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The Disha Scheme sets up centres to provide early intervention, therapies, and support for children with disabilities Read More... aged 0-10 years, helping them prepare for school and providing guidance to their families. Read less
Details
The Indian government, through the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has introduced the Disha Scheme. This initiative is designed to support children with specific disabilities from a very young age, ensuring they get the right interventions and are ready to start school.
What Is This Scheme?
Disha stands for 'Early Intervention and School Readiness'. The scheme focuses on establishing special centres, known as Disha Centres. These centres offer crucial services like therapies and training for children with disabilities between 0 and 10 years old. It also provides essential support and guidance to the families of these children.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This scheme is specifically for 'Persons with Disabilities' (PwD) who are children aged between 0 to 10 years. They must also have one of the disabilities listed under the National Trust Act, 1999. This includes conditions like Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability (formerly known as Mental Retardation), and Multiple Disabilities.
Why This Scheme Is Important
Early intervention is key to a child's development, especially for those with disabilities. The Disha Scheme aims to bridge the gap by providing timely therapeutic and educational support, helping children develop essential life skills. It also empowers parents and guardians by offering counselling and guidance, making them active participants in their child's growth journey and preparing the child for a smoother transition into formal schooling.
Objective
Benefits
Sources and references
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for enrollment in a Disha Centre, a child must meet the following conditions:
- The child must be between 0 and 10 years of age.
- The child must have one of the disabilities covered under the National Trust Act, 1999. These disabilities are Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability, and Multiple Disabilities.
How to Apply
Parents or legal guardians of eligible children need to approach a Disha Centre or a Registered Organisation (RO). The centre will then conduct an assessment for the child with the help of a therapist or counsellor to understand their specific needs and begin the enrolment process.
Official Application Link:
To find a Disha Centre or for more information, you may need to visit the official website of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities or the National Trust.
Documents Required
When applying, you will need to submit the following documents:
- Completed enrolment form.
- Birth Certificate or proof of the child's date of birth.
- Disability Certificate of the child.
- For families below the poverty line (BPL) or low-income group (LIG): A BPL certificate or an Income certificate issued by a competent authority.
- Identity proof of the parent or guardian.
- Proof of residence. This is mandatory for parents/guardians belonging to LIG/BPL categories or those availing transport facilities.
FAQ’s
What is the main aim of the Disha Scheme?
The primary goal of the Disha Scheme is to provide early intervention and school readiness training for children with disabilities aged 0-10 years, along with support and counselling for their families.
Which government department is responsible for the Disha Scheme?
The Disha-Early Intervention and School Readiness Scheme is managed by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, which falls under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
What specific services can children avail through the Disha Centres?
Children can benefit from day care for at least 4 hours a day, therapies, training programs, and regular assessments to monitor their progress. Families also receive counselling and support.
Does the scheme only provide benefits for the children?
No, the Disha Scheme focuses on both the child and their family. It provides training for school readiness for the children and offers counselling and guidance to parents or legal guardians.
Who is eligible to enroll in the Disha Centres?
The scheme is for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) who are between 0 and 10 years old and have a disability listed under the National Trust Act, 1999, such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability, or Multiple Disabilities.
What documents are needed to enroll a child in the scheme?
You will need an enrolment form, the child's birth certificate or date of birth proof, a disability certificate, income proof (for LIG/BPL families), parent/guardian ID proof, and residence proof.
Can parents get help with transport to the Disha Centre?
Yes, Registered Organisations running the Disha Centres may provide transportation facilities if it is mutually agreed upon by both the organisation and the parents/guardians.
What are the key aspects of the scheme's support for families?
Families receive counselling and guidance, particularly on how to help children with Activities for Daily Living (ADL). Regular follow-ups ensure parents attend the required counselling sessions.
How is a child's progress monitored under this scheme?
Children are regularly assessed and evaluated by experts in relevant fields. This helps in understanding their individual needs and tracking their development and progress.
Is there a specific age limit for children to join this early intervention program?
Yes, the Disha Scheme is designed for children with disabilities who are in the age group of 0 to 10 years.
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