BUDS institutions rolled out by the Kudumbashree and functioning under local self-government institutions (LSGIs) in the district are on the road to transformation, thanks to smart classrooms, novel therapies, and special livelihood projects for trainees.
BUDS institutions are functioning in 44 LSGIs in the district. Smart classrooms have come up in 35 of these institutions utilising ₹2 lakh made available by the Kudumbashree. The classrooms help mental development of the children as well provide them with recreational avenues. The smart classrooms have been equipped with large touch-enabled screens that can be used by children with intellectual disabilities and sound equipment.
Besides the smart classrooms, virtual reality therapy units have been set up in three institutions in the first phase. The virtual reality platform called Auticare uses artificial intelligence to recreate day-to-day situations so that training can be provided in skills essential in improving daily life. The Auticare therapy units have been set up at a cost of ₹12.5 lakh provided by the Kudumbashree mission to start BUDS schools. After gauging the acceptance of the equipment among children, the therapy will be extended to other institutions too.
