NIEPID DISHA Curriculum: A Comprehensive Learning Framework for Children with IDDs

The NIEPID DISHA curriculum developed by Jai Vakeel Foundation (JVF), is designed to support children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) through a structured, multi-sensory, and inclusive learning approach tailored to diverse developmental needs.

Key offerings

1. A comprehensive assessment checklist designed to support accurate evaluation and informed goal selection
2. A structured curriculum, including detailed teacher manuals and student workbooks, to enable effective and impactful implementation
3. A digital portal that facilitates efficient record management and streamlined documentation 

Assessment Checklist

The Assessment Checklist is a set of skills-based items across developmental domains, that aims at holistic assessment of the children with intellectual disabilities to understand strengths as well as prioritise areas of support. Here are two NIEPID DISHA Assessment Checklists:

• For children aged 3–14 years, click here.
• For adolescents aged 14–18 years, click here.
• Through these Assessment checklists, teachers can choose relevant goals for the year and caregivers and other stakeholders working with the children can get a holistic understanding of the child. 

Domains covered

The assessment checklist addresses key areas such as ADL, communication, educational and recreational activities, social behaviour, and life skills (14–18 years).

It forms the foundation for a personalised IEP tailored to support holistic development.

Curriculum

The structured curriculum is designed based on two age‑specific checklists: 3–14 and 14–18 years, which help caregivers and teachers understand each child’s strengths and needs, forming the basis for an Individualised Education Plan (IEP).

The curriculum blends academics, life skills, and creativity to support holistic learning for children with diverse abilities.

• Academic subjects: Language (English, Hindi, Marathi), Mathematics, Environmental Studies (EVS), and Digital Literacy.
• Adaptive subjects: Communication, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Motor Skills, Life Skills, and Social Adaptive Skills.
• Creative learning is supported through art and craft manuals and workbooks. 

Pathway

Spanning Nursery to Level 3 and pre‑vocational stages, the curriculum offers a clear progression tailored to each child’s growth and abilities, focusing on literacy, numeracy, and adaptive skills. 

Structured support for teachers and families

Manuals are created for both classroom teachers and caregivers at home, with structured activities that move from basic to advanced levels.

Hands‑on resources 

Student workbooks, flashcards, and activity guides ensure learning is engaging, multisensory, and easy to implement. These hands-on resources are designed to make learning interactive and enjoyable. 

Below are some examples from our workbooks and curriculums. They use simple, multisensory activities that help children connect concepts with everyday experiences. 

The structured curriculum is designed to gradually move to more advanced stages, supporting steady growth in the children. As teaching progresses, students continue to build on their skills and deepen their understanding. 

By aligning each IEP component with practical, accessible tools, the curriculum supports educators and families in supporting each child’s unique way of development. It recognizes that meaningful participation looks different for every child, and includes options for families to choose home-based goals that align with their child’s needs and interests. 

Together, these resources create a supportive pathway where each child’s strengths, differences, and ways of engagement are respected, and families and educators are equipped to support growth and connection, one step at a time.

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other intellectual disabilities, or have concerns about developmental delays in a child, the Nayi Disha team is here to help. For any questions or queries, please contact our FREE Helpline at 844-844-8996. You can call or what’s app us. Our counselors speak different languages including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.