8. SUPPORT AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY NGOs 8.1 Care Society Care Society has been very active in supporting children with disabilities and women. Care Society has been a registered NGO in the Maldives since 1998. Care Society provides education and rehabilitation services at the Care Development Centre (CDC). The CDC was established on 1st August 2001 to provide education and rehabilitation services for children and youth with autism, hearing impairment, speech impairment, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, learning disability, and intellectual disability. In 2009, there were 48 students registered in 10 classes. The classes are conducted with the help of 8 teachers trained in special education, and two management staff trained in psychology, management, international child welfare and disability studies. Vocational training classes are conducted by Care Development Centre for young adults to develop their vocational skills. This class is run at a basic level and aimed at improving job