Special-needs center breaks ground in Tainan

2015/07/09

An early intervention and integrated education center for young children with development problems broke ground July 7 in Tainan City, underscoring the community’s commitment to assisting those with special needs in southern Taiwan.

Dedicated to serving mentally and physically challenged children under 6, the facility will offer day care services, as well as occupation and physical therapy sessions. It is also expected to provide training for special educational needs teachers.

Rev. Brendan O’Connell, who began planning and fundraising for the center early last year, said he is extremely pleased his dream is finally coming true. “The project would not have been possible without the generosity of people around Taiwan.”

While the NT$108 million (US$3.47 million) center is still NT$20 million short-funded, O’Connell said he is convinced it will be completed by the end of 2017 on the back of more public support.

Also attending the event was Tainan City Mayor William Lai. He commended O’Connell’s efforts and said the facility will benefit special-needs children in southern Taiwan while enhancing public awareness of the importance of early intervention.

New York City native O’Connell, 79, came to Taiwan in 1963 as a Christian missionary. He later took over as director of St. Raphael Opportunity Center in Tainan City and turned it into one of the earliest day care centers for the mentally challenged in Taiwan.

In 1996, O’Connell founded Bethlehem Foundation to promote integrated learning for ordinary children and those with special needs. He was honored with a Medical Contribution Award in 2012 for his selfless commitment and dedication to the cause.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=232337&ctNode=413)