Manovikas Kendra, Balodabazar, is a dedicated centre focused on nurturing and empowering children with special needs through inclusive education, therapy, and life-skills development. Manovikas Kendra, Balodabazar, was established in December 2024 under the visionary leadership of Collector Mr. Deepak Soni and the District Administration of Balodabazar. This pioneering initiative addresses the critical need to support children with cross-disabilities, particularly intellectual disabilities, by providing specialised education, therapy, and social rehabilitation. Recognising the lack of such integrated services, Manovikas Kendra offers a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where children can thrive. The centre operates under the supervision of the Social Welfare Department, receives financial support from the Ambuja Adani Foundation through their CSR initiatives, and is managed by the Path of Life NGO.

Before the launch of Manovikas Kendra, children with disabilities in Balodabazar face multiple barriers:

• Limited Access to Specialised Education: Few institutions cater to their unique learning needs.
• Lack of Therapeutic Support: Critical therapies like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy remain inaccessible.
• Absence of Social Rehabilitation: Programs to develop social skills and integration into society are missing.
• Inadequate Early Intervention: Few resources exist to identify and support developmental delays in children aged 0-6 Years.
• Parental Support Deficiencies: Parents and Caregivers often lack the knowledge or tools to help their children effectively.

Best Practices:

• Experienced and Trained Team: The centre is staffed with 19 members, including a Centre Director, 4 Special Educators, Physiotherapist, a Speech Therapist, a Yoga & Meditation Instructor, and visiting specialists like psychiatrists, music teachers, and recreation trainers, along with caretakers and transport staff.
• Inclusive, Child-Centric Education: The teaching approach is inclusive, using modern technologies and special teaching aids tailored to each child’s learning capacity.
• Individualised Education Plans (IEPs): Each child benefits from a personalised plan focusing on intellectual growth, daily life skills, communication, and recognition abilities.
• Comprehensive Therapeutic Services
• Physiotherapy and Sensory Integration: Specialised equipment like therapy balls, walkers, and sensory rooms enhances motor development and helps manage conditions such as cerebral palsy, hypotonia, and hypertonia.
• Speech Therapy: The therapy unit addresses communication disorders and pronunciation issues using AAC tools such as picture cards and boards. Each child typically attends 3-4 sessions per week.
• Yoga and Meditation: Daily morning sessions focus on simple asanas, pranayama, and mindfulness to enhance self-regulation and concentration.
• Music Therapy: Instruments like dholak, harmonium, and jhanjh foster self-expression and emotional development through group singing.
• Sports and Recreation: Afternoon sessions include physical and social group activities to build teamwork, coordination, and confidence.
• Early Intervention Unit: Children aged 0-6 years receive focused care. The team works closely with parents to detect delays early and build responsive parenting practices.
• Parental Guidance: Regular counselling and training sessions help families understand and support their children’s needs.
• Safe Transport: Two vehicles with trained staff ensure the children’s secure commute.

Manovikas Kendra has made a profound impact on the lives of children with disabilities and their families. Currently supporting over 40 children, the centre fosters noticeable improvements across physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development. By promoting dignity, purpose, and independence, it significantly enhances the quality of life for children with intellectual and other disabilities. Families, too, are empowered, gaining the skills, resources, and confidence needed to support their child’s growth effectively. Through an integrated approach combining therapy, education, and family engagement, Manovikas Kendra creates a nurturing and holistic environment for development. Its compassionate and visionary model has earned widespread recognition as a successful example of inclusive care and support.