Dr. Virendra Kumar, the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, stressed the importance of early intervention for children with developmental delays and special needs. He highlighted the government’s commitment to inclusive support systems at the inauguration of the Cross Disability Early Intervention Centre (CDEIC) in Noida. The Minister stated that early childhood intervention is a national responsibility to ensure every child’s future.
He underlined the significance of reaching children in their early years for optimal brain development and long-term health, learning, and social outcomes. Dr. Kumar urged the Noida centre to set a benchmark for excellence by focusing on quality infrastructure, advanced technology, skilled professionals, and evidence-based practices. He also emphasized the crucial role of families, especially parents, in successful early intervention programs.
The Minister directed the centre to provide caregiver training programs to empower families as partners in their child’s development journey. He highlighted the collaborative efforts needed from professionals, institutions, and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) to make CDEICs centers of hope and innovation. The CDEIC in Noida aims to offer comprehensive services like occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, and special education for children with developmental delays.
