In a powerful reminder that inclusion begins at home, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar emphasised that parents are a child’s first and most influential therapists at the inauguration of the Cross Disability Early Intervention Centre (CDEIC) in Noida. The newly opened facility, located at the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), Regional Centre, Sector-40, marks another significant milestone in India’s journey toward early, inclusive and rights-based support for children with developmental delays and disabilities.
More than just a healthcare or welfare initiative, the CDEIC reflects a deeper philosophical shift—one that places early childhood, families and dignity at the heart of public policy.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Addressing officials, professionals and families, Dr. Kumar underscored a crucial scientific truth: the first six years of life are the most critical for brain development. During this window, neural connections form rapidly, shaping a child’s cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, language acquisition and social behaviour.
“Early intervention is not optional—it is foundational,” the Minister said, stressing that timely support can dramatically alter long-term outcomes in health, learning and social participation. Delays in diagnosis or therapy, on the other hand, often lead to compounding challenges later in life.
Globally, early intervention by parents is recognised as one of the most cost-effective and humane approaches to disability support. By investing early, societies reduce long-term dependency while enabling children to reach their fullest potential.
A Centre Designed for Comprehensive Care
The Noida CDEIC has been designed as a one-stop, multi-disciplinary facility catering to children in the 0–6 years age group—a period widely recognised as decisive for developmental progress.
Services Offered Include:
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Medical Consultation
- Special Education
- Family Counselling
- School Readiness and Early Learning Interventions
Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern therapeutic tools, the centre is expected to serve not only Noida but also surrounding regions, addressing a long-standing gap in accessible early intervention services in urban and semi-urban Uttar Pradesh.
Families at the Core, Not the Margins
One of the most defining aspects of the Minister’s address was the clear emphasis on family-centred care. Rather than viewing parents as passive recipients of professional advice, the CDEIC model positions parents as equal partners in the child’s developmental journey.
Dr. Kumar directed the centre to organise structured training programmes for parents and caregivers, complete with certification. This approach acknowledges a simple yet powerful reality: therapy does not end when a session does. What parents practice at home—daily routines, communication styles, play and emotional support—often determines long-term success.
“Empowered parents can change outcomes,” the Minister noted, adding that caregiver capacity-building is essential for sustaining developmental gains beyond institutional settings.
From Welfare to Responsibility: A National Vision
Importantly, Dr. Kumar reframed early intervention as a national responsibility, not merely a welfare service. This framing aligns with India’s obligations under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and international commitments such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
He called upon professionals, institutions and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) to work in close coordination so that CDEICs evolve into centres of excellence, innovation and trust—places where families feel supported, respected and hopeful.
Expanding the Network: A Nationwide Effort
The Noida centre is not an isolated development. Speaking at the event, Smt. Manmeet Kaur Nanda, Additional Secretary, DEPwD, highlighted that this facility is the 28th Cross Disability Early Intervention Centre established across India.
This steady expansion reflects a coherent national strategy focused on:
- Early identification of developmental delays
- Equitable access to professional services
- Standardisation of care across regions
She encouraged the NIEPID team to deliver child-centric and family-oriented services, reaffirming the Department’s commitment to strengthening early intervention infrastructure nationwide.
Beyond Therapy: Inclusion in Action by parents
During the visit, dignitaries toured multiple facilities within the NIEPID campus, including:
- The Model Special Education Centre
- The Model Inclusive Primary School
- The Mobile Therapy Bus
- PMDK (Pradhan Mantri Divyang Kendra) facilities
The event also featured a cultural performance by children with special needs, reminding attendees that inclusion is not just about therapy—but about expression, confidence and participation.
Assistive aids, appliances and NIEPID DISHA curriculum materials were distributed to beneficiaries, reinforcing the Government’s emphasis on practical, outcome-oriented support.
Symbolism Rooted in Purpose
The programme concluded with a tree plantation drive, led by the Union Minister and the Additional Secretary. More than a ceremonial gesture, it symbolised growth, sustainability and collective responsibility—values that lie at the heart of early intervention itself.
Just as a sapling needs timely care to grow strong, children with developmental delays need early, consistent and compassionate support to flourish.
Conclusion: A Hopeful Step Forward
The inauguration of the Cross Disability Early Intervention Centre in Noida marks a hopeful and necessary step toward building an inclusive India where no child is left behind due to delayed support or lack of awareness.
By recognising parents as first therapists, prioritising early childhood, and expanding professional services across the country, the Government of India is laying the groundwork for a more equitable future—one where ability is nurtured, dignity is preserved, and potential is never underestimated.
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