CM Flags Off ‘Mobile Resource Centre – Therapy on Wheels’ Initiative

Shimla: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, in the presence of Education Minister Rohit Thakur, flagged off three Mobile Resource Centre vehicles under the ‘Therapy on Wheels’ project launched by Samagra Shiksha.

The initiative aims to take specialised therapy, special education, rehabilitation and educational support services closer to children with special needs, particularly those living in rural, remote and geographically difficult areas.

Through the mobile centres, students will receive services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, special education, screening and needs-based assessment, multidisciplinary therapy and rehabilitation, counselling, and parental guidance. Training will also be provided to help children become more independent in their daily activities.

The project will provide continued support from identification and assessment through follow-up. It will focus on improving students’ educational participation, physical and functional abilities, communication skills, independence and social participation. Teachers, special educators and parents will also receive orientation, counselling and guidance.

Services to begin in three districts

In the initial phase, the three Mobile Resource Centres will operate in Mandi, Shimla and Kangra districts. The project will particularly focus on reaching students who have limited access to specialised services because of distance or difficult terrain.

The initiative will initially operate for one year. Its future expansion to other parts of Himachal Pradesh will be considered based on the experience, outcomes and needs identified during the project.

Samagra Shiksha State Project Director Rajesh Sharma said the primary objective of ‘Therapy on Wheels’ is to make expert services accessible to children close to their homes and schools. He said the initiative would make inclusive education more accessible and student-centred while supporting the overall development and participation of children with special needs.

Samagra Shiksha officials and coordinators, along with Dr. Shruti Bhardwaj, Founder and Director of the Samphia Foundation, were also present at the flag-off ceremony.