The screening tool

About PRASHAST

A Comprehensive Initiative for Inclusive Education

PRASHAST, which stands for “Pre-Assessment Holistic Screening Tool,” is a disability screening checklist developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to assist schools in the early identification of students with disabilities. This tool aligns with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, which recognizes 21 disability conditions.

The PRASHAST checklist is divided into two parts:

  1. Part-1: Designed for regular teachers to conduct initial screenings of all students. It includes objective items that teachers can tick based on their observations.
  2. Part-2: Intended for special educators, counselors, or school heads to validate the findings from Part-1. This section helps in tentatively categorizing the observed disabilities according to the RPwD Act, 2016, facilitating further assessment and certification.

To enhance accessibility and ease of use, NCERT has also developed the PRASHAST mobile app, which aids in school-based screening of the 21 recognized disability conditions and generates school-level reports.

By implementing PRASHAST, schools can ensure timely and appropriate support for students with special needs, promoting an inclusive educational environment.

Are you a therapist, special educator or teacher?

List yourself on PRASHAST Connect, free. Parents and teachers in your city can find you and write to you; your details stay with you.

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Or read the guides for parents and teachers