Joint Secretary, DEPwD Shri Girish C. Hosur visits AYJNISHD(D), Mumbai; Reviews key facilities and services and inaugurates Tele-Rehabilitation and Voice Recording Room

**Executive Summary** On June 12, 2026, Shri Girish C. Hosur, Joint Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), visited the Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (Divyangjan) in Mumbai. The visit served to review existing facilities, inaugurate a new Tele-Rehabilitation and Voice Recording Room, and evaluate the progress of ongoing construction projects. The Joint Secretary called for the institute to prioritize the strengthening of its outreach, research, and capacity-building programs. **Key Points / Main Content** **Inaugurations and Facility Reviews** * Inaugurated the Tele-Rehabilitation and Voice Recording Room, designed to enhance service delivery and community outreach. * Conducted a tour of the new hostel building currently under construction. * Reviewed the activities and services of key departments, including Audiology, Speech and Language Pathology, Psychology, and the Information and Documentation Centre. **Specialized Intervention Services** * Evaluated the Cross Disability Early Identification and Intervention Centre (CDEIC), which provides therapies to children aged 0–6 years. * Emphasized the critical importance of early identification and holistic rehabilitation to ensure positive outcomes for children and their families. **Institutional Briefings and Strategy** * Engaged in detailed discussions with Department Heads regarding ongoing clinical, academic, and community-based programs. * Focused on the specific role of each department in empowering individuals with speech, language, and hearing disabilities. * Encouraged the institute to expand its research initiatives and capacity-building programs to contribute to an inclusive society. **Impact Analysis** **Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (AYJNISHD(D))** **Impact** The institute received high-level validation for its current clinical and academic services, alongside new infrastructure to broaden its service delivery via tele-rehabilitation. **Action Required** The institute must continue to strengthen its outreach, research efforts, and capacity-building programs as per the Joint Secretary’s recommendations. **Children with Disabilities (Aged 0–6) and their Families** **Impact** These stakeholders benefit from specialized, holistic rehabilitation and early intervention services highlighted during the review. **Action Required** Families are encouraged to seek early identification and intervention services at the CDEIC to ensure the best possible development outcomes. **Institute Faculty and Department Heads** **Impact** Staff members were given a platform to present their future initiatives and receive feedback on their roles in community empowerment. **Action Required** Faculty must focus on implementing the future initiatives discussed and maintaining the standard of comprehensive service delivery.

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