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A one-day training program on “Early Identification and Interventions” was successfully conducted on 27 March 2026 at Ravulapalem for Anganwadi Workers. The program aimed at strengthening grassroots-level capacity in identifying developmental delays and disabilities among young children and ensuring timely intervention. It brought together Anganwadi Workers, ICDS officials, and representatives from development organizations, creating a platform for learning, discussion, and collaboration.

Objectives of the Program

The primary objective of the training was to enhance the knowledge and skills of Anganwadi Workers in identifying developmental delays and disabilities among children in the early stages, particularly from birth to six years. The program also aimed to improve their understanding of various types of disabilities and equip them with practical methods for community-level identification. Another important objective was to strengthen coordination between ICDS functionaries and voluntary organizations to ensure better service delivery and support systems for children and their families.

Introductory words:

The program began with an address by Mr. Badugu Mahima Rao, CBR Coordinator, PARA, who emphasized the critical importance of early identification of disabilities, especially before the age of three years. He highlighted that early detection plays a vital role in enabling timely interventions, which can significantly reduce the severity of disabilities and improve the overall quality of life of children.

In his session, he explained different types of disabilities including physical, intellectual, sensory, and developmental conditions. He also elaborated on early signs such as delayed developmental milestones, behavioral changes, and communication difficulties. Practical guidance was provided on simple methods and tools that Anganwadi Workers can use at the community level to identify children at risk and refer them for further support.

Resource team on topic:

The technical session was conducted by Ms. Badugu Subbayamma, who provided detailed insights into government welfare schemes and entitlements available for persons with disabilities. She explained the 21 categories of disabilities recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, helping participants gain a clear understanding of the legal framework.

She also guided participants on the procedures for accessing benefits such as disability certification, pensions, assistive devices, and other support services. Emphasis was placed on the role of Anganwadi Workers in supporting families by providing accurate information, assisting with documentation, and linking them to relevant services.

ICDS Interventions

Ms. Chandrakala, ICDS Sector Supervisor, addressed the participants and stressed the importance of following government norms and guidelines in all processes related to child welfare. She highlighted the need for transparency and accountability, especially in sensitive matters such as adoption and child protection.

She also emphasized strengthening coordination between Anganwadi Workers and organizations such as PARA and LAMP. She encouraged the workers to actively collaborate with these organizations to improve outreach, ensure timely referrals, and enhance the overall quality of services delivered at the grassroots level.

Skill Development Awareness Session

During the session, Mr. Prakash from DBTech introduced participants to various skill development initiatives being offered free of cost by PARA. He spoke about training programs such as Drone Technology and Solar Computing, which can provide new livelihood opportunities for youth and community members.

Participants were encouraged to identify and motivate eligible beneficiaries to take advantage of these programs, thereby contributing to economic empowerment and sustainable development within their communities.

Participation

The program witnessed active participation from 24 Anganwadi Workers, along with the ICDS Supervisor, resource persons, and representatives from PARA, LAMP, and DBTech. The participants actively engaged in discussions, shared field experiences, and clarified their doubts, making the sessions interactive and meaningful.

The training program resulted in improved knowledge and awareness among Anganwadi Workers regarding early identification of disabilities and developmental delays. Participants gained a better understanding of government schemes and legal provisions, enabling them to guide families more effectively.

The program also strengthened coordination between ICDS and voluntary organizations, fostering a collaborative approach to service delivery. Additionally, awareness of skill development initiatives created new avenues for community engagement and livelihood enhancement.

The training program concluded on a positive note, highlighting the importance of early identification, timely intervention, and coordinated efforts in addressing developmental challenges among children. It proved to be highly informative and practical, equipping Anganwadi Workers with essential knowledge and skills.

Overall, the program significantly contributed to strengthening grassroots-level systems and ensuring better support for children with developmental delays and disabilities, as well as their families.

