Bhubaneswar, Sept. 1: The state government has begun a special training programme for teachers in government high schools to identify signs of visual impairment among students at an early stage.

The state government has started conducting the training under the Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Stage scheme from this year. The scheme covers all children studying at the secondary level in government, local body and government-aided schools.

According to Rashtriya Madhyamik Siksha Abhiyaan's state project director Ratnakar Rout, the identification of physical disabilities by teachers in schools has been gaining momentum over the past few years. Often, the students who deal with such impairments are themselves unaware of their loss in vision. The student is often the last to recognise a loss in vision until it deteriorates.

"Vision impairment, if undetected, may hamper the student's academic and social development. This will be a hurdle to reaching their potential," said Rout.

Under the initiative, dedicated mobile units, equipped with sophisticated equipment, eye experts and paramedical staff members will hold camps in different districts. At least five camps will be held in each block.

"We are training 5,500 teachers in phases to identify such disabilities. We will also conduct a medical camp every year," said Rout.

The government has begun the scheme in 10 districts, including Bhubaneswar, and will spend Rs 3 crore under the scheme this year.