Shine Trust- Special School

SMART Special School, operated by Shine Mentally Challenged and Rehabilitation Trust, is a nongovernmental organization established in 2003 in Arakkonam. The trust supports children and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through education, therapy, family services, and community-based care. Its approach focuses on nurturing each person’s abilities while promoting independence, confidence, and dignity.

Programs include early intervention for children aged 0–6 and a day care centre for ages 6–14, combining learning, play, and personalized support. Therapeutic services include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, behaviour modification and Applied Behaviour Analysis, as well as group, play, and pet therapy. These services address movement, communication, daily living skills, social interaction, and emotional development.

For older students, vocational training builds practical life and work skills to encourage meaningful participation in the community. The school also provides daily meals, snacks, and milk, along with scholarships, stipends, counselling, guidance, and workshops for families. Through these integrated services, Shine Trust works to make education and care accessible while supporting individuals and their families.