Conclusion

It is recommended that similar training programs be conducted regularly to reinforce learning and update Anganwadi Workers on new developments. Introducing simple screening tools at Anganwadi centers can further support early identification efforts. Strengthening referral systems with health and rehabilitation services will improve outcomes, and increasing awareness among parents and communities will ensure better participation and early action. 

A training program on “Early Identification and Intervention for Anganwadi Workers (ICDS)” was successfully conducted on 28 March 2026 at the ICDS Divisional Office, Kothapeta, covering the Palivela and Kothapeta sectors. The program was organized by the People’s Action for Rural Awakening (PARA) under the leadership of Mr. Badugu Mahima Rao, CBR Coordinator, with the support of Manos Unidas. A total of 46 Anganwadi Teachers actively participated in the training, making it a significant capacity-building initiative at the grassroots level.

The primary objective of the program was to strengthen the knowledge and skills of Anganwadi Workers in the early identification of developmental delays and disabilities among children, particularly those below the age of three years. The training also aimed at improving their understanding of different types of disabilities and enhancing coordination between ICDS functionaries and voluntary organizations for better service delivery.

In his keynote address, Mr. Badugu Mahima Rao emphasized the critical importance of early identification and timely intervention. He explained that identifying developmental delays at an early stage can significantly reduce the long-term impact of disabilities and improve the overall quality of life of children. He elaborated on the various types of disabilities, the early signs and symptoms to be observed in children, and the simple methods and tools that can be used at the community level for early detection. His session provided practical insights that are directly applicable to the day-to-day work of Anganwadi Workers.

The technical session was facilitated by Ms. Badugu Subbayamma, who served as the resource person for the program. She delivered a detailed presentation on the government welfare schemes and pension provisions available for persons with disabilities. She also explained in depth the 21 categories of disabilities recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, enabling participants to better understand the legal framework and classification. Further, she guided the participants on the procedures to access these entitlements, and how they can support families in availing the benefits effectively.

Ms. Begam, ICDS Sector Supervisor, Ravulapalem, addressed the participants and highlighted the importance of adhering to government norms and guidelines in all processes related to child welfare. She stressed the need for strong coordination between Anganwadi Workers and organizations such as PARA and LAMP, which can help in ensuring timely support and services to children with developmental delays and disabilities. Her address reinforced the role of convergence in improving outcomes at the community level.

During the program, Mr. Prakash (DBTech), representing PARA, provided information on ongoing skill development initiatives offered by the organization. He shared details about training opportunities in Drone Technology and Solar Computing, encouraging participants to inform eligible beneficiaries and youth in their communities about these programs for enhancing livelihood opportunities.

The training program witnessed the active participation of all 46 Anganwadi Workers, along with ICDS supervisors and representatives from PARA and LAMP. The sessions were interactive and informative, allowing participants to engage, clarify doubts, and gain both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding relevant to their field responsibilities.

In conclusion, the program successfully reinforced the importance of early identification, timely intervention, and effective coordination among stakeholders. It strengthened the capacity of Anganwadi Workers by equipping them with essential knowledge and practical skills required to identify developmental delays and support children and their families. The training is expected to contribute significantly to improving service delivery and ensuring better developmental outcomes for children at the grassroots level.

The training program on “Early Identification and Interventions to Anganwadi Workers (ICDS)” was successfully conducted on 30 March 2026 at Penikeru Anganwadi Centre in Narsipudi Sector, Alamuru Mandal. The program was organized by People’s Action for Rural Awakening (PARA) under the leadership of Badugu Mahima Rao, CBR Coordinator, with support from Manos Unidas. A total of 26 Anganwadi Teachers actively participated in the training, representing the ICDS sector of the region. The session aimed to strengthen grassroots-level capacity in addressing developmental challenges among children.

