Children use iPads during a visit by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell to one of the organization’s Makani centers. File
| Photo Credit: AP
The early years of a child’s life are critical for lifelong health, learning, emotional well-being, and social development. Inclusive early childhood development (iECD) seeks to ensure that every child, including those with developmental delays, disabilities, autism and other forms of neurodivergence, has equitable access to healthcare, nutrition, nurturing care, early learning, protection, and early intervention, Deepa Bhaskaran, Director, Child Development Centre (CDC), Thiruvananthapuram, said.
Speaking at a media workshop on inclusive early childhood development and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for effective storytelling, organised by UNICEF India in association with the Press Information Bureau, Dr. Bhaskaran said early identification and interventions were vital to ensure that children with disabilities and developmental delays were included at home, in learning environments, and in their communities.
“We train and support medical staff and caregivers, improve early identification and intervention, and provide advanced disability inclusive services,” she said.
Amar Fettle, State Nodal Officer for Adolescent Health, speaking at the workshop, added that while medical infrastructure and personnel were geared towards clinical care, research, teaching, and community outreach, it was equally important to shape public understanding of children’s issues and government programmes.
“Families and the public should understand the services available and help reduce the stigma surrounding disability and developmental delays. The idea is to ensure that children are included in society,” Dr. Fettle said.
The workshop aimed to strengthen understanding of inclusive early childhood development, child rights and disability inclusion, promote ethical, child-sensitive and non-stigmatising reporting, and raise awareness of AI-related risks, including misinformation, deepfakes, bias, privacy violations, and fabricated content.
While reporting, subject matter expertise is essential, Muralikrishna Chinnadurai, trainer with the Google News Initiative India Network, said. Relying on a single AI prompt could produce unreliable information, Mr. Chinnadurai said.
“Humans must be in the loop. AI tools should be used ethically and in an environmentally responsible manner,” he said.
Published – October 28, 2026 06:55 pm IST
