The Early Intervention Centre for the Visually Impaired is an initiative by the Department for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons, Government of Tamil Nadu. The scheme aims to identify, assess, and prepare visually impaired children below 6 years of age to join mainstream education.
Currently, Early Intervention Centres have been established in six districts of Tamil Nadu:
- Chennai
- Coimbatore
- Cuddalore
- Tiruchirappalli
- Tiruvannamalai
- Vellore
Benefits
- Identification and assessment of visually impaired children.
- Early intervention to help children adapt to mainstream education.
- Specialized training and support for children and parents.
- Guidance and referrals to schools for inclusive education.
Eligibility
- The child must be visually impaired.
- The child’s age must be 6 years or below.
Application Process
Offline Application Steps
- Visit the District Differently Abled Welfare Office (during office hours) and request the prescribed application form.
- Fill in the required details in the application form and attach the necessary documents.
- Submit the completed application along with the required documents to the District Differently Abled Welfare Officer.
- Collect an acknowledgment receipt from the officer, which will include submission details.
Documents Required
- National Identity Card of the Differently Abled (if available).
- Birth Certificate of the child.
- Any other supporting documents if required by the authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the primary goal of the Early Intervention Centre for the Visually Impaired?
The centre aims to identify, assess, and support visually impaired children in early childhood to help them transition into mainstream education.
Q: How many districts have established early intervention centers for visually impaired children?
Currently, the centres are operational in six districts: Chennai, Coimbatore, Cuddalore, Tiruchirappalli, Tiruvannamalai, and Vellore.
Q: What is the age criterion for visually impaired children to be eligible for the program?
Children aged 6 years or below are eligible for the program.
Q: Are there specific application forms required for enrollment in the early intervention center?
Yes, parents or guardians must obtain the prescribed application form from the District Differently Abled Welfare Office.
Q: Which certificates need to be provided when applying for services at the center?
Documents such as the National Identity Card of the Differently Abled (if available) and the child’s Birth Certificate are required.
Q: Where can grievances regarding the early intervention program for the visually impaired be addressed?
Complaints or grievances can be addressed at the District Differently Abled Welfare Office in the respective district.
Q: What services are provided at the early intervention center for visually impaired children?
The centre provides identification, assessment, early intervention training, and referrals to inclusive education institutions.
Q: Are the services offered at these centers free of charge?
Yes, the services provided by the Early Intervention Centre for the Visually Impaired are completely free of cost.
Q: How are visually impaired children assessed at the early intervention center?
Trained specialists assess vision impairment levels, provide early learning techniques, and offer guidance to parents.
Q: Is transportation assistance provided for children accessing the early intervention center?
Currently, no official transport assistance is mentioned under the scheme, but parents can confirm with the District Differently Abled Welfare Office.