Organizational Structure

Founder:

Saraswathi Devi Tallapragada (SARAH)

Special School and Vocational units Organization (Service Providers)

1. Project Co-ordinator
2. Principal
3. Two Supervisors
4. Five Special Educators
5. Thirty three trained teachers
6. Five therapists
7. Thirty four ayahs, helpers, watchman etc.
8. Eight vocational instructors
9. One warden
10. One house parent
11. One sports instructor
12. One drawing instructor
13. One workshop assistant
14. One peon
15. One accountant
16. One clerk/office assistant 17. One cook
18. One asst.cook
19. One nurse

Rehabilitation team

1. One medical doctor
2. One physiotherapist
3. One speech therapist
4. One psychologist
5. Principal
6. One special educationist 7. One parent

"Who says what?" about Founder

From News Paper Clippings

The Times of India : Women of Substance. Domain: Social Service
Magazine :Special issue focusing Women April 2004

Working for Humanity:

Lebenshilfe for the Mentally Challenged, - 1980, in the service of 12 mentally challenged children, Lebenshilfe for the Mentally Challenged' - 2004, in the service of 454 mentally challenged. The woman behind this - Saraswathi Devi Tallapragada. She is a woman who has spent her life for the under privileged that generally affect the poor children. After her Masters in Political Science with two diplomas in theatre arts from Andhra University, Saraswathi Devi obtained special education and did intensive study in-service training in the field of mental retardation from USA and Germany. Her academic life was followed by the founding of 'Lebenshilfe for the Mentally Challenged' where the children are given round the clock care by 120 most committed and dedicated staff. She developed tiger dance, an old form of art of Andhra Pradesh into a therapy to control aggressiveness in the challenged children. "Hug Them Tight", a 4 year research project with university hospitals of Geneva. "Snoezelen", a Dutch therapy some of the other initiatives by her to provide mental as well as physical comfort to severely mentally challenged with various behavior disorders. Saraswathi's second love is art and her commitment towards it led her to form Movement for Audience Awareness (MAA). MAA produced a play "Soodimandu" that was 6 revenue districts of Andhra Pradesh. It raised awareness among masses about the six deadly diseases that generally affect poor children. Saraswathi Devi is an outstanding speaker too, her oratory power can be seen from the facts that she has presented papers in 20 international conventions every time on invitation and she has been invited to Montpellier, France to submit two papers during the 12th IASSID World Congress in June, 2004. As globe trotter she has traveled extensively and addressed many associations like the Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs to name two. There is a lot that Saraswathi Devi has in her. She is the woman who has harnessed her abundance of talent to provide relief to those who have not been fortunate and lead a debilitated existence. In this world where one's pain others gain, she is a difference.

Deccan Chronicle: a largely circulated national news paper

SHE TOOK UP THE CHALLENGE

Crusader T. Saraswathi Devi works for the mentally challenged children. Looking after Mentally Challenged children is the most challenging jobs one can think of. And T. Saraswathi Devi is doing an admirable job of it. She doesn't require any introduction in the city as her selfless service to the Mentally Challenged children is well renowned. After undergoing special training in the U S she started the Lebenshilfe society. Looking after 442 Mentally Challenged children she sees that every child is encouraged to compete in different areas. Her aim is to bring these children into the mainstream of life. Her tiger dance therapy, pre-vocational training and many other techniques which she has evolved and uses have made these special children stand tall . She works towards making the children confident and self-assured and no different from other children.

Rotarian Counselor's report (1976) to Educational Awards of the Rotary Foundation, Rotary International, 1600 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, Illinois, 60201 USA

Awardee's Name: Tallapragada Saraswathi Devi

Awardee's effectiveness in fulfilling the purpose of the award: 'Out standing'

Mrs T. Saraswathi Devi is in possession of all the characteristics that make for an excellent Rotary Foundation Fellow for both the academic and Rotary's point of view. She has an excellent personality. She is an outstanding speaker. She has the proper attitude towards the Rotary Foundation program. She was an instant success at all the affairs that she attended both within and without Rotary. She was a good ambassador for Rotary and India and she served to fulfill the fourth objective of Rotary in a most excellent manner.

