The Disha – Early Intervention and School Readiness Scheme is an initiative launched by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. This scheme is designed to set up Disha Centres that offer early intervention services for children with disabilities aged 0-10 years—specifically those covered under the National Trust Act. Through therapies, trainings, and comprehensive family support, the scheme aims to prepare these children for school and enhance their overall development.
Benefits
- Day Care: At least 4 hours of day care per day for children.
- Therapies & Trainings: Comprehensive support including specialized therapies and skills training.
- Counselling: Regular counselling sessions and guidance for parents or guardians on managing daily activities and developmental challenges.
- Transport Facilities: Transportation services provided by registered organisations, where applicable.
- Assessment: Periodic evaluations by experts to ensure the child’s progress and to tailor interventions accordingly.
Eligibility
To enroll under the Disha Scheme, the following criteria must be met:
- Age: The child must be between 0 to 10 years old.
- Disability: The child should have one of the disabilities covered under the National Trust Act, 1999 (Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, or Multiple Disabilities).
Exclusions:
- Children already registered under the Samarth scheme are not eligible for Disha Scheme enrolment.
Application Process
Offline Enrollment at the Disha Centre
- Initial Visit:
- The applicant (child) accompanied by parents/guardian visits the Disha Centre with all required documents.
- Assessment Test:
- The Disha Centre conducts an assessment test to evaluate the child’s readiness for school and specific needs.
- School Guidance:
- Guidance is provided regarding school admission. Parents can choose to continue with the Disha Centre or exit if not interested.
- Funding Eligibility Check:
- The concerned RO checks for LIG/BPL funding eligibility. The National Trust generally funds based on RO information, with verification if needed.
- Enrolment Form Submission:
- Parents/guardians submit the completed Enrolment Form along with required documents. Separate files are maintained for each child.
- Confirmation:
- Upon successful verification, the child is enrolled at the Disha Centre and provided with a confirmation ID card/starter kit.
- Health Insurance Guidance:
- Disha representatives also provide information and assist with registration under the Niramaya health insurance scheme, if needed.
Documents Required
- Enrolment Form (as prescribed by the scheme)
- Birth Certificate or Date of Birth Proof of the child
- Disability Certificate
- BPL Certificate or Income Certificate of the parent/guardian (issued by the competent authority)
- ID Proof of the parent or guardian
- Residence (Local) Proof (mandatory for LIG families or for parents availing transport facilities)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the Disha – Early Intervention and School Readiness Scheme?
A1: It is a scheme designed to provide early intervention, therapy, and school readiness support for children with disabilities aged 0-10 years, along with comprehensive family support.
Q2: Which department has launched this scheme?
A2: The scheme is launched by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Q3: What are the main benefits of this scheme?
A3: The scheme offers day care facilities, specialized therapies, training sessions, counselling for parents, transport facilities (if applicable), and regular assessments to monitor child development.
Q4: From where can children receive these facilities?
A4: Facilities are provided at designated Disha Centres established by Registered Organisations under the scheme.
Q5: What is the main purpose of the scheme?
A5: The primary purpose is to ensure early intervention and school readiness for children with disabilities, thereby enabling a smoother transition into formal education and improving their long-term development outcomes.
Q6: Does the scheme only provide facilities for children?
A6: While the primary beneficiaries are children, the scheme also offers support and counselling for their parents or guardians.
Q7: Who is covered under this scheme?
A7: The scheme covers children aged 0-10 years with disabilities as defined under the National Trust Act, 1999 (including Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, and Multiple Disabilities).
Q8: What is the enrolment process at a Disha Centre?
A8: The enrolment process involves visiting the centre with the child and required documents, undergoing an assessment test, submitting the enrolment form, and receiving a confirmation ID and starter kit upon successful verification.
Q9: What documents are required for enrolment?
A9: Required documents include the enrolment form, birth certificate or DOB proof, disability certificate, BPL/income certificate of the parent, ID proof of the parent, and residence proof (mandatory for LIG families or transport facility applicants).