The government of Odisha has announced a significant step towards standardising education for children with intellectual disabilities. It has proposed implementing a uniform curricular framework named 'Disha' across all its special schools, starting from the new academic session.
A New Direction for Special Education
A senior official from the state's Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) confirmed that the government intends to roll out the Disha curriculum with effect from the academic year 2026–27, which commences on April 1, 2026. This move aims to bring much-needed consistency to the educational approach for intellectually disabled children across the state.
Currently, 35 special schools for such children operate in Odisha. These institutions are run by non-governmental organisations but function under the grant-in-aid system of the SSEPD department. The official highlighted a critical gap, stating, "Currently, there is no uniformity in education imparted at any of the special schools."
Training and Implementation Strategy
To ensure effective implementation, the SSEPD department has formally requested the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), which operates under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, to conduct comprehensive training. The training will cover the new curriculum framework, modern teaching-learning methodologies, practical classroom application, and updated assessment strategies for teachers in these special schools.
The decision to adopt Disha followed a successful pilot program conducted in 10 other states. Impressed by its effectiveness, the Odisha government decided to embrace this centralised model. The curriculum is extensive, comprising 46 workbooks, necessitating specialised training for educators. "Teachers need to be trained in them, which is why we approached NIEPID," the official added.
Comprehensive Skill Development Focus
The Disha curriculum is specifically crafted to holistically develop children with intellectual and developmental disabilities aged between three and 18 years. Its primary goal is to build a strong foundation in academics, life skills, and social and vocational abilities.
Originally developed by the Mumbai-based Jai Vakeel Foundation—a voluntary organisation with over eight decades of experience in supporting people with intellectual disabilities—the curriculum has received certification from NIEPID. It is designed as a multisensory learning model, employing visual, auditory, kinaesthetic, and tactile methods to teach a wide range of subjects and skills.
The curriculum's broad scope includes:
- Core academic subjects like Mathematics, Environmental Studies (EVS), and Language.
- Essential life skills and Activities of Daily Living (ADL).
- Communication, social adaptive skills, and motor skills development.
- Practical training in kitchen skills and digital literacy.
- Creative arts and recreational activities.
This structured, uniform approach promises to transform special education in Odisha, ensuring every child receives a standardized, high-quality education tailored to their unique needs and potential.
