DDRS Project – Strengthening Rehabilitation Through Inclusive Support

Introduction

Manovikas Special School is a proud implementing partner of the Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS), a flagship initiative of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. This scheme aims to provide comprehensive services to persons with disabilities (PwDs) through voluntary organizations.

At Manovikas, the DDRS Project forms the backbone of our efforts to offer sustained, structured, and professional rehabilitation services for children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Objectives of the DDRS Project

The DDRS initiative at Manovikas is designed to:

• Deliver need-based services to children and individuals with disabilities, particularly from economically weaker sections.
• Promote education, skill development, therapy, and social integration through a multi-disciplinary approach.
• Provide financial support and infrastructure for long-term rehabilitation.
• Build community-based models of inclusive care and education.

Program Components

• Special Education
  We run specialized classrooms based on the level of disability and the learning capabilities of each student. Customized Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) help promote functional academics, communication, and independence.
• Therapeutic Interventions
  Our multidisciplinary team offers occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, and behavioral therapy. These services are integral to improving motor skills, communication, and adaptive behaviors.
• Vocational Training
  For older students, we provide skill-based training in areas like handicrafts, agriculture, cooking, and basic computer operations. This fosters economic independence and dignity in work.
• Counseling and Parental Support
  Regular counseling sessions for families and caregivers are organized to guide them in understanding their child’s needs and enhancing home-based care.
• Healthcare Services
  Periodic medical camps, health screenings, and mental wellness checks are provided under the DDRS program to ensure holistic development.
• Community Awareness Programs
  Awareness campaigns are conducted in schools, panchayats, and public spaces to challenge social stigma and encourage early identification and intervention.

Impact

The DDRS-supported programs at Manovikas have led to tangible improvements in the lives of hundreds of students and their families:

• Academic and functional gains among students enrolled in special education units.
• Increased independence and employability of young adults through vocational training.
• Greater parental involvement and understanding of disability management.
• Enhanced public awareness and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the local community.

Financial Transparency and Accountability

The DDRS Project is implemented with strict adherence to financial norms, transparency, and monitoring requirements laid out by the Ministry. Regular audits, activity reports, and progress assessments ensure that resources are utilized effectively for the benefit of the students.

Future Goals

Manovikas plans to expand the scope of the DDRS initiative by:

• Enhancing infrastructure with modern assistive devices and smart classrooms.
• Extending services to under-reached areas through mobile units.
• Increasing collaboration with corporate CSR initiatives and donors to scale the program’s impact.

The DDRS Project has become a cornerstone of inclusive rehabilitation at Manovikas Special School. By addressing the educational, therapeutic, and vocational needs of children and adults with disabilities, we move closer to building a more equitable, compassionate, and empowered society.

Together, with continued support from the government and community, we are shaping brighter futures—one child at a time. - Manovikas