Empowering Individuals. Enabling Families. Enriching Communities.

At Maithree, we believe every individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserves dignity, opportunity, and inclusion. Since 1994, we have been nurturing abilities, supporting families, and creating pathways to independence through education, training, care, and enterprise.

Introduction

Founded and governed by parents of children with special needs, Maithree NGO in Chennai is more than an organization—it’s a movement of love, empathy, and empowerment. What started with just three children has grown into a vibrant community of 540+ individuals, supported by 75 professionals and 45 staff members, across multiple centers.
With a holistic approach, we focus not just on learning but also on livelihood, independent living, and family well-being, making Maithree a trusted partner for hundreds of families.

Core Services

Discover how Maithree supports individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families through specialized programs designed for growth, independence, and inclusion.

Special Education

Structured learning for children with intellectual disabilities (birth to 18 years), using IEPs, functional academics, therapies, and active parental involvement.

Vocational Training & Employment

Skill-building programs with apprenticeships, sheltered workshops, and assisted employment to foster financial independence and confidence.

Residential Care

Safe and nurturing group homes that support daily living needs—personal care, meals, medical support, and social skills—promoting independent living.

Aakruti Social Enterprise

Handcrafted products by adults with disabilities—tote bags, sambrani, festive items—transforming creativity into sustainable livelihoods.

Parental Counseling

Guidance and awareness programs that empower families, encourage acceptance, and make parents active partners in their child’s development.

Community Inclusion

Events, campaigns, and initiatives designed to break barriers, spread awareness, and promote inclusion at every level.

Why Choose Maithree?

Discover why families and communities trust Maithree for exceptional care and lifelong support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Parent-Driven Leadership with Heart & Commitment

Founded and governed by parents of children with intellectual disabilities, Maithree’s programs are designed with empathy, experience, and accountability. This parent-led approach ensures families feel supported and understood, making us a trusted NGO in Chennai.

For over 30 years, Maithree has empowered 540+ individuals through special education, vocational training, residential care, and social enterprise. Our consistent growth reflects our commitment to creating long-term impact and inclusion.

From early intervention to livelihood and independent living, Maithree provides lifelong support. Through education, skill training, residential care, and Aakruti enterprise, we ensure individuals achieve dignity, confidence, and inclusion at every stage.

Maithree is 80G & 12A certified and holds a Bronze Transparency Seal on Give.do. Every donation is used responsibly to create maximum social impact, making us a credible and transparent NGO you can trust.

At Maithree, differences are celebrated, not judged. Our centers provide safe, supportive spaces where individuals with intellectual disabilities thrive, families find strength, and communities embrace true inclusion and dignity.

Impact in Numbers

For over three decades, Maithree has been creating inclusive opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

1 +
individuals empowered
1 +
Projects Completed
1 +
Multiple centers across Chennai
1 +
years of service and advocacy

At Maithree, every smile, every achievement, and every handcrafted product tells a story of resilience and hope. Together, let’s create a future where inclusion is the norm and not the exception

Maithree – Enabling, Not Just Helping.

Our Well-Wishers & Partners

At Maithree, we are deeply grateful to our corporate partners, donors, and well-wishers whose support makes our mission possible. Your contributions help us provide special education, vocational training, residential care, and livelihood opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities.

Together, we are building a world where differences are celebrated and every individual lives with dignity and independence.

Be Part of the Change

Support Maithree’s mission to create an inclusive society for individuals with special needs.