Arivalayam is a special school and vocational training center set up in 1977 by BHEL Tiruchirappalli to cater to the special education needs of differently-abled children in the community.
Arivalayam was the BHEL management's response to the special needs of a three-year-old child enrolled in a pre-primary school in BHEL's township who was found to be showing little or no interest in joining in the activities of other children. A discreet survey revealed that there were other such special children in the township and nearby areas who required the services of special educators who were trained to meet the needs of differently-abled children.
Arivalayam opened its doors to the community with initial technical support from the Christoffel Blinden Mission of Germany and has grown over the years into a full-fledged, professionally managed Centre for the care of special children with over 200 students and 50 staff members.
Arivalayam has a spacious auditorium for conducting cultural programmes, indoor games and recreational activities and also provides hostel facilities for 40 children.
As most differently-abled children have to deal with limited motor co-ordination and have to overcome speech and language related challenges, Arivalayam is equipped with special sections that focus on each of these areas.
Today, Arivalayam looks far beyond special education and has set up an in-house Vocational Training Centre where the students develop vocational skills that enable them to earn their livelihood as independent, self-reliant members of the community.
Meet the dedicated individuals behind Arivalayam's mission.
Children are grouped from early intervention to vocational training based on age and capability, each receiving customized support across key developmental areas.
Focus is on developing fine motor skills, communication, socialization, and independence, preparing each child to integrate with confidence into the wider world.
Special educators, therapists, psychologists, and counselors work together to deliver personalized therapy sessions to meet each child's unique challenges.
Activities like yoga, games, arts, and music are incorporated to ensure well-rounded development while promoting emotional well-being.
Older students receive hands-on training in tailoring, garland making, screen printing, and more to build real-world skills and self-reliance.
Every child at Arivalayam receives close, personalized attention based on their unique strengths and challenges. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) ensure that no child is left behind, fostering steady progress in a nurturing environment.
Arivalayam provides a clean, safe, and nurturing hostel environment for differently-abled children who require residential care. The hostel accommodates up to 40 students, offering well-ventilated dormitories, nutritious meals, and 24/7 supervision by trained and dedicated caretakers.
The residential program is carefully structured to balance education, therapy, recreation, and self-care. Students engage in daily routines that promote independence, including self-grooming, organized study sessions, physical activities, outdoor visits to places like the nearby Children's Park in BHEL Township and group interactions.
Regular weekend outings, celebrations, and cultural activities ensure that hostel life is vibrant and enriching. Emotional well-being is prioritized through continuous support and bonding with peers and staff.
A simple, step-by-step journey to becoming part of the Arivalayam family.
A multidisciplinary committee comprising a psychiatrist, psychologist, paediatrician, speech therapist, and the Principal evaluates and selects students for admission.
Submit the form with required documents.
Assessment with a doctor present.
₹1500 first year, then ₹600 yearly.
Classrooms at Arivalayam are vibrant spaces where children engage in reading, writing, number recognition, and daily life concepts, guided by special educators and tailored to each student’s needs.
Multi-sensory activities develop essential motor and cognitive skills through engaging, hands-on tasks. All elements are designed to be engaging and adapted to individual needs.
Students take part in daily yoga sessions at noon to boost physical fitness, concentration, and relaxation. Guided by experienced instructors, they practice poses and breathing exercises to improve flexibility, balance, and overall health. Yoga also fosters calmness, mindfulness, and emotional well-being, helping students manage stress and stay healthy.
Arivalayam’s physical education program uses therapy balls, balance trainers, and other equipment to support students with disabilities. Activities include balance drills, gentle strengthening, stretching, and fun games like beanbag toss. Beyond fitness, the program boosts social skills, confidence, and overall well-being.
Practical, income-generating skills in garland making, tailoring, screen printing, and more to foster confidence and independence.
Folding, gluing, and assembling envelopes to build fine motor skills, precision, and teamwork.
Measuring, punching holes, and tying files to enhance organization and practical skillsets.
Slicing vegetables, learning food hygiene, and working as a team in a fun and skill-based environment.
Weaving cane into chairs to improve hand-eye coordination, patience, and craftsmanship.
Learning sewing techniques to create cloth bags, building fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities.
Music is a powerful tool at Arivalayam, used not only for recreation but also as a therapeutic and developmental activity. Students engage in rhythmic exercises, drumming, and group singing, often under the guidance of trained staff. These sessions help improve auditory skills, memory, coordination, and emotional expression.
Musical activities promote self-confidence, cooperation, and communication, making it an integral part of holistic development.
Regular rhythm and melody sessions help students improve memory, listening skills, and emotional expression. Music therapy also fosters social interaction and builds a joyful learning environment through bhajans, folk songs, and instrumental practice.
Arivalayam encourages structured play through various indoor and outdoor games that enhance gross and fine motor skills. From puzzles and blocks to guided movement games, these activities help in physical coordination, spatial awareness, and problem-solving.
Games also foster social interaction, teamwork, and discipline, contributing to emotional and behavioral development in a fun and engaging environment.
Structured indoor and outdoor games promote discipline, turn-taking, and peer bonding among the students. Customized physical activities are designed to improve hand-eye coordination, stamina, and overall physical well-being.
These play-based routines are essential in channeling energy positively while reinforcing focus and patience.
At Arivalayam, differently-abled children are empowered through vocational training and creativity-based activities. The products created by our students reflect not only their talent and determination but also their progress toward self-reliance.
These handcrafted items are displayed during school exhibitions and are available for purchase. Proceeds support student welfare and boost their confidence through appreciation and economic contribution.
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Caring for the differently-abled begins at Arivalayam, but their journey needs support far beyond. Even the smallest contribution promotes their well-being and integration into society. Let's join hands to build a better world and bring light into their lives.