Building on its focus to promote inclusion, Cognizant Foundation India supports initiatives aimed at supporting persons with disabilities and children with special needs ranging from addressing barriers to mental health to early intervention and rehabilitation services.
Cognizant Foundation’s Early Intervention Program for Children with Special Needs
Cognizant Foundation is committed to improving the lives of children with special needs through early intervention and holistic developmental support. In India, over 2 million children live with disabilities, and many face challenges due to delayed diagnosis, inadequate care, and limited access to specialized services. With 21 government-recognized disability types—including autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and speech impairments—early identification and intervention are crucial to improving long-term outcomes.
A major challenge is the shortage of skilled professionals capable of identifying developmental issues in infants under three months of age. Additionally, malnutrition and lack of care contribute to high child mortality rates, with 1.5 million children dying annually before age six. Cognizant Foundation addresses these issues through a comprehensive, multi-therapy approach that integrates medical, educational, and social support systems.
The program begins with individualized rehabilitation plans tailored to each child’s needs. These plans track progress in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) such as grooming, eating, and toilet training. Therapeutic treatments include physiotherapy to enhance mobility, occupational therapy for sensory and cognitive development, speech therapy to improve communication, and behavioral therapy to support emotional regulation and social skills. Dance Movement Therapy is also used to promote mental and physical well-being through creative expression.
Special education support is provided to children struggling in mainstream classrooms, with educators using customized materials to meet specific learning needs. The program also ensures linkage and referral to government schemes and institutions for additional support.
Recognizing the importance of community and family involvement, Cognizant Foundation facilitates the formation of Parent Support Groups. These groups empower families to navigate government entitlements and share experiences, fostering a supportive network. Training programs for educators and caretakers further strengthen the implementation of these interventions.
Two innovative strategies define the Foundation’s approach: providing multi-therapy services under one roof and engaging with stakeholders such as Anganwadi workers, NGOs, hospitals, PHCs, government educators, and peers. This inclusive model promotes understanding and cooperation, helping children with special needs feel accepted and supported in school environments.
Through these efforts, Cognizant Foundation is building a more inclusive society where every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive.
Our representative partner list includes - The Association of People with Disabilities (APD), Hope Kolkata Foundation
