Mumbai boasts country's 1st univ-certified course offering life and career skills to neurodivergent adults
Now, that model has found institutional recognition.
HSNC University, Mumbai (which oversees HR and KC colleges, among others), has recently partnered with Skill Shakti Community to launch InclusivEd, India's first university-certified Certificate and Diploma programme in applied life and career skills for neurodivergent adults. The certification will empower adult learners who have autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, intellectual disability, or other learning differences, to get formal academic recognition for the first time.
"HSNC University has taken a truly progressive step," says Advani about the pilot programme which allows self-paced and flexible learning. "It's a credible path to real inclusion, contribution, and dignity," she says, adding a university certification makes neurodivergent learners feel included and get a sense of belonging. It also gives their families a feeling of comfort and direction, especially given how much Indians value education.
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Finally, employers know that InclusivEd diploma holders have been coached, are capable, and ready to contribute, in roles that play to their strengths. The certification is mapped to the National Education Policy 2020, which recognised the role of internships as part of earning academic credits, and leaves room for skill-based modular learning which is flexible in both pace and format.
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"Certifications like this will improve access and open new opportunities," says corporate diversity consultant Rakhee Lalvani.
"When you move from charity to actually enabling people, the whole mindset changes." While the diploma (which entails earning 80 credits) implies that the learner can carry out tasks autonomously, solve simple problems in routine work, and apply judgment, there is also the option of a foundation certificate (20 credits) which means the learner has been coached in essential life skills and basic digital literacy.
These options prepare the individual for various career opportunities.
"This kind of move will also help people appreciate that the world has a place for everyone," adds Lalvani. In fact, some neurodivergent individuals flourish in methodical, repetitive work, for instance, in professional kitchens and hospitality settings that might not appeal to other 'neurotypical' people.
At a time when the world is throttling diversity and inclusion, the pilot certification is moving in the opposite direction.
While smaller companies tend to be more receptive, bigger companies have the right intent but don't always know where to begin. "We have found the most success when employers are open and partner with us to truly understand the neurodivergent individual so we can customise employment in a way that its meaningful for the individual and a value-add for the company," says Indira Bodani who founded Gateway School in Mumbai.
Skill Shakti Community has been helping its InclusivEd cohort set up micro-businesses using digital tools and visual programs that help bypass certain learning challenges such as dyslexia, among others. Each of the learners runs a business via Instagram and also interns in industry. For example, Bhoomi Soni makes Jain date-balls, Vir Kapoor makes baked goodies, and Tina Melwani makes chocolates. All three also intern at Taj Group of hotels.
Rushil Kirpalani makes surreal paintings, is a model, and currently interns at Deloitte, India.
Who can join the InclusivEd pilot? Neurodivergent adults above 16 years of age, who are functionally literate, can use a phone and laptop at a basic level, and are ready to learn in a peer community. A friendly personal interview helps assess if the programme is the right fit for them, says Advani.
While felicitating the first 11 neurodivergent learners at the recent inaugural, HSNC Vice Chancellor Dr Hemlata Bagla said, "At HSNC University, we believe excellence wears many faces. InclusivEd is our promise to make education accessible, adaptable, and deeply human."
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