AMBIKA SISHU KENDRA
Institute for Disability Rehabilitation and Empowerment, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
Managed by Hemchand Devchand Charities Trust
Preparing for a Career in Special Education
Ambika Sishu Kendra have been serving in Kurnool region for past 27 years and the need for special teachers and special educators both in special and inclusive education settings has been ever increasing with the demand and the need to serve better more so after the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPD Act) in 2016 which addresses 21 disabilities was passed. The need to find such personnel’s led us to take an initiative to start Rehabilitation Council of India recognized courses at our own institute and from Oct 2022 we have started our first batch of Diploma Courses.
Special Education is specially designed course for persons with different kind of challenges in different settings. In order to learn, work and experience the world optimally, they have to try harder and people around them have to enable them in their endeavor which are met through certain methodologies and approach so that their growth and development are supported to their full potential. Specific methods and procedures enable the special educator to teach children with special education needs systematically.
To follow this profession, it is very important that the person interested should have a willingness to learn and an aptitude for it. Training in special education helps in understanding children’s needs, overcoming the prevailing myths and social stigmas related to their disabilities and developing positive attitudes towards them. Developing sensitivity, acquiring knowledge about disabilities, training for interpersonal skills and pedagogical skills are the various skills needs to have a career in special education.
Career in special education offers tremendous potential of job opportunities in Government and Semi-Government Organization, Non- Governmental Organization, Self-Employment Model and International Funding Agencies.
Introduction of RCI recognized D.Ed.Spl.Ed.(IDD) Course
This academic year Ambika Sishu Kendra has introduced Diploma in Education – Special Education (Intellectual and Developmental Disability)i.e. D.Ed.Spl.Ed.(IDD) a 2-year course. This course aims to develop cadre of Special Teachers to serve children with special needs (CWSN) for lifespan with Developmental Delay and Disabilities. The overall objectives of the course include:
Objective
To know about disabilities and their implications and knowledge of growth and development of learners and psychological aspects influencing learning. To be aware of practices and policy provisions facilitating education of CWSNs and use assessment tools and techniques for educational interventions. Understand teaching strategies at elementary level and applying curricular strategies. Further integrate educational intervention with therapeutic aspects and apply techniques for students with high support needs and facilitate inclusive education practices and enhance role of family and community in education of PWDs.
Last year Ambika Sishu Kendra introduced 1-Year Diploma in Early Childhood Special Education D.E.C.S.E. (ID) RCI recognised training in Intellectual Disability in 2022. DECSE course aims to develop cadre of Special Teachers to serve children with special needs (CWSN) below 6 years of age with Developmental Delay and Disabilities. The course provides in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of skills and aptitude needed to foster special children’s development (up-to age of 6). The course includes 5 theory papers and 3 practical paper. The overall objectives of the course include:
Objective
To provide competencies to the trainees in early detection and assessment for programming and to train them to work as a member of inter disciplinary team. To provide strategies teaching for early childhood special education in various settings and be a link between home and the school. To prepare the children for primary schools and to equip the trainees with competencies in planning and management of early childhood special education programme.
The above courses offers tremendous potential of job opportunities in Government and Semi-Government Organization, Non- Governmental Organization, Self-Employment Model and International Funding Agencies.