The primary objective of the training was to enhance the ability of Anganwadi Workers to identify developmental delays and disabilities at an early stage, particularly among children below three years of age. The program focused on equipping participants with practical knowledge and skills to recognize early warning signs, thereby ensuring timely intervention. Additionally, the training emphasized improving coordination between ICDS functionaries and voluntary organizations to provide comprehensive support systems for children with disabilities.

In his keynote address, Badugu Mahima Rao stressed that early identification plays a critical role in reducing the severity of disabilities and improving long-term developmental outcomes. He highlighted that Anganwadi Workers serve as the first point of contact at the community level and therefore carry significant responsibility. The session included detailed explanations of various types of disabilities, their early symptoms, and simple, practical identification methods that can be applied at the Anganwadi level. His address reinforced the importance of proactive engagement and regular monitoring of children’s growth and development.

The resource person, Badugu Subbayamma, provided an in-depth session on the support systems available for persons with disabilities. She explained various government welfare schemes, including provisions related to healthcare, inclusive education, special education services, and social security benefits such as pensions. She also elaborated on the 21 categories of disabilities recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, helping participants understand the legal framework. Furthermore, she guided Anganwadi Workers on how to assist families in accessing these services effectively, ensuring that eligible beneficiaries receive timely support.

The program was further strengthened by the presence of Satyaveni, ICDS Supervisor, who appreciated the initiative and noted that such training programs should be extended to all sectors. She highlighted that the session provided valuable insights and new information to the participants. She assured continued collaboration with PARA and other organizations, emphasizing that issues related to children with disabilities would be promptly addressed through coordinated efforts.

Overall, the training witnessed active engagement from all 26 participants, along with ICDS officials and representatives from PARA. The program concluded on a positive note, emphasizing the importance of early identification, timely intervention, and strong coordination among stakeholders. The training significantly enhanced the knowledge and practical skills of Anganwadi Workers, empowering them to play a more effective and proactive role in promoting inclusive child development at the community level.

Introduction

A training program on “Early Identification and Interventions” was organized on March 31, 2026, at the Penikeru Anganwadi Centre in Atreyapuram Mandal, covering Lolla and Merlapalem sectors. The program was conducted under the leadership of Mr. Badugu Mahimarao, CBR Coordinator of PARA (People’s Action for Rural Awakening). It was attended by 54 Anganwadi Workers in the presence of ICDS Sector Supervisors Ms. Padmavathi and Ms. Arundhati.

Objective of the Program

The primary objective of the training was to strengthen the capacity of Anganwadi Workers in identifying developmental delays and disabilities among children at an early stage. The program aimed to enhance their ability to recognize early signs and symptoms, promote timely intervention, and improve coordination between ICDS functionaries and voluntary organizations working in the field.

Key Address by the CBR Coordinator

In his address, Mr. Badugu Mahimarao emphasized the importance of early identification of disabilities, particularly before the age of three years. He explained that timely detection can significantly reduce the severity of disabilities and improve developmental outcomes in children.

He provided practical insights on different types of disabilities, their early signs and symptoms, and simple methods of identification at the Anganwadi level. He highlighted the critical role of Anganwadi Workers in identifying children with developmental delays and ensuring that they receive timely support and intervention at the grassroots level.

Session by Resource Person

The Resource Person, Ms. Badugu Subbayamma, delivered an informative session focusing on welfare schemes available for persons with disabilities. She explained various services such as special education, inclusive education, healthcare facilities, and pension schemes.

She also elaborated on the provisions and the 21 categories of disabilities recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Additionally, she guided participants on how to assist families in accessing these benefits effectively and ensuring that eligible children receive appropriate support.

Remarks by ICDS Supervisors

Ms. Padmavathi, ICDS Supervisor, appreciated the initiative and noted that the training provided valuable knowledge on several topics that were previously unfamiliar to the Anganwadi Workers. She expressed confidence that participants would apply the learnings in their respective villages for early identification and support of children with disabilities.

Ms. Arundhati, ICDS Supervisor, also extended her support and encouraged continued collaboration between Anganwadi Workers and organizations like PARA and LAMP to improve service delivery and outreach.

