GUWAHATI, Oct 18 � In a positive development, Assam now has an innovative facility to train disabled students in information technology. Shishu Sarothi, a Guwahati based centre for rehabilitation and training for multiple disability, through its new Information Communication Technology (ICT) lab will help train students who are visually impaired, hearing impaired, physically handicapped or spastic.
The technically advanced facility aims to enhance their knowledge in IT skills, which include computer literacy, and would provide job-oriented training to improve their employability.
Speaking to The Assam Tribune, Arman Ali of Shishu Sarothi said, the lab will be a much needed asset for disabled students, who were in need of such a facility. �We now have around 20 students, but will be able to have an intake of 60 students. The programme has been implemented in collaboration with NAB Centre for Blind Women, New Delhi, a unit of National Association for the Blind and IT industry�, he said. ERNET is the key implementing and coordinating agency of the project.
Special tools required for all categories of disability have been used to enhance the skill power of disabled children to aid their learning process and train them in the use of information technology.
Significantly, the computer-based training, education, and hands on experience provided to the students have all been standardised with a curriculum that is employment-oriented, Ali added.
The programme under the Ministry of Information Technology, which will take place in select institutions across the country, recognises that children with different abilities need different approaches, and differently-abled children need to learn in an environment that allows them to transfer learning to real life situations.
With an aim to bring the best of available technology, the ICT lab will have a range of IT infrastructure, including computers, peripherals, Local Area Networking, broad band connectivity along with Special Assistive IT tools for students.
