In a significant development aimed at strengthening inclusive education in India, the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID) and the Jai Vakeel Foundation (JVF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement a structured, uniform curriculum for children with intellectual disabilities (CwID) across the country.
The MoU, signed in the presence of Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), marks a crucial step towards expanding access to quality education for CwID. The collaboration formalises years of joint efforts between the two organisations and brings together NIEPID’s research and training expertise with JVF’s grassroots implementation experience.
Through this collaboration, key resources developed by JVF — including the NIEPID Disha Assessment Checklist for Individualised Education Plans (IEPs), the NIEPID Disha Multisensory Curriculum, the NIEPID Disha Digital Portal, and teacher training modules — will be made available nationwide to schools, centres, and organisations serving children with intellectual disabilities.
Archana Chandra, CEO of Jai Vakeel Foundation, noted that the collaboration is a fitting milestone as the foundation celebrates its 80th year of service. “What began as a passionate project within Jai Vakeel Foundation grew into a transformative initiative of Disha Abhiyan with successful implementation in more than 450 special schools in Maharashtra. Today NIEPID has given it a national platform, and together we will ensure that NIEPID Disha Curriculum gives access to education that is tailored to the unique strengths, needs, and potential of each child with Intellectual Disability, is not just an aspiration but a reality.”
The curriculum has already shown promise through JVF’s Disha Abhiyan, a scaling initiative that has reached over 450 special schools, trained 2,600 educators, and impacted 18,000 children in Maharashtra since its launch in 2019.
“Today marks a great moment for NIEPID as we join hands with Jai Vakeel Foundation to bring much-needed uniformity and structure to the disability sector across India,” said Maj. Dr B.V. Ram Kumar, director, NIEPID. “JVF is not just a partner — it is a trusted ally with whom we have shared a six-year journey grounded in commitment, innovation, and impact. NIEPID’s accreditation of Disha’s content is a testament to its quality and potential for systemic transformation. We stand united in this effort and remain deeply committed to making quality education accessible for all persons with Intellectual Disability across the nation.”
Beyond its educational scope, the initiative aligns with India’s broader national goals and international commitments under the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The MoU is also seen as contributing to the government’s Viksit Bharat vision of a more inclusive and empowered nation.
By integrating policy, practice, and pedagogy, the partnership aims to create lasting systemic change in the way education is delivered.
