Sri Vijaya Purm, July 19: The National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), Secunderabad, under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, organized a Cross Disability Early Intervention Training Programme for 100 Anganwadi Workers in tandem with Composite Regional Centre (CRC), Andaman & Nicobar Islands and in association with Directorate of Social Welfare, A & N Administration under NIEPMD, Chennai, at the Conference Hall, Directorate of Industries, Middle Point, Sri Vijaya Puram.
The programme was organized to strengthen the knowledge and skills of frontline workers in the early identification, timely referral, and intervention of children with developmental delays and disabilities, thereby promoting inclusive and community-based rehabilitation services across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The inaugural session was graced by Mr. Ravinder Kumar, Director, Social Welfare, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, as the Chief Guest. Dr. Ambady K.G.,Lecturer in Special Education, NIEPID, Secunderabad, and Mrs. Uma Devi, CDPO, ICDS Project South Zone, extended valuable support in coordinating the programme and mobilizing Anganwadi Workers, contributing significantly to the successful conduct of the training programme. This impactful Cross Disability Early Intervention Training Programme was organized under the visionary guidance of Major. Dr. B. V. Ram Kumar, Director, National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (Divyangjan) (NIEPID), Secunderabad, and Director, National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (Divyangjan) (NIEPMD), Chennai. The technical sessions were conducted by Mr. Hrushikesh Deshpande, Rehabilitation Therapist, NIEPID, Secunderabad.
Welcoming the gathering, Mrs. Sumithamol, Director, CRC Andaman & Nicobar Islands, highlighted the importance of early identification and intervention in ensuring better developmental outcomes for children. In his inaugural address, Mr. Ravinder Kumar appreciated the initiative taken by NIEPID and CRC Andaman & Nicobar Islands in organizing the training programme. He underscored the vital role of Anganwadi Workers in identifying developmental concerns at an early stage and facilitating timely referral and intervention.
The technical session was conducted by Mr. Hrushikesh Deshpande, who delivered an interactive session on developmental milestones, early identification of developmental delays and disabilities, cross-disability screening, the e-Sanidhya digital platform, the Anganwadi Workers Early Identification Kit, referral mechanisms, and early intervention strategies. Practical demonstrations and discussions enabled participants to better understand the identification and referral process.
The participants actively engaged in the programme and appreciated the practical nature of the training. During the feedback session, many participants shared that the programme enhanced their confidence in identifying developmental delays and strengthened their understanding of timely referral pathways and early intervention services. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mrs. Saranyah R.K., Rehabilitation Officer, CRC Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The programme reaffirmed the commitment of NIEPID and CRC Andaman & Nicobar Islands towards strengthening community-based rehabilitation services and achieving the vision of “Reaching the Unreached” by equipping frontline workers with the knowledge and practical skills required to identify developmental delays early and connect children and their families with appropriate rehabilitation services across the islands.