Rotarian Per Klykken Jr. Rotarian Counselor: Rotary International (RI) District 798 USA

Deccan Chronicle 27 August 1985: by Hipsy Chase: to quote a few sentences from her article.

Commitment - Prescription for Social Service

The quality of ministry women have brought, are bringing and will continue to bring the less privileged, in the society, is among the glories of history. We need no examples to mention, for every generation has produced woman who sought no fame, but whose daily existence, is itself a testimony of warmth, congeniality and service. We have T. Saraswathi devi this week. There is something breathless about her. In a way, she has got an excited kid in her. Her energy amazes you.

THE TIMES OF INDIA: Hyderabad Friday, April 4, 2003 'STREE SHAKTI'

She developed new therapies to help mentally challenged

By N. Ramachandra Rao : Times News Network

Visakhapatnam: Tallapragada Saraswathi Devi is a veritable goddess for many mentally-challenged persons in Andhra Pradesh and its neighboring states. 59 - year old Saraswathi takes care of the 442 mentally-retarded persons at Lebenshilfe, a unit of the German-based service organization she started about two decades ago. Lebenshilfe, which means 'life help' in German, offers more than a dozen therapies to treat mentally retarded children, among which saraswathi's Tiger Dance therapy has gained popularity worldwide. Saraswathi seems to have somehow been drawn to the life of the physically and mentally retarded people. She started her career as a teacher in the K.D.P. Municipal High School in Visakhapatnam in the early 1970s. Later, she was selected for a district-level scholarship offered by Rotary International to work as a teacher for the handicapped in Rani Chandramani Devi Hospital. Subsequently, she became one of the 50 women selected for a course in Special Education concerning the handicapped in the US in 1973-74. A few handicapped persons maintaining a canteen in the US inspired me to do something for the physically challenged in my country. I supported a few physically challenged men in RCD Hospital after I returned from the US and they were all happy with their employment," Saraswathi said. Her life took a major turn at the third Asian Conference on Mental Retardation, held in Bangalore in 1977. Saraswathi had set up a tiny stall in the exhibition showcasing her innovative ideas for treating the mentally-challenged. A Dutch man., Tom Mutters, Lebenshilfe's founder in Germany, and his counterparts in England and other countries noticed it and awarded the first prize to her stall. All the 14 member countries were astonished by the decision. "The seven teaching aids I developed for the mentally-handicapped were widely appreciated" she said. She visited Germany on Tom Mutters's, invitation where she underwent training in 1978-79. Saraswathi started Lebenhilfe's India branch in Visakhapatnam with 12 children in 1980, which then funded her for five years. Impressed by her service, the group then extended aid for another two years.

T.Saraswathi Devi receiving honour and DISES International Teacher of the year 2009 Award on 3 April2009 at Sheraton Hotel at Seattle, Washington, USA. Saraswathi Devi was honoured in the midst of Special Education Experts of USA in connection with the Seattle Convention and Expo organized from 1-4th April. Clay Keller (left ) Director of DISES, and Marg Csapo, (right) DISES Board Member are also seen.

Who Is She?

T.SARASWATHI DEVI (SARAH)

M.A. DIA; DID: Elc., spl. Ed, USA

An R.F.Awardee, 1975-76 (Teachers for the Handicapped, Rotary Foundation of Rotary International) USA.

An Intensive in-service Trainee Lebenshilfe Germany (1978-79 in the field of Mental Retardation).

Saraswathi Devi (Sarah) founder, Lebenshilfe, Visakhapatnam, India, receiving CEC (Council for exceptional children) INTERNATIONAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR 2009 on 4 April, Sheraton, Seattle from CEC President Kathleen Puckett.

