Dr. Avnish Jolly , 19 May :The first few years of child’s life play a significant role in all round development of his personality. During this formative period, a child’s physical, social and intellectual capacities need to be discovered, nurtured and developed so as to enable him to lead a useful and productive life. This particular phenomenon is of paramount significance especially when the education of children with any disability is concerned. Early years provide a foundation for all subsequent learning and, hence, represent a time when intervention can be most influential. Early intervention services offer special children and their families to lessen the effects of the condition. The purpose of these services is to promote the child and family’s ability to meet developmental outcomes.
India is making rapid stride in the task of implementing Early Intervention policies and programmes. Special Educators who provide these services can create wonders in the lives of children with disabilities. According to an estimate, the minimum number of special educators that are required in the country is over 2.45 lakh. In the present position even though there is increasing demand of special educators, yet their number is meager. So, more and more institutes should come up to produce Special Educators.
Indian National Portage Association, known for its social service to mentally challenged children, for the first time in North India introduced RCI recognized Diploma in Early Childhood Special Education (Mental Retardation) which is running from the last four years under the leadership of Prof. Tehal Kohli. INPA has successfully completed previous four batches and will commence the fifth batch from June 15. This is a unique course for those who want to work towards the education of children with disabilities and provides an opportunity for social work besides being job oriented. So far there have been nearly 100% placements of the students who appeared for this course. Important dates are as follows:
Minimum qualification : 10+2 or above
Last date for Submission of Forms : 1st June,09
Interview on : 7th June,09
Dr. Tehal Kohli (Prof. Emeritus) and President INPA, said many International and National Bodies such as UNESCO, UNICEF, World Bank, ILO, etc. are trying their best to expand and propagate Early Intervention Programmes and Practices through their policies and programmes. There are around 3 crore mentally retarded individuals who need to be helped. If they are provided training at the right time by the right persons they can improve and enjoy a better life.