Teachers’ training programme in multiple disabilities aims to build cadre of rehab professionals across India

There are not enough qualified professionals in India in the field of disabilities, a gap that Chennai-based NGO Vidya Sagar is trying to fill with a first-of-its-kind course in the country.

A pioneering organization in the field of disability, Chennai-based NGO Vidya Sagar has announced the start of a B.Ed. in Special Education in the field of Multiple Disabilities.

This will be a two-year, full time programme that aims to spread the knowledge and expertise Vidya Sagar has gained over the 33 years since its launch to develop multifaceted professionals with the skills needed to work with persons with disabilities in all settings.

Vidya Sagar is a 33-year-old organisation working with persons with neuro-impairments and we have worked with all stakeholders in all settings across India and in some other Asian countries. One of our aims is to build a cadre of professionals who can work with people with multiple disabilities. We have been offering a post graduate diploma for people with multiple disabilities for over 25 years. This has been converted into a B.Ed. programme – K S Uma, Coordinator, Human Resource Development, Vidya Sagar

Over the years many trainees from Vidya Sagar have started their own practices and there’s a strong set of professionals who are good teachers. “We are now affiliated to the Tamil Nadu Teacher Education University to run this course and recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India. (RCI)”, adds Uma, who is also in charge of the training programmes.

Tamil Nadu is the only state in India to offer an exclusive teachers’ training in this field of multiple disabilities. The full-time course is open to a graduate in the field of arts and science. Students who have pursued commerce and economics at the graduation level will need a post graduate degree.

Through the course, Vidya Sagar hopes to attract interested and committed candidates from across India to create a cadre of rehabilitation professionals in this field, something the country needs urgently. There are not enough trained professionals, a gap that is seen across the country, especially rural areas, something this course aims to address.

CONTACT +91-98400-35203 and +91-75501-40387 for more details. EMAIL: hrd@vidyasagar.co.in