For Immediate Release                                                    June 3, 2009            

 

U.S. Consul General Cornelis M. Keur Visits Sweekaar
 
Demonstrating President Barack Obama’s vision of a society that recognizes the potential of all its citizens, including those with disabilities, U.S. Consul General Cornelis M. Keur visited Sweekaar Rehabilitation Institute for Handicapped, Secunderabad, to inaugurate a new speech science lab, June 3, 2009.

Consul General Keur also dedicated equipment donated by the New York-based NGO, Heart and Hand for the Handicapped (HHH).  The equipment is used in correction of speech and voice problems.

Each year Heart and Hand for the Handicapped donates $2000 to Sweekaar for the purchase of equipment to meet the medical needs of the Institute’s clients.  Sweekaar provides services for children and adults with diverse medical needs.

Speaking on the occasion, Consul General Keur said, “Many of the American supporters of Heart and Hand for the Handicapped have family ties with India.  Their generosity embodies the value Americans place on helping others and of the intrinsic worth of every person.  I’m proud to celebrate both their generosity and the community Sweekaar has created here.”

According to Dr. P. Hanumantha Rao, Founder and Chairman of Sweekaar – Upkaar, “The Vaghmi software donated to the Society is used in the analysis of speech problems. It can establish a baseline and show placement and production of sounds.  It can help those who stammer, too.”     

Consul General Keur also dedicated books on audiology and speech donated by civic leaders in Hyderabad.  They will be placed in the Institute’s library.