Human Resource - Capacity Building

13 students of the PG Diploma in Special Education appeared for the University Examinations conducted by the prestigious University of Madras in the month of June.

The students then started their three months  internship program and were placed as teacher assistants in various classes in Vidya Sagar. The focus of the internship is to enhance their theoretical knowledge with the practical hands on skill to work with  persons with disabilities. The internship was so planned that each trainee got to work in a multi ability classroom across age groups.

The trainees were well mentored by the class teacher, the Principal and the coordinator. The trainees were given responsibilities and were groomed to plan and execute lessons.

A  trans disciplinary approach to rehabilitation is being followed in Vidya Sagar and it is important for the classroom teacher to also understand how other professionals work. The trainees also interned in departments like Physio therapy, occupational therapy, speech and communication and vision therapy etc. This would prepare them to be a member of a trans disciplinary team and also apply the therapeutic goals in their class rooms.

The students were also placed for three days in mainstream schools to be teacher assistants. This was done to equip them to teach children with disabilities in inclusive setting. The students were assessed on a teaching session both by the faculty of Vidya Sagar and that of the school faculty that they were interning with.

The Employment Education center of Vidya Sagar functions at a different campus and all trainees spent a week  working with adults in different vocational projects. They also spent time in the Adult leisure program which looks at the needs of adults with high support needs.

In a country like India, the needs of Persons with disabilities is huge and the rehabilitation resources available is less. It is important  therefore for budding professionals to understand the challenges  and needs of the community. All students completed a visit to a community project of Vidya Sagar and we hope that this will widen their perspective .

The students successfully completed their internship in the month of September.

Two pamphlets one in English and one in the local language Tamil was brought out. This was a meal time guide for parents of children with eating and feeding difficulties. A training manual on the same topic was also designed.