While working in communities on the issue of child labour we have come across children with various kinds of disabilities, ranging from motor disabilities to cerebral palsy. One of the observations made was that most of the families of these children due to their lower economic and educational background did not have access to and knowledge of rehabilitative services.

Current status of PCVC Disability Programme

Community based Programmes:

1. Pratham Desksin the communities- Inquiries regarding education (disability certification, admissions in school, etc.), health and medical related issues are addressed here.
2. Disability Certificationsis a mandate for children to avail of services provided by the government (school admissions, medical schemes and services, material aides).
3. 3. Providing Material aideslike Artificial Limbs, Wheelchairs, tricycles, hearing aids, etc
4. Organize School Admissionsin MCGM and Private Schools.
5. During our door to door surveys we identified children who have some form of disability. In Partnership with IPOD (Institute of Pediatric Orthopedic Disorders) most of these children are enrolled with the government funded insurance scheme ‘NIRAMAYA’. This is an Insurance scheme with a cover up to Rs.1 lakh, their services range from regular medical check-ups to hospitalization, therapy to corrective Surgery and transportation.

NIOS (National Institute of open schooling.)

1. Registrationsare conducted at MCGM and Private schools at 3 levels i.e. A level- 3rd std, B Level -5th std, C Level- 8th std Each Level is valid for 3 years.
2. PCVC team mediates by sharing content between the schools they are registered with. They maintain a curriculum building teamand have provided materials for all subjects in these registered schools.
3. Conducting examinations:Schools provide the centers and a Pratham member invigilates the test.
4. Vocational Class in Dharavi– 10 students who are either dropped out from schools or have never attended school, between the ages of 14 to 18, a basic vocational course is conducted by Pratham NIOS team.
5. PCVC conducted Seminars and workshops: Creating awareness via seminars and workshops with the support of experts from the field of Special Education.