Help 200 Children with Special Needs to avail therapies

In India, 20.42 lakhs children in the age group of 0 to 6 years have some form of disability owing to complications at birth, environmental issues or medical conditions. Through the Early Intervention Centres, Sarthak Educational Trust provides its services to children with Autism, Intellectual disability, Learning Disability, Hearing Impairment, Vision impairment Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and others. However, the lockdown has taken a toll on these interventions and the progression graph for many children has been drastically affected due to the same. Your donation of ₹800 could help a child with disability with a customised therapy session and a contribution of ₹15,000 would ensure medical rehabilitation of a child.

In India, the population of persons with disability is around 26.8 million, constituting 2.21% of India’s total population (Census 2011). However, World Bank data proposes the number between 40 to 80 million. But despite the discrepancy between the numbers it is very clear that PwDs constitute a significant part of Indian Population. 

Further, the statistics state that approximately 20.42 lakhs children between the age groups of 0 to 6 years have some or other forms of disability owing to complications at birth, environmental issues or medical conditions. And, as a matter of fact spreading awareness, early identification, and early intervention support carries the potential to avoid and or limit the extent of disability in these children.

The Early Intervention Centre (EIC) is for children with developmental delays.The earlier we start working with children, the better they do. At EIC we work with children from birth to the age of six. We encourage their overall development, enhance their abilities to the full and endeavor to help them circumvent their disability. We build on the strengths of the child and train parents on early intervention strategies so that they are empowered to deal with their child’s issues. 

With the intent to meet this need of beneficiaries Sarthak started its Early Intervention Centre in 2014 in Delhi and started with awareness drives for communities, Parents, Aanganbadi Workers, and Medical Practitioners. Sooner visits to neo natal intensive care units was also initiated to proceed with early identification of children vulnerable to developmental delays.

And, finally with the aid of multi-disciplinary team of Psychologists, Therapist, Counselors and external supports, Early Intervention Centre was started, where all the services were provided under a single roof and free of charge. Sarthak provides its services to children with Autism, Intellectual disability, Learning Disability, Hearing Impairment, Vision impairment Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and others.

With the onset of COVID 19, the physical therapies have been effected as a result the progression graph of a child is declined. To bridge this gap, Sarthak have started providing online therapies with the support of caregivers/parents.

200 Children with Special Needs shall be medically rehabilitated during the year. Moreover, the parents and other stakeholders including hospitals, NGOs etc. shall be sensitized and made aware about the disability cause. These centers will also form our base for prospective enrolment of children with disability.