Education ministry launches second cycle of disability learning

The Ministry of Education on Thursday, 22August ,2023 launched the second cycle of the capacity building programme, with greater emphasis on the disability learning. The initiative is launched under the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme (MMTTP)

After the remarkable success of the first cycle which was based to empower higher educational Institutions (HEIs) with the skills and knowledge necessary to support students with specific learning disabilities.

The cycle of the programme began on Thursday, August 23, 2024 and will continue till the end of the year. The sessions will be held online as well as offline. The programme aims to sensitize the heads of institutions, along with the head of five departments and two nominees for each department. The participants will get the opportunity to   attend interactive workshops, expert-led seminars and also practical sessions which aims at enhancing the ability to create inclusive environments.

Once the programme is completed, it will be replicated by a new set of HEIs over the cycle of six months.

The Higher education Secretary, Sanjay Mathur stated that "New National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recognises learning disabilities among a set of students, with a vision of equitable and inclusive education for all. It stipulates that it is essential that HEIs must be aware of students with specific disabilities, including learning disabilities, and should be sensitised towards addressing associated challenges,"

The first round of the cycle was organized in collaboration with the Changeinkk foundaition.It was held from January to July of this year. During the programme, 27 HEIs counting central universities like IITs ,IIMs,IISERs,SPAs and NITs were a part of it too.

Shri S.K. Barnwal while addressing the crowd mentioned that given the critical need for inclusive education, this programme is a significant step towards equipping educators with the necessary expertise to address the diverse needs of the students. He further urged HEIs to come forward and thrive in addressing the issues related to students with specific learning disabilities.