The second cycle of a capacity-building program that specifically targets learning disabilities has been initiated by the Education Ministry. The objective of this effort is to improve the capacities of educators, administrators, and other relevant parties to recognize and assist kids who have specific learning disabilities.

According to officials, the Ministry of Education recently announced the start of the second cycle of the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme (MMTTP), which is part of the Ministry of Capacity Building Programme on Specific Learning Disability .

The program’s objective is to give Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) the fundamental know-how they need to effectively assist students with particular cognitive difficulties.

“New National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recognises learning disabilities among a set of students, with a vision of equitable and inclusive education for all. It stipulates that it is essential that HEIs must be aware of students with specific disabilities, including learning disabilities, and should be sensitised towards addressing associated challenges,” Higher Education Secretary Sanjay Murthy was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

“To overcome this issue, it is essential that a regular capacity programme on learning disabilities is conducted,” he adds.

Held in collaboration with the Changeinkk Foundation, the inaugural cycle of the “Capacity Building Programme on Specific Learning Disabilities” ran from January to July. 27 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) took part in the program during this phase, including Central Universities, IITs, IIITs, IIMs, IISERs, SPAs, and NITs.

The program included a range of events, including master courses, implementation monitoring, orientation, sensitization, and in-person zone-specific seminars.

SECOND CYCLE OF THE PROGRAMME

A freshly chosen group of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) will participate in both in-person and online sessions throughout the program’s second cycle, which started today and runs through December. The focus of this cycle will be on methods and resources for determining, evaluating, and meeting the needs of students who have specific learning disabilities.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Education, the program’s main goal is to raise awareness among institution leaders, five department heads, and two representatives from each department.

A combination of engaging workshops, lectures conducted by experts, and hands-on sessions will be held to help participants improve their capacity to create inclusive learning environments. He continued, “This approach will be replicated with a new group of HEIs over a six-month cycle upon successful completion.