Disha - Early Intervention and School Readiness 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.
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
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
PwD should not be registered under Samarth scheme.
How to Apply
Enrolment of PwD at the Disha Centre/Registered Organization:
Applicant PwD visits Disha Centre with parents/guardian and required documents
Disha Centre conducts PwD Assessment Test:
Fit for school: Guidance provided; parents choose school or Disha Centre, exit if not interested.
Parents interested in Disha Centre proceed to the next step.
Concerned RO checks LIG/BPL funding eligibility; National Trust generally funds based on RO information, with verification if needed.
Parents/guardians submit Enrolment Form with required documents; RO maintains separate files for each PwD.
Upon successful verification, PwD enrolled at Disha Centre; confirmation ID card/starter kit provided. Details explained by Disha representatives.
Disha Representatives provide insight on Niramaya health insurance; assist with PwD registration if parents are interested.
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 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.
- Residence (Local) proof (Mandatory in case of LIG parent or guardian or for parents of PwD availing transport facility.