Three mobile resource centres equipped with therapy and rehabilitation facilities to begin operations in Mandi, Shimla and Kangra
Shimla, August 28: In a major initiative to strengthen inclusive education and improve access to specialised services for children with special needs, Samagra Shiksha Himachal Pradesh has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sanfia Foundation to operate ‘Mobile Resource Centre – Therapy on Wheels’ in the state.
The initiative is being launched under the Inclusive Education Component of Samagra Shiksha and will initially be implemented in Mandi, Shimla and Kangra districts.
The MoU was signed by Samagra Shiksha State Project Director Rajesh Sharma and Sanfia Foundation founder and director Dr Shruti Bhardwaj. State coordinator Pratibha Bali and programme manager Biju Himdal were also present on the occasion.
Rajesh Sharma said the department’s objective under inclusive education was not limited to connecting children with special needs to schools but also ensuring the timely identification of their individual requirements and linking them with educational, therapeutic, rehabilitation and other specialised services.
“Considering the difficult geographical conditions of Himachal Pradesh, the Mobile Resource Centre will prove to be an effective medium for taking specialised services closer to children who need them,” he said.
He added that Samagra Shiksha Himachal Pradesh had purchased three buses for the project, which would be developed as ‘Mobile Resource Centres – Therapy on Wheels’. The buses will be equipped with essential therapy facilities, equipment and other resources.
Services to Begin in Mandi, Shimla and Kangra
In the first phase, the three mobile resource centres will operate in Mandi, Shimla and Kangra districts. The initiative aims to provide need-based services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, special education, assessment, counselling and other rehabilitation support to children with special needs.
The project will also focus on the identification and screening of children, need-based assessments, awareness programmes, training and orientation. Teachers, special educators and parents will also receive guidance and training to ensure that children receive continued support both in schools and within their communities.
The mobile centres are expected to particularly benefit children who face geographical barriers, transportation difficulties or other challenges in accessing specialised therapy and rehabilitation services regularly.
One-Year Pilot Project
The ‘Mobile Resource Centre – Therapy on Wheels’ initiative aims to go beyond providing therapy services by promoting educational participation, functional abilities, communication skills, independence and the overall development of children with special needs.
The project will offer support across different stages, ranging from identification and screening to assessment, awareness, training, therapy, rehabilitation and follow-up services.
Sharma said the project would initially be operated for one year. Based on the experience, outcomes and requirements identified during the implementation period, the possibility of expanding the services to other areas of the state would be considered.
Dr Shruti Bhardwaj said the partnership with Samagra Shiksha Himachal Pradesh would play an important role in taking mobile therapy and rehabilitation services to children who are unable to access such facilities regularly due to various challenges.
The initiative is expected to strengthen accessible, inclusive, need-based and child-centred services for children with special needs in Himachal Pradesh and ensure their meaningful participation in education and overall development.
