IGNOU developing programmes for care-givers of disabled children

PTI; New Delhi; May 1, 2005

For millions of parents of disabled children looking for advice on bringing them up and integrate them into society, help is at hand from the country’s largest Open University.

A PTI report states that as part of a project to create awareness, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has developed programmes aimed at giving parents and relatives the knowledge to help in their upbringing. The programmes are part of the material being prepared by IGNOU for the National Centre for the Differently Able being set up by the Open University.

"Till now, we have developed two programmes, on mental retardation and visual impairment. We are also at an advanced stage of preparing material on hearing disability and cerebral palsy,” IGNOU Pro-Vice Chancellor S.C. Garg said.
The modules have been developed in association with the Rehabilitation Council of India and the National Association for the Blind, along with assistance from the National Human Rights Commission and the National Human Rights Commission of Canada.

A pilot project using the modules has already started in Jharkhand among care-givers. Enthused by its success, IGNOU now wants to develop distance education material for persons with disability.