A Legacy in Disability Rehabilitation

Dr. Amar Jyothi Persha is a distinguished leader in disability rehabilitation. She has dedicated over two decades to impactful work at the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID). Dr. Persha completed her MBBS in 1970 and her MD in 1977, both from Osmania University. Her strong medical foundation led her to focus on disability care, where she has made a lasting mark.

Dr. Persha joined NIEPID in 1984 as a Lecturer and, due to her unwavering commitment and expertise, was promoted to Assistant Professor in 1989. Over her 21-year tenure, she became a cornerstone of NIEPID, shaping critical programs and support services that help individuals with intellectual disabilities thrive.

Dr. Amar Jyothi Persha is celebrated for her remarkable contributions to early intervention for children with developmental delays, particularly low birth weight and small-for-date babies facing unique developmental challenges. As the Project Coordinator of an Indo-US initiative focused on providing psychosocial support for children affected by intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), Dr. Persha pioneered the RAPID model. This model emphasises early detection of developmental disabilities, ensuring families have immediate access to essential resources and support.

Dr. Persha’s impact extends to academia, where she developed and led a postgraduate course on Early Intervention, training professionals to work effectively with young children. Her comprehensive manuals, Visual Stimulation Activities for Infants & Toddlers and Kids-Play: A Pathway to Learning are now widely used across India, empowering families and professionals with tools to support children’s growth through play and learning.

Dr. Persha’s family-centred approach demonstrates her belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive. By involving families in each step of a child’s developmental path, she has fostered inclusion and empowerment, offering a transformative model for the future of early intervention and support for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.