Empower Disabled Children & Mothers in Rural India

Project Title: Therapeutics and Educational Intervention Programme for Children with
Disabilities
Project Supported by: ReJenga, USA
ReJenga Support Since: 1st April 2020
Reporting Period: 1st April 2025 to 30th September 2025
Location of the Project: Community Rehabilitation Centre (CRC), Balidangri, Panskura, Purba
Medinipur
Goal of the Programme
To enhance the abilities and quality of life of children with disabilities through comprehensive
therapeutic and educational interventions delivered via the Community Rehabilitation Centre.
Objectives
To enhance the capacity and functional independence of children through qualitative
rehabilitation services.
To train and empower families and communities for home-based care and inclusion.
To promote community participation for socio-economic rehabilitation.
To ensure equal rights, participation, and opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Beneficiaries: Target planned - 50,
Reached – 51 (M- 39, F-12)
Male Female Total
No of Children enrolled 39 12 51
Age Wise Break Up
0 - 3 years 15 02 17
3 – 8 Years 20 09 29
8 - 12 Years 04 01 05
12 years above 00 00 00
Disability wise Number of Children
Disability No of Children
Male Female
CP 22 05
Autism 7 1
Locomotor 2 1
Intellectually Disability 08 05
Total 38 12Activities Conducted in three months:
No of Therapeutic
session conducted
No of Special
education session
Conducted
No of ADL Training
session Conducted
No of Speech
Therapy Session
Conducted
637 428 455 543
Activity Highlights
1. Assessment and Individual Profile Development
Description:
Comprehensive assessments and re-assessments were carried out by rehabilitation therapists
and special educators to identify each child’s strengths and needs. Individual profiles and goal
plans were developed to guide therapy and educational interventions.
Outcome:
All 51 children received individualized rehabilitation plans. These personalized goals helped the
team deliver more focused and effective therapeutic and educational services, leading to
measurable progress in most children’s physical and cognitive skills.
2. Physical Development and Self-Help Skill Training
Description:
Physiotherapists and occupational therapists conducted regular therapeutic and ADL training
sessions to improve gross motor functions, balance, coordination, and daily living skills. Parents
were actively engaged in sessions to ensure home-based continuity of care.
Output:
A total of 637 physiotherapy and 455 ADL training sessions were conducted, benefiting 34
children. Several children showed improved mobility, self-feeding ability, and increased
independence in toileting and dressing.
3. Special Education and Cognitive-Social Development
Description:
Special educators implemented structured learning sessions tailored to each child’s ability level
to promote school readiness, cognitive skill development, and social interaction.
Output:
428 special education sessions were conducted, complemented by 543 speech therapy
sessions for children with communication difficulties. These interventions supported language
development and classroom adjustment for many children.Impact:
- 49 Children are now attending regular schools.
- 32 Children obtained Disability Certificates.
- 31 Children are enrolled under Manabí Pension.
- 13 Children enrolled under the Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme.
4. Community Visits and Family Empowerment
Description:
The CRC team conducted regular home visits to guide families on home-based care practices,
monitor progress, and address barriers to attendance. Awareness meetings were organized
with local leaders and community members to encourage inclusion of children with disabilities.
Output:
These initiatives strengthened family participation and increased regular attendance. Parents
demonstrated greater confidence in handling their children’s daily needs and supporting therapy
goals.Case Story
Ayush is a 6-year-old boy with Cerebral Palsy, residing with his parents in Kenduara village,
under the Panskura Block of Purba Medinipur District. At birth, Ayush did not cry
immediately and had a low birth weight of 1.8 kg. The lack
of oxygen during delivery led to asphyxia, resulting in
brain damage and the development of cerebral palsy.
He belongs to a nuclear family from an economically
disadvantaged background. His father works as a daily
wage labourer, earning a modest income that barely
meets the family’s basic needs.
When Ayush was 3 years old, his parents brought him to
Panskura Centre for support. At that time, Ayush was
unable to control his head and was non-verbal. He was
completely dependent on his mother for all daily activities
such as eating, drinking, toileting, bathing, and dressing.
His mother, Anita Dolai, was deeply worried and sought
help for her son.
After a detailed assessment, the Asha Bhavan Centre
team designed a comprehensive management plan
tailored to Ayush’s developmental needs. The intervention included physiotherapy, special
education, and early stimulation activities, with periodic reviews and necessary
modifications to ensure steady progress.
Today, Ayush has shown remarkable improvement. He can now sit independently from a
lying position, maintain long sitting and cross-legged sitting, and even hold a two-knee or
squatting position for a few seconds without support. He can crawl, reach out with both
hands (with better control on the left side), and stand with support using A.F.O. special
shoes.
In terms of daily living skills, Ayush can now eat solid foods like biscuits and drink from a
glass independently. He can identify fruits,
vegetables, and animals by name, count up to
six, and speak a few meaningful words such
as “Baba,” “Maa,” and “Dada.” He proudly tells
his own name when asked.
Ayush has become toilet trained, can
communicate his toilet needs though he still
requires some assistance with washing, he is
actively participating in bathing and grooming
with simple guidance. He enjoys playing with
peers and recognizing familiar objects around
him.
His mother, Anita Dolai, is now a transformed
and confident woman, filled with hope and
happiness seeing her son’s steady progress.
She expresses her heartfelt gratitude to Asha Bhavan Centre for their continuous support,
guidance, and care—believing that one day, her son will be able to walk and attend a
regular school on his own

