Disha - Early Intervention and School Readiness Scheme
Free early intervention therapy for disabled children aged 0–10 · Disha Centres · India-wide
The National Trust (Ministry of Social Justice) funds Disha Centres that provide early intervention therapies and school readiness support to children aged 0–10 years with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, or multiple disabilities. Services include daily care (at least 4 hours/day), professional therapies, parent counselling, and transport assistance. Find and enrol your child at a nearby Disha Centre — the full list is available on the National Trust website.
About This Scheme
The National Trust (Ministry of Social Justice) funds Disha Centres that provide early intervention therapies and school readiness support to children aged 0–10 years with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, or multiple disabilities. Services include daily care (at least 4 hours/day), professional therapies, parent counselling, and transport assistance. Find and enrol your child at a nearby Disha Centre — the full list is available on the National Trust website.
Full official description
Disha-Early Intervention and School Readiness Scheme was launched by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities , Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Govt. of India.This scheme aims at setting up Disha Centres for early intervention for Person with Disability (PwD) in 0-10 years of age covered under the National Trust Act, through therapies, trainings and providing support to family members.
Benefits
- Day care services for at least 4 hours per day
- Professional therapies and specialized training tailored to each child's individual needs
- Counselling and guidance for parents/guardians on activities of daily living, with regular follow-ups
- Regular assessment and progress monitoring by subject matter experts
- Transportation assistance may be arranged by the registered Disha Centre
💡 Why Startups Should Care
Assistive tech and special-needs edtech founders should map Disha Centres as potential distribution partners — these centres serve precisely the families who need digital tools for early developmental milestones and home-based therapy exercises.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Child must be between 0–10 years of age
- Must have one of four disabilities covered under the National Trust Act 1999: Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, or Multiple Disabilities
- Child must not be currently registered under the Samarth scheme
Exclusions
- Not available to children already registered under the Samarth scheme
How to Apply
- Visit a Disha Centre near you (find the list at thenationaltrust.gov.in/content/centre-sanctioned-list.php) with the child's parents/guardian and required documents.
- The Disha Centre conducts a PwD Assessment Test to determine if the child is ready for school or needs Disha Centre services.
- If interested in Disha Centre enrolment, the Registered Organisation (RO) checks LIG/BPL funding eligibility.
- Parents/guardians submit an enrolment form with required documents; the RO maintains a separate file for each child.
- On successful verification, the child is enrolled and issued a confirmation ID card or starter kit. The Disha representative explains all available services including the Niramaya health insurance scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Disha-Early Intervention and School Readiness Scheme?
This scheme aims at setting up Disha Centres for early intervention for Person with Disability (PwD) in 0-10 years of age covered under the National Trust Act, through therapies, trainings and providing support to family members.
Which department has launched this scheme?
Disha-Early Intervention and School Readiness Scheme was launched by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
What are the main benefits of this scheme?
Disha Centre/Registered Organization(RO) should provide facilities to the PwD like day care,staffing, infrastructure,assessment and evaluation etc.
What are the main benefits of this scheme?
Disha Centre/Registered Organization(RO) should provide facilities to the PwD like day care,staffing, infrastructure,assessment and evaluation etc.
From where the PwD can get the facilities?
PwD can avail the benefits from Disha Centre or Registered Organisation.
What is the main purpose of the scheme?
This is an early intervention and school readiness scheme for the children.
Does the facilities will be only applicable to the children?
No, this scheme aims at providing training (specifically school readiness) and counselling to both children and parent.
Who will be covered under this scheme?
Person with Disability (PwD) in 0-10 years of age will be covered under this scheme.
What is the enrolment process of the of PwD at the Disha Centre?
Parent/legal guardian of the PwD have to come together at the Disha Centre.Then the centre will conduct a PwD Assessment Test with the help of a Therapist or Counsellor.
What are the documents required for the enrolment?
- Enrolment form.
- Birth Certificate or Date of Birth proof of the PwD.
- Disability Certificate.
- BPL certificate or Income certificate of Parent or Guardian issued by competent authority as authorized by the concerned State/ Union Territory (for LIG or BPL family).
- ID proof of parent or guardian. 6.Residence (Local) proof (Mandatory in case of LIG parent or guardian or for parents of PwD availing transport facility.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Enrolment form
- Birth certificate or date-of-birth proof of the child
- Disability certificate
- BPL or income certificate of parent/guardian (for LIG/BPL families)
- Identity proof of parent or guardian
- Residence or local address proof (mandatory for LIG families or those needing transport)