NEWS: The Ministry of Education trained 72 lakh teachers to identify students with probable disabilities through PRASHAST.

ABOUT PRASHAST

• Digital, school-based disability screening tool.
• Covers 21 disability conditions listed under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
• Aim → early identification + inclusive education + timely support.

KEY FEATURES

• Two-part checklist → helps teachers identify observable indicators of probable disabilities.
• General teachers → conduct initial screening.
• Special educators → validate identified cases.
• Medical referral → facilitates further assessment wherever required.
• Outreach → covered up to 60,000 schools, according to the supplied report.

SIGNIFICANCE

• Identifies less-visible disabilities at an early stage.
• Improves access to assessment, educational support + inclusive learning.
• Strengthens awareness among teachers and schools.