Disha - Early Intervention and School Readiness Scheme is running under the National Trust, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and enrolment is open for children with disabilities aged 0 to 10 years. This scheme provides day care, therapies, training and family counselling through Disha Centres set up across India. As of August 2026, the scheme continues to run, and the National Trust has moved its official website to nationaltrust.nic.in, where scheme details and the centre list are available.
Children covered under the National Trust Act, 1999 with autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability or multiple disabilities can join a nearby Disha Centre. Each centre gives day care for at least 4 hours a day, along with therapy, school readiness training and regular progress checks. Parents also get counselling and training so they can support their child at home.
Disha - Early Intervention and School Readiness Scheme - Introduction
Disha scheme is managed by the National Trust, a statutory body set up under the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999. The scheme works under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Registered organisations run the Disha Centres and follow the official scheme guidelines.
The main aim of the scheme is to prepare children for school and for independent daily living. Children get early intervention through therapies, and families get the support they need to manage daily life. The official guidelines for the scheme were updated in 2026 and are available on the new National Trust website.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Disha - Early Intervention and School Readiness Scheme |
| Launched By | National Trust, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Beneficiaries | Children with disabilities aged 0 to 10 years |
| Covered Disabilities | Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disabilities |
| Benefit Type | Day care, therapies, training, family counselling (in kind) |
| Day Care Facility | At least 4 hours a day, 21 days a month |
| Application Mode | Visit nearest Disha Centre |
| Official Website | nationaltrust.nic.in |
Benefits
Children enrolled in a Disha Centre get a full set of services made for their age and needs. The main benefits are given below.
- Day care: The centre provides day care for at least 4 hours daily between 8 am and 6 pm, along with age-specific activities.
- Therapies and training: Children get therapy and skill-building sessions from professionals like special educators, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
- Family counselling: Parents get regular guidance so they can manage daily living activities and support their child's growth.
- Transport support: Registered organisations may provide transport for the child if both sides agree.
- Progress monitoring: Experts check the child's growth regularly and update the individual support plan as needed.
Eligibility
To join a Disha Centre, the child should meet the following conditions:
- Age: The child should be between 0 and 10 years old.
- Disability: The child should have one of the disabilities covered under the National Trust Act, 1999, which are autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability (mental retardation) or multiple disabilities.
- Not enrolled under Samarth: The child should not be registered under the Samarth scheme.
Exclusions
Children who are already registered under the Samarth scheme cannot join this scheme. Apart from this, there is no other exclusion for eligible children.
Application Process
Enrolment is done directly at the nearest Disha Centre. The steps are given below.
STEP 1 - Visit the nearest Disha Centre with the child and the required documents. A list of registered centres is available on the official National Trust website.
STEP 2 - The centre conducts a child assessment test with the help of a therapist or counsellor. If the child is found fit for formal school, the team guides the parents. Parents can choose a regular or special school, or continue with the Disha Centre.
STEP 3 - If you choose the Disha Centre, the centre checks whether the child is eligible for LIG or BPL funding from the National Trust.
STEP 4 - Submit the completed enrolment form along with original and photocopies of the required documents.
STEP 5 - After verification, the child is enrolled. Parents get a confirmation ID card or receipt and a starter kit.
STEP 6 - Disha Centre staff also explain the Niramaya health insurance scheme and can help with registration if parents are interested.
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready for enrolment:
- Completed enrolment form.
- Birth certificate or date of birth proof of the child.
- Valid disability certificate.
- BPL certificate or income certificate of the parent or guardian issued by a competent authority.
- Identity proof of the parent or guardian.
- Local residence proof, which is required for LIG families or those availing transport.
Funding Support for Disha Centres
The National Trust funds registered organisations that run Disha Centres. As per the revised funding pattern, a one-time setup cost of ₹1,55,000 is given to start a centre, and monthly recurring support of ₹4,500 per BPL child is provided, with an extra ₹1,000 per child per month for transport if availed. The revised funding pattern and the 2026 guidelines are available on the official website.
Contact Details
For scheme related queries, families and registered organisations can contact the National Trust office. The head office is at 6th Floor, NISD Building, Plot No. G-2, Sector-10, Dwarka, New Delhi - 110075. Telephone: 011-65216000. Email: contactus@thenationaltrust.in. Scheme details and the centre list are available on the official website nationaltrust.nic.in.
References
Official Disha Scheme Page | List of Disha Centres | Important Guidelines on Schemes (2026) | Revised Funding Pattern | National Trust Act, 1999
FAQ's
What is the main objective of Disha - Early Intervention and School Readiness Scheme?
The main objective is to provide early intervention and school readiness support to children aged 0 to 10 years with disabilities through therapies, training and family counselling.
Who manages the Disha scheme?
The scheme is managed by the National Trust, which works under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
What kind of support will my child receive at a Disha Centre?
Your child will receive day care for at least 4 hours a day, professional therapy, developmental training and regular progress checks at authorised centres.
Are parents involved in the process?
Yes, the scheme provides counselling and training to parents so they can support their child's daily living and school readiness.
What is the first step for enrolment?
You should visit a local Disha Centre with your child for an assessment test conducted by a therapist or counsellor.
Is the Disha scheme still active in 2026?
Yes, the scheme continues to run. Scheme details and the centre list are available on the official National Trust website nationaltrust.nic.in.