Participation

The program witnessed active and enthusiastic participation from 54 Anganwadi Workers, along with ICDS Sector Supervisors and representatives from PARA and LAMP. The interactive nature of the sessions enabled participants to clarify their doubts and gain practical knowledge.

Conclusion

The training program concluded successfully with a strong emphasis on the importance of early identification, timely intervention, and coordinated efforts in addressing the needs of children with disabilities. The session empowered Anganwadi Workers with practical knowledge and skills, enabling them to play a proactive role in promoting inclusive and community-based child development.

On 16 March 2026, PARA Organization organized a meaningful training and awareness program titled “My Participation – My Right” at the Alamuru Mandal Women’s Federation (VELUGU) Office, Alamuru. The program, coordinated by Mr. Badugu Mahima Rao, CBR Coordinator, focused on strengthening the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities (PwDs) in village-level governance, particularly in committees related to health, sanitation, and nutrition.

The program brought together a total of 50 participants, of whom 42 were persons with disabilities and 8 were others, including government officials, NGO staff, and the resource person. Participants represented from 18 villages of Alamuru Mandal, making the gathering a diverse and representative platform for dialogue and collective reflection.

The program began on a reflective and rights-based note with the reading of the Preamble of the Constitution of India, reaffirming the shared commitment to equality, dignity, and justice. This set the tone for the day’s discussions, emphasizing that participation in governance is not a privilege but a right for every citizen, including persons with disabilities.

Welcoming the participants, Mr. Badugu Mahima Rao highlighted that meaningful participation of PwDs in village-level committees is essential for ensuring that their voices, needs, and priorities are included in local development planning. He stressed that inclusion is not only the responsibility of persons with disabilities but also of institutions, government systems, and society as a whole. His address created a strong foundation for the discussions that followed.

The session led by Ms. Badugu Subbayamma, resource person added depth and clarity to the program. She explained the key provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, focusing on social protection, access to healthcare and education, employment opportunities, and most importantly, the right to participate in governance and decision-making processes. Her interaction with participants encouraged them to move from awareness to action, motivating them to claim their rightful space in village committees with confidence.

Building on this, Fr. Thomas Pallithanam, Director of PARA Organization, emphasized the importance of collective leadership and coordination. He encouraged persons with disabilities to see themselves not as beneficiaries but as active contributors and leaders in their communities. His message reinforced the idea that inclusive development is only possible when everyone participates equally.

A significant highlight of the program was the address by the Chief Guest, Mr. Raju, Mandal Parishad Development Officer (MPDO), Alamuru. He appreciated the initiative and acknowledged the importance of ensuring inclusion in governance systems. Importantly, he assured that necessary instructions would be issued to all Panchayats in the Mandal to facilitate the participation of persons with disabilities in village-level committees. This commitment marked a crucial step toward institutionalizing inclusion at the grassroots level.

The program was not limited to speeches but created space for active engagement. Participants openly shared their experiences, challenges, and aspirations regarding their participation in village governance. Many expressed that they had previously been excluded or unaware of their rights, but the program helped them gain clarity and confidence. The presence of other dignitaries, including Fr. Simharayulu (Administrator, PARA), Ms. Durga (Block Coordinator), and Mr. Prakash (DB-Tech Representative), further strengthened the discussions and encouraged participants.

The program concluded with a collective commitment pledge, where participants affirmed their willingness to actively engage in village committees and contribute to community development. This moment reflected a strong sense of unity, self-belief, and shared responsibility among the participants.

Overall, the program was not just an awareness activity but a transformative experience that strengthened the confidence, knowledge, and motivation of persons with disabilities. It helped bridge the gap between rights and practice by connecting community members with institutional support. The assurance given by the MPDO, combined with the increased awareness among participants, indicates a positive shift toward more inclusive and participatory village governance in Alamuru Mandal.