiatives of companies to take forward its activities. Kozhikode district panchayat president Sheeja Sasi launched the initiative on Children’s Day on Sunday.