Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar inaugurated the National Workshop on “Capacity building of training institutes and HRD in disability field in the context of National Education Policy: 2020” on 16th May 2023 in Jabalpur. The workshop, organized by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), aimed to empower individuals with disabilities and implement the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
During the inaugural session, Dr. Virendra Kumar emphasized the importance of providing self-respect, empowerment, and dignity to persons with disabilities, echoing the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He highlighted the need for employment-oriented special education programs as a means to achieve RCI’s Vision Document 2030.
Over 300 delegates from 11 different states, including policymakers, special educators, and rehabilitation professionals, attended the event. Shri Rakesh Singh, Member of Parliament and Guest of Honour, stressed the significance of creating skill training programs in Jabalpur District to facilitate gainful employment for individuals with disabilities.
Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and Chairperson of RCI, emphasized the importance of experiential learning, skill development through technology, and inclusive education. He highlighted the need to design accessible workbooks using information and communication technology for children with deafness and blindness, incorporating features such as Indian Sign Language, captioning, and audio description.
RCI, established as a Statutory Body by an Act of Parliament, has the mandate to standardize, regulate, and monitor training programs, maintain the central rehabilitation register (CRR), and promote research in the field of special education and disability. The National Workshop served as a platform to facilitate the implementation of NEP 2020 and HRD programs, focusing on flexible education, experiential learning, and practical skill-based education to foster inclusive education.
Dr. Subodh Kumar, Deputy Director of RCI, delivered the vote of thanks, concluding the inaugural session.