Two families met in 1985 with the objective of reaching out to many more families in a similar situation - that of having a child with intellectual disability. MENTAID started as a support group offering parent to parent counseling, generating awareness in the community, referral services, leisure activities, organizing seminars and workshops and disseminating information through a regular newsletter. It was the first registered organization in West Bengal, exclusively by parents of the intellectually disabled.

Vision
To empower, secure rights & improve the quality of the life of persons with intellectual disabilities & their families.

Mission
1. To advance the personal development of People with Intellectual Disabilities (PWIDs) to greater opportunities through education, training, leisure and recreational activities.
2. To promote personal choice and advocacy for the rights of People with Intellectual Disabilities (PWIDs) and their families.
3. To encourage full participation, integration and involvement in the Community and Society of People with Intellectual Disabilities (PWIDs) and their families.

Philosophy
Mentaid’s philosophy is based on the fundamental belief that all people with an intellectual disability have the same rights as other members of society, including:
1. The right to lead a normal life
2. The right to lead a fulfilling life
3. The right to properly maintained, monitored and evaluated services.
4. The right to establish people with intellectual disability as full and useful members of society.
5. The right, through appropriate means, to fill in the gaps in the provisions/services offered.
6. The right to take a stand against inadequate and sub – standard provision.

Appeal

Educating children with intellectual disabilities, especially those with severe or multiple disabilities, requires a high teacher/pupil ratio, as high as 1:2, in many cases. In addition, therapies like occupational, physio, speech, counselling, are needed. All these disciplines are specialised fields and expensive. The cost of the individualized education, therapeutic intervention and training, is therefore high.
Mentaid admits children irrespective of social standing, religion, severity of disability or any other discrimination. The challenge is therefore, getting the support from well-wishers to sustain the costs. The cost per child is Rs. 50,000/- per year, which includes special education/vocational training, therapies, teaching-learning materials, extra and co-curricular activities and maintenance.
We are in need of sponsorship of 10 children at present with us. If we are fortunate to get more funding, we will help more children.
The committed team is doing their best, getting satisfaction from the positive results and are loyally working for several years. Your help will go a long way to make the lives of children with intellectual disabilities become as independent as possible and become a contributing member of the community.