Centre for Community Initiative

Centre for Community Initiative (CCI), through its centre Malsawm Ability Resource Centre (MARC), is committed to improving the health and overall well-being of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and marginalized communities. The Health Program provides essential healthcare services, addressing both physical and mental health needs to enhance beneficiaries’ quality of life. MARC offers specialized Therapy Services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to improve mobility, coordination, communication, and independence. Professional Counselling supports beneficiaries and their families in managing stress, trauma, and anxiety, fostering emotional resilience and equipping them with coping strategies.

Health Education empowers students at The Malsawm Initiative (A School for Children with Special Needs), as well as beneficiaries in the Early Intervention Unit and Home-Based Care Unit, with knowledge on hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention. Regular workshops help families make informed decisions and adopt healthier lifestyles, aiding in managing hyperactivity. Health Camps, including UDID Health Camps, provide free medical check-ups, disability assessments, and help secure UDID cards for government benefits. CCI also facilitates enrollment in the NIRAMAYA Health Insurance Scheme and provides access to free or subsidized medicines, ensuring financial barriers do not prevent treatment. When specialized care is needed, Referral Services connect beneficiaries with healthcare specialists for advanced care and long-term recovery.

Centre for Community Initiative (CCI) promotes inclusive and specialized education through its project The Malsawm Initiative (TMI), the first and only dedicated school for children with disabilities (CwDs) in Churachandpur district, Manipur. Established to bridge the educational gap for children with Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability, Autism, Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment, Speech & Language Disability, and Multiple Disabilities, TMI provides tailored education for children aged 4 to 18 in a supportive, ability-based learning environment.

Core Educational Framework
TMI’s structured programs include:

Early Education Programs (I, II, III): Focus on foundational skills in communication, motor development, and cognitive learning.
Open Basic Education (OBE) under NIOS: One of two accredited agencies in Manipur offering Level A, B, and C (equivalent to Class III, V, and VIII).
Braille and Indian Sign Language (ISL): Ensuring literacy and communication skills for visually and hearing-impaired students.
Beyond Academics
TMI integrates therapy and skill development to foster independence and personal growth:

Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy: Enhancing mobility and motor skills.
Speech & Language Therapy: Developing communication skills.
Life Skills Training: Equipping students with daily living and self-reliance skills.
Vocational Training: Preparing students for employment through skill-based training.
Extended Education Services
Early Intervention: Addressing developmental delays at an early stage.
Home-Based Care: Providing individualized education and therapy to children unable to attend school.
Community-Based Programs: Promoting disability inclusion through local engagement.
Inclusive Education: Partnering with mainstream schools to create inclusive learning spaces.

Centre for Community Initiative (CCI) is committed to advocating for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PwDs) by raising awareness, influencing policies, and empowering communities. Through targeted advocacy efforts, CCI works to dismantle societal barriers, promote equal opportunities, and ensure access to essential services for PwDs.

Key Focus Areas:
Community Sensitization – Conducting awareness programs to educate the public on disability rights, inclusion, and the importance of accessible education and infrastructure.
Government & Institutional Engagement – Training government officials, educators, and institutions on disability laws and inclusive policies to foster a more supportive system for PwDs.
Formation & Strengthening of Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs) – Mobilizing and empowering self-advocacy groups to represent the interests of PwDs and influence local and state-level policies.
UDID Enrollment Assistance – Helping PwDs obtain Unique Disability Identity (UDID) cards, ensuring access to government welfare schemes, healthcare, and social security benefits.
Awareness on Inclusive Education – Promoting accessible and quality education for children with disabilities by working with schools, teachers, and communities to adopt inclusive learning practices.

At Centre for Community Initiative (CCI), we believe that every person deserves to live with dignity and independence. Our Advocacy and Community Empowerment Program champions the rights of persons with disabilities (PwDs) by breaking down barriers and creating an inclusive, supportive environment. This program empowers PwDs and their families with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to navigate legal challenges, secure government benefits, and strengthen their place in the community.

Through our Legal Aid Clinic, we provide free legal assistance to PwDs and their families, guiding them through complex issues like discrimination, disability rights, and access to government schemes. Our team helps beneficiaries secure their rights and entitlements under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. We also assist in obtaining Unique Disability Identity (UDID) cards, ensuring that beneficiaries can access essential government schemes and welfare benefits without h

ivelihood and Sustainable Development Program at the Centre for Community Initiative (CCI), in partnership with NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), is designed to empower rural communities by creating sustainable income opportunities and improving access to essential resources. The program focuses on land-based farming by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, crop diversification, and organic farming techniques. In the Behiang cluster, the program supports 200 farmers with training in efficient land use, soil management, and climate-resilient farming methods to enhance productivity and income stability. Livestock development is another key component, where beneficiaries receive training in animal husbandry, vaccination, and feed management to improve the health and productivity of cattle, goats, poultry, and pigs. The program also emphasizes skill development by equipping individuals with vocational skills such as tailoring, carpentry, handicrafts, and