Aai Day Care Sanstha, Pen – A Journey of Love, Courage, and Change
I, Mrs. Swati Mahendra Mohite, founding trustee of Aai Day Care Sanstha, Pen (Raigad), was once just a content, newly married homemaker. My life took an unexpected turn in July 1993, when my daughter Chaitali was born with over 90% Cerebral Palsy. The initial shock was overwhelming. But soon, my husband and I chose not to despair, but to act.
With Chaitali in our arms, we began regular journeys to Mumbai using unreliable public transport to consult neurologists and specialists. These experiences taught us that children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) require specialized care and education to live meaningful lives. Motivated by this, I completed a B.Ed. in Special Education and began to raise Chaitali using professional knowledge and heartfelt devotion.
We were unaware then that many families in our small town of Pen were facing similar struggles. As word of Chaitali’s progress spread, requests poured in from parents seeking help for their own children. I opened my home to four such children. But as the numbers grew rapidly, it became clear we needed a larger space, trained professionals, and specialized equipment.
Since then, what began as a humble effort has grown into a professionally managed center serving 68 children—12 of whom are residential students—with a staff of 32 dedicated professionals. Our four-floor building includes:
A fully-equipped 40-bed residential vocational training Centre for boys and girls with intellectual disabilities
Early Intervention and day-care school for intellectual disabled children
A vocation training Centre for Non-residential students
Our vocational center empowers students by training them to create earthen lamps, candles, artificial flowers, jewelry, rakhis, saree folders, bags, and more. These products are sold at schools, malls, and exhibitions. The income is proportionately deposited into the students’ bank accounts—fostering dignity, financial independence, and a sense of responsibility.
Our staff conducts community sensitization workshops, visits schools to provide outreach training, and ensures holistic support for each child and their family.
Despite receiving a government license (on a permanently non-grant basis), our operating expenses are extensive. We need support for the following essential needs:
Staff salaries
Expenditure for physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological services
Tuition and transport sponsorship for underprivileged students
Educational materials, interactive learning aids, and therapy equipment
Raw materials for vocational training
Hostel kitchen groceries and hygiene supplies
Office and infrastructure upgrades
Voluntary services from doctors, psychologists, therapists, and counselors
Contact:
Mrs. Swati Mahendra Mohite
9766628593 / 7977916049
Founder Trustee, Aai Day Care Sanstha
‘Sulochana’, Lokmanya CHS, near Karmel School, Pen, Raigad