Building Futures: Inclusive Education Strategies Focused on Skills and Higher Education for IDD Students
Introduction:
To further enhance the educational landscape for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in India, the government could consider implementing several strategic initiatives. These initiatives should focus on inclusive education, skill development, and higher education, ensuring comprehensive support for students with IDD.
1. Inclusive Education in Schools:
- Objective: Develop and upgrade all schools, including 14,500 PM SHRI schools (PM Schools for Rising India) nationwide, to act as model schools, showcasing the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and promoting an inclusive, equitable, and holistic education environment for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
- Implementation:
- Equip classrooms with assistive technology tailored for students with IDD.
- Integrate easy-to-read assistance and simplify curriculum materials to cater to various cognitive abilities.
- Train special educators to implement and monitor Individualised Education Plans (IEPs).
2. Include IDD in PM Daksh-DEPwD Portal:
- Objective: Expand the PM Daksh-DEPwD Portal to include training programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
- Implementation:
- Incorporate IDD-friendly courses into the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) and rethink the use of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to ensure direct entry into skill levels 1 and 2.
- Promote vocational training centres run by Special Schools and NGOs, focusing on contemporary market needs.
- Course Examples:
- Digital literacy
- Basic multimedia
- Data entry
- Arts and crafts
- Culinary skills
- Horticulture
etc.
3. Think College! Inclusive Higher Education Initiatives:
- Objective: Provide inclusive higher education opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through partnerships of the National Institutes (PwDs) and NGOs with universities and colleges. (Example- Manovikas Initiative of Think College! Inclusive Higher Education for IDD)
- Implementation:
- The University Grant Commission (UGC) directs universities to offer certificate, diploma, and degree programs tailored to IDD students.
- UGC and National Institutes (PwDs) will ensure every university and college has facilities and support systems for students with IDD.
- Dedicated support centres/Equal Opportunity Cell with IDD Orientation
- Accessible campus infrastructure
- Specialised academic advisors
- Develop market-oriented and skill-based courses such as:
- Digital media
- Hospitality
- Entrepreneurship etc.
Conclusion:
By implementing these strategic initiatives, the government can significantly enhance the educational landscape for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in India, ensuring they have access to inclusive education, skill development, and higher education opportunities. This will not only empower individuals with IDD but also foster an inclusive society that values and supports all its members.
Programmes and Projects on Inclusive Education at Manovikas
आज के दौर की बौद्धिक और विकासात्मक दिव्यांगता वाली लड़कियाँ साल में एक दिन नहीं, बल्कि हर दिन महिला दिवस मनाती हैं। ये बदलती हुई लड़कियाँ अपने साथ-साथ समाज और दुनिया के सोचने का ढंग भी बदल रही हैं, वे …
उदयन केयर होम की चार छात्राएँ मनोविकास में शुचिता स्कॉलरशिप के माध्यम से जुडी हुई हैं । यह स्कॉलरशिप बौद्धिक और विकासात्मक विकलांगता वाली महिलाएं/लड़कियां (WIDD) उनको उनकी बेसिक शिक्षा ,उच्च शिक्षा एवं समावेशी कौशल विकास कार्यक्रम के लिए दिया …
अमूल्य,जून, अंजलि और सुष्मिता बौद्धिक और विकासात्मक दिव्यांग महिलाओं के लिए समावेशी कौशल विकास कार्यक्रम “शुचिता” द्वारा (Scholarship) छात्रवृत्ति मिल रही हैं। अमूल्य ने थिंक कॉलेज के द्वारा Indira Gandhi National Open University से B.A प्रोग्राम का प्रथम और द्वितीय …
The National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) recently organized an educational trip for diploma trainees to Manovikas, a renowned institution dedicated to the well-being of individuals with disabilities. The visit provided a unique opportunity for the …
The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) has announced the results for the secondary class, and this year, every student has successfully passed. This unprecedented achievement has brought immense joy to everyone involved in the educational journey. At Manovikas, the …
In these day’s resource room session, our diploma trainees led a dynamic and engaging class with our students. The trainees began by welcoming everyone warmly, creating a comfortable and inclusive atmosphere. They then posed a crucial question to the students: …
In pursuing higher education, everyone deserves equal opportunities and access to learning. However, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often face barriers that hinder their educational journey. At Manovikas Institute for Higher Education, we promote inclusivity and accessibility in …
In education, every individual deserves the opportunity to learn and grow to their fullest potential. However, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often face unique challenges in accessing higher education. At Manovikas Institute for Higher Education, we recognise the …
Higher Education for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities “One such institute of higher education for persons with intellectual disabilities in India is Manovikas Institute of Higher Education” DCID Journal Tweet This Research Article aimed to provide glimpses into the …