In India, millions of children live with disabilities or special needs. Yet, for many of them, daily life can be an ongoing struggle for basic rights, resources, and recognition. Awareness about special needs in India has grown significantly in recent years, but there remains a long way to go in terms of accessibility, inclusive education, and social acceptance.

What Are Special Needs?

“Special needs” is an umbrella term used to describe children who require extra support due to physical, mental, or developmental disabilities. This includes, but is not limited to, conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, learning disabilities, hearing and vision impairments, and more. The nature of these needs varies, but the essential requirement is to help children overcome obstacles that may impede their ability to learn, communicate, or interact with their environment.