Date: 2026-01-23Category: Press ReleaseState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
The International Conference on Recent Advances in Early Intervention: A Disability Perspective highlights the Government’s commitment to the empowerment of Divyangjan
**Executive Summary**
The National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID) Secunderabad and the Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (AYJNISHD) Mumbai, with support from UNICEF India and TATA Power, held a two-day International Conference on Recent Advances in Early Intervention: A Disability Perspective on January 22nd and 23rd, 2026, at IIT Bombay. The conference highlighted the government's commitment to empowering Divyangjan. NIEPID also signed MOUs with Astha and SOL's ARC.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Conference Overview:**
* A two-day International Conference on Recent Advances in Early Intervention: A Disability Perspective was held.
* NIEPID Secunderabad and AYJNISHD Mumbai organized the event.
* The conference was held on January 22nd and 23rd, 2026 at IIT Bombay.
* The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities was the aegis
* UNICEF India and TATA Power supported the event.
* **Keynote & Addresses:**
* Shri Rajeev Sharma, Joint Secretary, DEPwD, delivered the keynote address on early identification and intervention.
* Dr. Sunita Mondal delivered the inaugural address.
* Shri Tukaram Mundhe, IAS, highlighted Maharashtra's initiatives in early intervention.
* Prof. (Dr.) Milind Atrey discussed the role of AI and technology in early identification and intervention.
* Mr. Sanjay Singh highlighted strengthening early intervention services at the grassroots.
* Dr. B.V. Ram Kumar delivered the welcome address.
* **Partnerships**
* NIEPID signed MoUs with Astha and SOL's ARC to strengthen inclusive education and vocational outcomes.
* These partnerships will integrate inclusive pedagogy with national standards via technology-enabled tools.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)**
* **Impact:** The conference highlights governmental and institutional commitments to their empowerment, promoting awareness and strengthening early intervention services, inclusive education, and vocational outcomes.
* **Action Required:** No specific action is required.
**Stakeholder: Organizations focused on Disability Empowerment (e.g., NIEPID, AYJNISHD, Astha, SOL's ARC)**
* **Impact:** The conference serves as a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing, aiding in enhancing services and leveraging technological advancements. The MoUs signed by NIEPID formalize partnerships for strengthened inclusive education.
* **Action Required:** Implement collaborative initiatives to strengthen inclusive education and vocational outcomes.
**Stakeholder: Government of Maharashtra**
* **Impact:** The conference provides a platform to showcase initiatives and strengthen partnerships in early intervention and disability support.
* **Action Required:** Continue strengthening early intervention services and early identification in Maharashtra.
Key Entities Referenced
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD): Organized the International Conference. A department focused on the empowerment of persons with disabilities.
National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), Secunderabad: Co-organized the International Conference. Focuses on empowerment of persons with intellectual disabilities.
Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (AYJNISHD), Mumbai: Co-organized the International Conference. Deals with speech and hearing disabilities.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment: Under the aegis of which the conference was organized
Maharashtra: The state whose government initiatives were highlighted at the conference.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
The International Conference on Recent
Advances in Early Intervention: A Disability
Perspective highlights the Government’s
commitment to the empowerment of Divyangjan
NIEPID, Secunderabad and AYJNISHD, Mumbai Join Hands
to Enhance Awareness on the Empowerment of Persons with
Disabilities
प्रव तथ: 23 JAN 2026 5:26PM by PIB Mumbai
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.
***
Saurabh Khekde/Parshuram Kor
Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai /PIBMumbai /pibmumbai pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com /PI
BMumbai /pibmumbai
(रलीज़ आईडी: 2217733) आगंतुक पटल : 53
इस वज्ञ को इन भाषाओ ंम पढ़: Marathi