The NGO “Leema Deaf and the Mentally Handicapped Welfare Association” in brief LWA, was registered in the year 1996 under Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 (bearing Registration Number 154 of 1996). The original inspiration was derived from the selfless and committed services of Sr. Leema from Kerala (a nun from Catholic faith). The founder of LWA, Ms. Z. Nagamani, a graduate in Sciences and she underwent specialized training in Audiology and Speech Therapy. She worked with other pioneering NGOs which are working for the welfare of the deaf and mentally handicapped Children and adults.
Though the main focus of the LWA is welfare, development and empowerment of the Deaf & the Mentally Handicapped, the LWA has expanded its activities to cater to the needs of other needy sections of the Society especially Aged, Women and Children. The organization has taken up activities related to education, Skill development, socio-economic programmes, safe drinking water supply, projects for destitute and needy women, etc.
Registered under Indian Societies Reg. Act XXI of 1860
Registered under FC (Regulation) Act with MoHA, GoI
Registered under PAN and securing IT exemptions is under active process
Leema Deaf and the Mentally Handicapped Welfare Association is a secular Voluntary Organization extending Care & Support services for Deaf & Dumb and Mentally Handicapped Children since the year 1996.
LWA is a Non Political and Non Governmental Organization recognized by the District level authorities – Assistant Director, Disabled Welfare and the Department of the Disabled, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJ&E), GoI and several local Organizations working in the fields of Urban and Rural Development
At present, LWA is working with 25 functionaries including a few part time staff and voluntary animators.
LWA extends helping hand to the most deserving poorest belonging to Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes and the Backward Class communities in Urban Slums and neighboring habitations.
LWA received due reorganization for its outstanding services in the field of “Physically & Mentally Challenged” in Guntur Municipal corporation and in revenue Mandals of Tenali Revenue division
At present there are 15 individuals in the general body of the Leema Welfare Association from different fields of development. 05 members possess vast and rich knowledge in providing specialized services for the deaf and mentally handicapped Children / Adults. Most of them belongs to Dalit & Minority Communities with commitment and dedication to provide specialized services towards the welfare of the “Disabled”.
The present executive committee consists 07 members and the president acts as the Chief Executive Officer. The Governing board or Executive committee members consist of;
• One President
• One Vice President
• One Secretary
• One Treasurer
• Three Members
• Partner / member Organization in the district level Non Governmental Organizations network – which are working with issues related to Children, Women & the Disabled.
• Member of “SAMSIDDATHA” (a coalition of NGOs working in the Coastal Districts of Andhra Pradesh) – aimed towards working for integrated Coastal Villages development.
