NSDC and FCDO Launch Disability Sensitisation E-Modules

NEW DELHI:
Affirming its commitment to increase participation and provide accessibility for inclusion of persons with disability (PWDs), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has collaborated with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), formerly known as Department for International Development – GOV.UK to develop and launch eight eLearning modules focused on sensitization towards people with disabilities.

Employing eskill India, NSDC’s digital skilling platform, this is a step towards creating skilling ecosystem and the society at large, more inclusive towards people with disability. Developed by UK’s National Star Foundation, a college having 50 years of experience in the disability space these modules will empower practitioners in management, teaching, training, assessing, support roles as well as employers, health care professionals, co-workers, co-students, and organizational leaders who work with people with disabilities.

Speaking at the launch event, Dr. Manish Kumar, MD & CEO, NSDC said, “The prevalence of disability is estimated to be 2.2% of the population in India, according to a survey by National Statistical Office (NSO). It is therefore imperative to design policies and development programmes that provide specially-abled persons with equal opportunities, enabling them to earn a livelihood and lead a life of dignity. I thank FCDO for being a part of NSDC’s vision of providing specially-abled persons with the right skills, and enabling them to be a part of India’s economic growth. In my view, our empanelled trainers and partners together with the youth enrolled on NSDC’s eSkill India portal, and network organisations will benefit from these e-modules. These modules will further strengthen our sensitization efforts and help create a learning environment which responds to the needs of specially-abled persons.”

Gavin McGillivray, Minister Counsellor Development, FCDO, British High Commission said, “Inclusion is not an add on. It must be a default and integral part- this philosophy is in FCDO’s DNA. We welcome the digital initiatives in the time of the pandemic which can be made accessible to number of stakeholders who work with the differently abled. We should identify and focus on talents and skillsets of differently abled and assist them to shape their careers matching with their abilities.”

The course content is based on DRILL (Discover, Reflect, Investigate, Learn, Learn more) and facilitates the learners to gain knowledge through interactive and accessible content. The modules are divided in three levels including three foundation courses, three applied courses and two specialist courses. Each course is followed by final assessment and certification. These modules will now be made available to NSDC’s 11,000 empanelled training partners, in addition to the million youth who are enrolled on the NSDC’s e-Skill India portal, and to the network organisations of Skill Council for Persons with Disabilities (employers and trainers).