Smt. Madhvi Kataria (IAS Retd.), State Commissioner for Persons with Disability (SCPD), of U.T. Chandigarh, visited Government Rehabilitation Institute for Intellectual Disabilities (GRIID), Sector-31, Chandigarh on Thursday to take stock of the activities and performance of the three verticles being run there. She expressed satisfaction at the good work being done in all the three areas namely the school for children with intellectual disabilities, Child Development Clinic and the College of Special Education.

During the visit SCPD took round of various sections like Autism Section, Care group, Preparatory section, Sanitary Pad making unit, Masala Grinding unit, Cutting and Tailoring unit, Carpentry Section, Artificial Jewelry making Unit, Bakery Unit, dance section etc.. During the visit children of GRIID orchestra and dance performance was put up.

During the visit SCPD took round of various sections like Autism Section, Care group, Preparatory section, Sanitary Pad making unit, Masala Grinding unit, Cutting and Tailoring unit, Carpentry Section, Artificial Jewelry making Unit, Bakery Unit, dance section etc.. During the visit children of GRIID orchestra and dance performance was put up. She interacted with children and appreciated special educators for their commitment and patience.

To create a culture of acceptance for admission and smooth completion of school years of PwDs in the general school, she assured that she will soon have a meeting with Education Secretary to discuss all education related issues of Children and adults with disability in schools and colleges in Chandigarh. The problems being faced by the parents, professionals and all stakeholders in this regard shall be discussed for early resolution.

The Child Development Clinic is being run with the aim of providing medical and rehabilitative facilities to children with intellectual disability, autism, cerebral palsyand multiple disabilities. Team of paeditrician, clinical psychologist and therapist provide services for diagonosis, management and rehabilitation of children with such disabilities followed by facilitation of various schemes under National Trust Act. Daily OPD services, disability certification, Identity cards(UDID) are provided here. Early intervention programmes, intervention therapies like speech therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration therapy, behavioural therapy, physiotherapy are provided to all children coming for OPD as well as GRIID school children.

Dr. Ajeet Sidana, Joint Director stated that in view of acute shortage of manpower in the field of rehabilitation of persons with intellectual disability, Human Resource Development wing was started in GRIID which has been recognised by Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). Diploma, Degree and Masters courses in special education are being run. Special Educators so produced go a long way in imptoving the prospects of Inclusive Education and Special Education, for the children with disabilities.

SCPD conveyed about the latest proposals of the Government about creating Special Teachers not for a single disability rather for cross disabilities so that schools could afford to employ and their services be used optimally. During her visit in Packaging Section of Sheltered Workshop, she also purchased local products prepared by the self- help group of the Himachal Pradesh and Utrakhand which are packed by the PwDs under Sheltered Workshop.

Mrs. Madhvi Kataria (IAS Retd.) underscored the need for creating a coalition of all institutions, NGOs and well-meaning citizens to create synergy and make Chandigarh disabled friendly smart city. She also desired resource support to all the NGOs by GRIID to create a line of competent professionals in disability sector. 

Mr. Jaspal Sharma, ADO, GRIID, Dr. M. Karuppasamy, Coordinator, HRD, GRIID, Ms. Vandana Singh, Principal, GRIID(S), Dr. Reena Jain, In-charge, Clinic, GRIID and Mr. Anil Kumar, In-charge, Sheltered Workshop were also present along during the visit.