Mental Retardation knows no national boundaries
That is why Lebenshilfe, the then West Germany gave initial support to start Lebenshilfe, Visakhapatnam in India. The German Lebenshilfe was founded in 1958 by Mr. Tom Mutters, a Dutchman with 15 parent-members.
In German 'Leben' means Life and 'Hilfe' means Help. Lebenshilfe thus means Life Help. Lebenshilfe, Visakhapatnam was founded in 1980, by Mrs. Saraswathi Devi Tallapragada (Sarah), a Special Educationist (USA) and an Intensive-In-service trainee of Lebenshilfe, Germany in the field of Mental Retardation. This institution was inaugurated by Tom Mutters with 12 Mentally Handicapped children as a private, voluntary and non-profitable organization. It is presently involved in imparting training to 454 mentally handicapped people of all kinds with different ages (age range 2-50 years) hailing from poorer sections of the society.
One hundred and fourteen dedicated staff is working with a greater commitment to transform their in-hidden abilities into meaningful skills which help them to command a life in the community with the same human dignity. This 27 year old service-oriented institution is situated in a building generously allocated by the Municipal Corporation, Visakhapatnam at M.V.P. Colony located on the sea shore and opposite to Lumbini Park.
Our Mission
To convert the mentally handicapped into useful contributors of the society.AIMS
1. Promotion of mentally handicapped welfare2. Providing moral support to parents and families
3. Equipping the staff with update knowledge
4. Awareness creation and sensitization on issues related to mental retardation among public
5. Mainstreaming
6. Vocational skills promotion for income generation
7. Quality of Life promotion
8. Social acceptance leading to social integration.
