PIB Mumbai, 23 Jan 2026

The National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (Divyangjan),

( NIEPID) Secunderabad, and the Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (Divyangjan), (AYJNISHD) Mumbai, under the aegis of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, organized a two-day International Conference on Recent Advances in Early Intervention: A Disability Perspective.

The conference was organized in joint collaboration with UNICEF India and TATA Power and was held on 22nd and 23rd January 2026 at the IIT Bombay premises.

Shri Rajeev Sharma, Joint Secretary, DEPwD, delivered the keynote address of the conference on early identification and early intervention, highlighting the measures and initiatives undertaken by DEPwD in strengthening early intervention services across the country.

Dr. Sunita Mondal, Ex-ADGHS, Ex-Principal LHMC, and Professor of Excellence, addressed the participants and delivered the inaugural address. Shri Tukaram Mundhe, IAS, Secretary, Persons with Disabilities Welfare Department, Government of Maharashtra, highlighted the initiatives taken by the Government of Maharashtra in strengthening early intervention services and early identification across Maharashtra state.

Prof. (Dr.) Milind Atrey, Deputy Director (ATR), IIT Bombay, addressed the participants regarding the role of artificial intelligence and technology in early identification and intervention.

Mr. Sanjay Singh, Chief of UNICEF Field Office Maharashtra, highlighted the importance of strengthening early intervention services across the country at the grassroots level.

Dr. B.V. Ram Kumar, Director, NIEPID, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the role of NIEPID in early identification and early intervention services across the country. He appreciated the speakers who participated from different countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Nepal.

NIEPID has signed MoUs with Astha, the Centre of Excellence (Government of Maharashtra), and SOL’s ARC to strengthen inclusive education and vocational outcomes for persons with disabilities. The partnership integrates inclusive pedagogy with national standards through scalable, technology-enabled tools and models such as NIEPID-DISHA, supporting early intervention, capacity building, and the effective inclusion of children with diverse learning needs in mainstream education and therapy services.

Dr. Sravan Reddy, Deputy Director (Administration), NIEPID, delivered the vote of thanks.

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Saurabh Khekde/Parshuram Kor

 

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