Intellectual disabilities know no national boundaries. Lebenshilfe India, based in Visakhapatnam, is a non-profit organization that has been providing education, training, and therapy to intellectually challenged children from disadvantaged backgrounds since its founding in 1980. The organization takes its name from the original Lebenshilfe in Germany, founded in 1958 by Tom Mutters. The late Dr. Saraswathi Devi Tallapragada (Sarah), who studied special education in America, founded Lebenshilfe India after receiving intensive training at Lebenshilfe Germany.

Lebenshilfe India's mission is to convert the mentally challenged into useful contributors to society. The organization's objective is to enrich the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in order to enhance human dignity, human respect, human values, quality of life, and possibilities for independent living through income generation. The organization believes that intellectually challenged individuals should have the opportunity to live a fulfilling life and contribute to their communities.

Lebenshilfe India provides education and training to over 350 intellectually challenged children in school, of whom 100 stays in the on-site hostel. The organization's unique approach combines special education techniques from around the world, training in local folk arts, and therapy through the arts. Students at Lebenshilfe India engage in a variety of activities, including arithmetic and reading, traditional dance, music, and art. Through these activities, the organization is able to help its students develop life skills, enhance their self-esteem, and improve their overall quality of life.

The life of a mentally challenged child growing up in the slums of urban India or in an isolated village can be challenging. However, at Lebenshilfe India, intellectually impaired children from the poorest segments of society are becoming happy, independent adults. The organization is making a significant impact in the lives of intellectually challenged individuals in India by providing them with the opportunity to live a fulfilling life and contribute to their communities.

Lebenshilfe India's efforts are made possible by the dedicated work of its members of the board, volunteers, and 110 teacher/training/aid staff. The organization is a shining example of how a non-profit can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most. Through its work, Lebenshilfe India is enhancing the human values, respect, and dignity of intellectually challenged individuals and creating possibilities for independent living through income generation.