It is estimated that at least 3% of the world's population are specially challenged children. This could be various types of disabilities ranging from single disability to multiple disabilities. India has a large undetermined population of persons with disabilities. These special children often found themselves in this state owing to a lack of awareness, to recognize early symptoms of disabilities, even by their parents.

In 1981, in the Southern Indian metropolis of Chennai, a group of concerned eminent social workers came together and formed SPASTN - 'The Spastics Society of Tamil Nadu' - a voluntary, non-government, non-profit organization, under the guidance of Ms. Shanthi Sadique Ali, the then Governor's wife to fill the void of a special school for children with Cerebral Palsy in Tamil Nadu.

SPASTN began with one school for six children with two teachers at Ayanavaram, in Chennai. During the next two decades SPASTN spread its wings to every district in Tamil Nadu, through its networking and linkages, in addition to establishing two more centers in the city of Chennai. SPASTN trains a large number of Rehabilitation specialists from India and abroad, under the Human Resources Development Department.

SPASTN is managed by an elected Executive Committee headed by a President. Mrs. Seetha Muthiah is the current President, ably assisted by Col. Gopala Chari as the Secretary and Mrs. Meenakshi Meyappan as the Treasurer. The Director - Mrs. Annie Shyam, is in charge of running all the programmes of SPASTN through the managers of the various departments and the principals of the schools. SPASTN received the Best Institute award at the State level in the year 1995, UNESCAP award for Human Resources Development in the year 2000, the Best Institute award at the National level in the year 2001 and the Best Institute for Barrier Free Environment in the year 2002.

Today, SPASTN attracts Disability Management experts, trainees and volunteers from all over the world. SPASTN has grown from a mere rehabilitation service provider - to an organization advocating the rights of persons with disability and their inclusion in the mainstream society.