NCERT Launches PRASHAST 2.0 for Early Identification of Disabilities in Schools

Introduction

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has launched an upgraded version of the digital platform, PRASHAST 2.0, to address the issue of early detection of disabilities in school children.

The initiative is an important step towards inclusive education in India. The platform enables the teacher or school to detect learning and developmental issues early.

The main goal is simple. All children should be supported in a fair and equitable way and enjoy the same educational opportunities.

What Is PRASHAST 2.0?

Pre-Assessment Holistic Screening Tool is called PRASHAST 2.0.

It is a digital screening platform developed by NCERT.

The platform helps:

• Teachers
• School principals
• Special educators

Recognise when children have disabilities and learning difficulties.

PRASHAST 2.0 comes in the following languages:

• Mobile format
• Web-based format

This makes it available to schools throughout the country.

Main Objective of PRASHAST 2.0

The biggest objective of PRASHAST 2.0 is early detection.

Children who are identified early benefit from:

• Timely support
• Better classroom assistance
• Educational adjustments
• Getting access to government schemes.

The platform is designed to guarantee that every child can be helped to keep learning without missing out due to failing to identify learning and developmental issues.

Disabilities Covered Under the Platform

PRASHAST 2.0 screens children for 21 types of disabilities.

These disabilities are recognized in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

This tool can identify:

• Learning difficulties
• Developmental disorders
• Physical disabilities
• Behavioural challenges

This enables students to be supported better at school.

How PRASHAST 2.0 Works

The platform has two screening stages.

Stage One: Initial Screening

The first screening is done by regular classroom teachers.

They observe:

• Student behaviour
• Learning patterns
• Classroom participation
• Communication abilities