Honours & Awards:

DISES Teacher of the Year 2009 USA, (Division of International Special Education and Services)

&

COUNCIL FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN (CEC) USA) INTERNATIONAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR 2009

Founder, Secretary General & Executive Director: LEBENSHILFE-Visakhapatnam A.P. India

President: Roller Skating Association of Andhra Pradesh. (R-SAAP)

Vice President: Roller Skating Federation Of India (R S F I ) India

Dy.Governor: ABIRA American Biographical Research Association (ABI) USA

Member

1. IASE (International Association for the special education) USA
2. IASSID (International Association for the scientific study of intellectual disabilities) USA
3. CEC(Council for Exceptional Children) &DISES (Division of International Special Education And Services) USA

Member

1. State Executive Committee: Disabled Welfare, Women Dev. & Child Welfare Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad.
2. Hospital Development Committee, Govt. Child Welfare Committee Govt. Children Home for Boys, Viskhapatnam.
3. District Cultural Affairs Council, Visakhapatnam. Govt. of A.P.
4. District Alumni Association Rotary International RI Dist., 3020.
5. Rotary Club Vizag Elite Dist.3020. -Child Welfare Committee Govt. Children Home for Boys, Viskhapatnam.
6. TASK FORCE: Dept. of Juvenile welfare & Correctional Services & Welfare of Street Children Government of Andhra Pradesh.
7. Divisional Rail Users Consultative Committee (DRUCC) East Coast Railway (Waltair Division)

Life member

1. Walkers Club, Visakhapatnam.
2. FWMR, New Delhi (Federation for the welfare of the Mentally Retarded).
3. APAWMR, Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh Association for the welfare of mentally challenged).
4. Junior Red Cross, Visakhapatnam Andhra Pradesh.
5. YMCA, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Former Chairperson:Juvenile Welfare Board VSP for 3 revenue districts
Former District Governor: Y’s man International Central India region, Dist. East II 1997-98
Former Region Chairperson: Lions Clubs International Dist.324 C1
Former Zone Chairperson: Polioplus Program of Rotary International R I Dist.3020

ABOUT HER

Academic Achievements
- Masters Degree in Political Science (Andhra University 1970-72).
- Teachers Credentials 1st Division (St.Theresa’s Convent, Eluru 1960-62)
- Intensive Course in English, ELS Language Center (D.C., USA)
- Special Education SC SC New Haven Connecticut USA 1975 – 76
- Intensive- in-service training in the filed of mental retardation 1978–79 West Germany.

Education Therapeutics
University of Liverpool, U.K., (A quiet Place)

Other Qualifications
- Diploma in Acting (Two years course Andhra University 1962-64)
- Diploma in Play Direction (Two years course Andhra University 1967-69)

Professional Experience

45 years of service to physically and mentally challenged till todate.

Awards Received

- Plaque of Honor: 1981 from Lebenshilfe Germany Outstanding Services.
- Master M.N.Award: The world Teacher Trust 1992, great humanitarian services
- Uttarandhra Mother Theresa Award: Coastal Andhra Districts
- Bharath Excellence Award: 1999 from FFI, New Delhi As an outstanding social worker
- World life time achievement award ABI USA for outstanding services to humanity.
- Janmabhoomi Award: Govt of A.P: Mentally Challenged Welfare
- International Book of Honor: ABI USA for Outstanding Achievements.
- Outstanding Social Worker: Jaycees International State Award
- Samaikhya Bharath Gaurav Satkar Madras Telugu Academy 2005
- Adhyatmika Ratna Award: Maha Kameswari Peetham1995 Guardian of Goodwill Award 2006 Chaitanya Art Theatres Hyd 2006
- Samaikya Bharath Swarna Puraskar: Bharath Cultural Integration Committee: Chennai 2006
- Dharmapuri Spiritual Award, International Center for Indian Culture Hyd 2006
- UGADI PURASKAR: Visakha Samacharam Daily News Paper 2008 Ugadi Puraskar: Maha kameswari Peetham (Center for Spiritual Awakening) 2008 -Best Zonal Coordinator: national recognition from Polioplus committee, New Delhi
- Women of the Year 2005: Welfare Group of Companies
- International teacher of the year 2009 DISES) USA
- International teacher of the year 2009 (CEC) USA

Areas of Service in Short and Commitment to the Community at a glance

- Services to Street Children and Neglected Juveniles
- Traffic Education
- Cultural field
- Services to Handicapped
- Sports Activities
- Services to the Aged and Sick.
- Services to victims of Fire, Cyclone, Earth quake & Floods
- Services to helpless women in need & and teenagers in distress - Prisoners of Govt. Central Prison Visakhapatnam

Initiatives drawing International attention.