CASE study

During this period, we carried out home visits to support the ongoing rehabilitation of children with disabilities and to strengthen community engagement. We collaborated with local community leaders to raise awareness about our services and promote the inclusion of children with disabilities in local development initiatives. Additionally, we reached out to families of children with irregular attendance to highlight the importance ase Story

SB, a 4-year-old child with cerebral palsy, lives with his parents in Krishnagar village under Nandigram Block of Purba Medinipur District. According to medical reports, SB did not cry immediately after birth and had a low birth weight of 1.7 kg. The lack of oxygen at birth led to asphyxia, resulting in brain damage and subsequent cerebral palsy. He also suffers from epilepsy and is currently under medical treatment. 

SB comes from a nuclear family with limited financial means. His father works as a daily labourer, earning approximately Rs. 5,000 per month. At the age of two, SB was brought to Asha Bhavan Centre in Panskura. At that time, he had limited motor abilities—he could control his head, roll over, and was learning to crawl. He could make some sounds but was fully dependent on his mother for all daily activities including eating, drinking, toileting, bathing, and washing. His mother, Saraswati, was unsure about his condition and had come seeking medical help.

Following a detailed assessment, the rehabilitation team at Asha Bhavan Centre initiated a comprehensive management plan tailored to SB specific needs. This included therapeutic intervention, training in preschool skills, and regular monitoring and updating of his progress and goals.

Current Progress:

Today, SB has made significant developmental gains:

He can crawl when needed and reach out with both hands.

He is able to maintain a squatting position without support.

With the help of special footwear (A.F.O.), he can stand with support and has begun walking with assistance.

He can now eat solid foods like biscuits and drink water from a glass independently.

He has developed speech and can say a few words such as “Baba,” “Maa,” and “Dada.”

He is toilet trained, able to indicate his needs, and uses the toilet in a squatting position, although he still needs help with washing afterwards.

He continues to be dependent for brushing and face washing, but he enjoys bathing and actively participates by following instructions.

SB can now identify familiar objects and enjoys playing with his peers.

His mother, Saraswati, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once confused and anxious, she is now confident, encouraged by the progress her son has made. She is hopeful that one day SB will be able to walk independently and attend a mainstream school. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Asha Bhavan Centre for their guidance, support, and continuous care in SB's journey toward independence and inclusion.