Poor handwriting, lack of sense of direction, more: Delhi teachers receive directions to check for subtle signs of disability in students

Time of India

27-04-2025

The Directorate of Education has instructed all schools, including government, aided, private, and those under local bodies such as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and New Delhi Municipal Council, to conduct a thorough screening of students for 21 types of disabilities as outlined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, reported TOI.
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Using the Prashast mobile app and checklist, teachers are tasked with identifying both obvious and subtle signs of disabilities in students. These may include issues such as poor handwriting, difficulty maintaining eye contact, a lack of direction, or signs of being disconnected from reality, according to the TOI report.
What is the primary objective?
The primary goal is the
early identification of disabilities
and the provision of appropriate support for inclusive education. Before screening any child, however, a no-objection certificate must be obtained from the parents. Any suspected disabilities identified during the screening process will be referred for expert evaluation. According to the Directorate of Education (DoE) circular, teachers must complete training on the Prashast app by April 30.
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The school-level screening of students is required to be completed by July 25, with final reports, including class-wise and consolidated data, to be submitted to district coordinators by July 31. The circular also emphasizes that any negligence in the process will be taken seriously, and action may be taken against the school authorities. This screening is an annual initiative by the DoE aimed at the early identification of disabilities and the development and implementation of appropriate educational programs in line with the RPWD Act.
Newly admitted students in classes I to XI, as well as those who were not included in the 2024-25 screening drive, will also be included. Each student will be closely observed by the class teacher in consultation with subject teachers. Those displaying "red flag" behaviors will be identified and considered for Part 1 of the Prashast checklist.
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Following the screening, students who possibly may be having disabilities will be referred to the district resource centre for further assessment and access to therapeutic services, as required. "Early intervention can change a child's entire learning journey," Sudha, vice-principal and psychology teacher at Bloom Public School, Vasant Kunj told TOI.
"This isn't just a checklist — it's a detailed, collaborative process. Teachers are first oriented by special educators, then observe students closely for consistent behavioural patterns. Sometimes, what seems like a difficulty may just be temporary, so we always engage with parents before drawing conclusions. Every observation is reviewed again by the special educator. That's how thorough and meaningful this process is."
(with TOI inputs)