1. Tiger dance therapy: Converted Tiger Dance, a folk form of art of Andhra Pradesh into a therapy, translating the irregular movements of mentally retarded into useful gestures. Papers presented in 6 International Congresses have drawn the global attention generating a sense of interest in this therapy.
2. Snoezelen, Dutch Therapy: Introduced for the first time in India at Lebenshilfe to train the Severely Mentally Challenged, Stimulating five Sensory Organs.
3. “HUG THEM TIGHT” a 4-year research collaboration project between University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland (HUG) and LEBENSHILFE, Visakhapatnam with Dr. GIULIANA GALLI CARMINATI as its guide.
4. Organized a two-Day Symposium“Sensory problems and Sensitizing Families”and one Day Workshop “Opening Vocational Doors with Dr. RYO TAKAHASHI, Japan.
5. Organized an International Roundtable on Sexo- Pedagogie with 12 Overseas delegates from 7 countries 2005 at Lebenshilfe
6. Month-long Workshop on Theatre 2005 Marion
7. Art Therapy Workshop by Art Therapists of France
8. Workshop on Rhythm:2008 by Eve Neu haus,USA
9. Workshop on Tiger Dance Therapy 2008 by Dr Roxanne USA
10. Academic Workshop :2009 by Dr Matthew P. Janaicki of IASSID, USA
11. Art Therapy Workshop2009: By Aizawa Rutsuko, Japan

Attended and presented papers in 24 international congresses. As such the recent conferences attendd and presented posters and papers are:

1. CEC-DISES Convention &Expo2009 held at Seattle Convention and Trade Centre, Seattle, Washngton, USA (poster)
2. Fourth International Shafallah Forum Spl. Needs Children, Doha. Qatar (Paper) 20-22 April2009.

SPECIAL APPRECIATION RECEIVED FROM

1. Mr. J. N Bhatt, Consulate General (New York, USA) 1975
2. Mr. Chester Bowls, USA (2 times Ambassador to India) 1976
3. Rotary International USA & Rtn. Jr. PERKLYKKIN USA,1976
4. A place and page in International Book of Honor.
5. A place and a page in LUMINARIES OF VISAKHAPATNAM 1990
6. Honorable A.P.J. ABDUL KALAM, President of India 2006

Founder

- Lebenshilfe Association (Regd.) for the Mentally Challenged. (1980)
- HAPPY HEIGHTS: A service-oriented & melody-based Musical orchestra (1980)
- NATYA SIKHARA (Regd) A Dance Ballet Unit, 1982.
- SWARASIKHARA a Light Music Unit dedicated to Annamacharya, 1985.
- MAA (Regd) (Movement for Audience Awareness) for propagation of Polioplus program through presentation of street plays.
- DISTRICT SKATING ASSOCIATION (Regd.) Visakhapatnam

As an orator

- Addressed 40 Rotary & Other Organizations at USA 1975-76.
- Addressed 16 Rotary Clubs in Germany 1978-79.
- Addressed 8 Lions Clubs in Germany 1978-79.
- Addressed 15 Y’s Men clubs in USA 1998.
- Addressed 6 Y’s Men Clubs in Australia 1999.
- Addressed 20 Lions Clubs in USA Year 2000.
- Addressed R.I. Dist. (798) Convention 1976, Hyannis, Rhode Island, for 12 minutes enthralling the Rotarian delegates and other attendees at . Hyannis, Rhode Island, former president John F. kennedy’s Birth Place.

As a globe trotter

Visited 25 countries attending international conferences, Seminars, Workshops and Presenting Papers to share and to learn.

Marital Status

Married to Mr. A.Lakshmana Rao and a mother of two daughters.