Kannur Diocese distributes assistive devices to persons with disabilities
George Kommattam - March 2026
Kannur, March 28, 2026: Kannur Diocese in Kerala has distributed hearing aids, wheelchairs, and other assistive devices to persons with disabilities from poor families as part of its programs to promote dignity, inclusion, and community empowerment.
The March 27 distribution program was organized by Kannur Association for Integrated Rural Organisation Support or KAIROS, the diocese’s social development arm, at its training hall in Burnassery, a suburb of Kannur.
Presiding over the function, Bishop Alex Vadakumthala of Kannur highlighted the importance of resilience and hope among persons living with disabilities.
“Limitations should never weaken our lives. Instead, we must recognize that challenges can become pathways for growth, helping us overcome difficulties and achieve success,” the bishop said.
Around 50 assistive devices worth nearly 1.8 million rupees were distributed to beneficiaries belonging to different religious communities from Kannur and Kasaragod, Kerala’s northern districts.
The program was inaugurated by Subin Joseph, head of the Plastic Surgery Department and Chief Operating Officer at Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital in Kannur, by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
Kairos director Father George Mathew Chembakassery welcomed the gathering and presented the organization’s ongoing commitment to inclusive social development and pastoral outreach among vulnerable communities.
The initiative was implemented in collaboration with the Bengaluru-based nonprofit Association of People with Disability (APD), which provided technical support for the identification and distribution of assistive devices. Audiologist and speech-language pathologist Vidya Gowda represented APD at the event.
The chief guest was S. B. Prasad, assistant professor at Krishna Menon Women’s College Kannur, a Kerala State Best Disabled Employee awardee and National Service Scheme Kerala State Best Programme Officer.
As part of the program, financial assistance was also distributed to women’s self-help groups supported by KAIROS under its entrepreneurship and livelihood empowerment initiatives.
Father Mathew said the initiative reflects KAIROS’ continuing mission to build an inclusive and just society by accompanying persons with disabilities and marginalized families, enabling them to live with dignity, independence, and fuller participation in community life.
He said KAIROS works to promote a just society rooted in human dignity, social justice, and Christian values through development programs focusing on marginalized communities, livelihood promotion, disability support, women’s empowerment, and community development initiatives across northern Kerala.
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