8 important to-dos for Indian parents of children with special needs

  1. Early Intervention Programs: Seek early intervention services as soon as possible. Research indicates that early intervention significantly improves the development of children with special needs. In India, programs like the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) offer screening and early intervention services for children with developmental delays and disabilities.
  2. Access Government Schemes: Familiarize yourself with government schemes and benefits  for children with special needs. For example one such site is https://disabilityaffairs.gov.in/content/page/acts.php The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 in India provides various rights and benefits for individuals with disabilities. Ensure you are aware of and make use of these schemes for your child’s education, healthcare, and social support.
  3. Special Education Services: Enrol your child in appropriate special education programs or schools. The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Stage (IEDSS) are government initiatives to promote inclusive education in India. Do look up these important programs for your childs benefit. For eg: As per the Sarva SikSha Abhyan (https://samagra.education.gov.in/inclusive.html): Presently, Samagra Shiksha aims to cover all children with special needs (CWSN) in a continuum from classes I to XII. The objectives of the component are :
  • Identification of children with disabilities at the school level and assessment of her/his educational needs.
  • Provision of aids and appliances, assistive devices, to the children with special needs as per requirement.
  • Removal of architectural barriers in schools so that CWSN have access to classrooms, laboratories, libraries, play/recreational area and toilets in the school.
  • Supplying appropriate teaching learning materials, medical facilities, vocational training support, guidance and counseling services and therapeutic services to children with special needs as per his/her requirement in convergence with line departments.
  • General school teachers will be sensitized and trained to teach and involve children with special needs in the general classroom.
  • For existing special educators, capacity building programs will be undertaken.
  • CWSN will have access to support services through special educators, establishment of resource rooms, vocational education, therapeutic services and counselling etc.
  1. Medical and Therapeutic Support: Make sure to have a network of healthcare professionals who understand your child’s specific needs and can be there are advisers, guides both you as a parent as well as a support to you with Society.
  2. Financial Planning: Plan for your child’s long-term financial needs. Consider setting up a trust, investing in insurance, or exploring the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for financial support.
  3. Support Groups and Counselling: Connect with support groups and seek counselling for yourself and your child. For example: the All-India Network of Parents of Children with Hearing Impairment (AINPCHI) and similar organizations can provide guidance and emotional support.
  4. Advocate for Inclusion: Help raise awareness by advocating for inclusion and equal opportunities in schools and communities. Participate in local parent-teacher associations (PTAs) and collaborate with educators to ensure special needs children receive the best possible education and special care and are no different from other children.  For eg. Sometimes children who are epileptic as discouraged attendance in the regular schools when a little bit of education, care and awareness can ensure the child has a perfectly normal childhood. Another example can be ensuring architectural barriers are removed so that children with physical restrictions are also able to access school room, labs, toilets etc. As parents we should insist schools start becoming more inclusive.
  5. Empower Your Child: Teach your child life skills and empower them to be as independent as possible. Government programs like the Vocational Rehabilitation Centers (VRCs) can help children with disabilities learn vocational skills. Several NGOs are working towards addressing his matter but yes more needs to get done

Remember that each child with special needs is unique, and it’s essential to tailor your approach to their specific requirements. Stay updated on the latest research, therapies, and support systems, and continuously advocate for the rights and well-being of your child. Your active involvement and advocacy can make a significant difference in your child’s life and their prospects for the future.

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