Article
We are so happy we can learn
Learn how children with multiple disabilities and visual impairment are included through the Perkins India model.
There are thousands of children with disabilities in India who have no access to intervention or education services, from early intervention to therapy to school enrollment. With our local partners like Jayati Bharatam and Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital, Perkins India reaches out to those unreached children with multiple disabilities and vision impairment (MDVI), and provides a path to such services through a process of identification, intervention, and education. Read along to see some examples of how some of the most marginalized children in the country are being included through the Perkins India Model.
Finding footing
Four-year-old Naira was referred by a local ASHA worker. Since that initial referral, she has been enrolled in regular therapeutic support and intervention sessions at a Community Intervention Centre in Gosaiganj. With regular educational and therapeutic intervention from her teacher and therapist, Naira is now able to stand with support.
Learning alongside peers
Neither Ishan nor Shobhit were enrolled in their village school when they were first encountered in their communities. Through the Perkins India model, both Ishan and Shobhit have been enrolled in school and are ready to learn alongside their non-disabled peers in class.
Discovering clarity
Rehan loves to draw and paint; but because of a significant vision impairment was not able to focus on his activities. After an assessment with Perkins India-trained professionals, Rehan’s vision loss was identified and he was provided glasses. Now, Rehan is ready to focus on his coloring.
Exploring a wider world
Prior to being identified, Rishi was primarily confined to his home. Since his identification, he’s been provided a wheelchair, and is now able to get out of the house.
Making friends
As many children with disabilities are left at home, they often miss out on crucial opportunities for socialization. Community Intervention Centres developed as part of the Perkins India model provide a space where children with MDVI can interact with friends and develop these key relationships; group experiences of art activities, games, and physical therapy allow everyone to be included. At the Community Intervention Centre in Gosaiganj, Unnat, Lavi and Sneha are learning to interact and play with other children at the centre.
