Latest news with #ChildrenwithSpecialNeeds
The Hindu
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
2,260 special educator posts to be filled; recruitment notification awaited
Special education teachers across Andhra Pradesh are eagerly waiting for the release of the official recruitment notification, following the State government's recent announcement that 2,260 special education teacher posts would be filled. The recruitment drive follows a recent Supreme Court directive asking all States to bring out notifications about the number of posts they have sanctioned for teachers who would impart education to Children with Special Needs (CwSN). As per the guidelines established by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), the School Education Department in Andhra Pradesh is all set to recruit special educators in the proposed ratio of 1:10 for the elementary level and 1:15 for the secondary level in nine out of the total 21 categories of disabilities. RCI works under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and its primary objective is to promote education, rehabilitation, and employment of people with disabilities. Out of 21 disabilities, currently RCI has standard training programmes in nine categories that include blindness, low vision, hearing impairment (deaf and hard of hearing), intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, specific learning disabilities, speech and language disability, and multiple disabilities, including deaf-blindness. According to the UDISE (Unified District Information System for Education) data for the academic year 2023-24 shows that there are 41,119 children with special needs categorised under nine different disabilities in government and government-aided schools in Andhra Pradesh. Of them, 11,360 are in 7,092 primary schools (Grades 1 to 5), which include institutions with less than 10 enrolled students. 'To maintain an optimal teacher-pupil ratio of 1:10 for these students, a total of 1,136 special educators are required,' said Samagra Shiksha State Project Director B. Srinivasa Rao. Similarly, there are 29,759 CwSN studying in 6,693 secondary schools, and as many as 1,984 inclusive education resource persons are needed to be recruited, as per the RCI's teacher-pupil ratio of 1:15, said Mr. Srinivasa Rao. Senior advisor to the Department of School Education on Inclusive Education Ramkamal says that the ultimate aim of the ongoing efforts is to blur the line between mainstream and special schools, ensuring children with disabilities are not segregated but included within the general education system. 'The State aspires to become a national model for inclusive education where every child, regardless of physical, intellectual, or learning challenges, receives equitable, quality education in a supportive environment.' Delay causing anxiety Members of the Andhra Pradesh Unemployed Special Teachers Federation, meanwhile, have expressed worry over the delay in the issue of notification for their recruitment. Pointing to several other states that have notified the recruitment process, they urged the State authorities to follow suit. Citing the data available with the Central government pertaining to the number of State-wise qualified special educators in 2021. They point out that Andhra Pradesh had 8,101 special teachers. 'Many more special teachers would have qualified in the last three-and-a-half years. We want the government to ensure justice for all,' said a federation leader.
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Business Standard
18-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
ALIMCO integrates AI in next-gen prosthetics for inclusive innovation
From AI-powered systems to smart mobility aids, the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) is gearing up to introduce a new lineup of assistive technologies designed for persons with disabilities, featuring integrated artificial intelligence components. The innovations were detailed during ALIMCO's recently held Annual General Meeting for FY 2024-25, where officials unveiled a series of products under development and nearing rollout. A public sector undertaking under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, ALIMCO is set to introduce these AI-enabled products as part of a broader vision for inclusive and affordable innovation, senior officials said. "True empowerment begins with access to technology that enhances independence and dignity. At ALIMCO, we are leveraging AI and indigenous innovation to build a future where no one is left behind," said Praveen Kumar, CMD, ALIMCO. For FY 2025-?26, the corporation is preparing to launch another wave of assistive technologies, including a universal socket, upgraded motorised tricycles and wheelchairs -- currently in different stages of design, prototyping, or user trials. Other upcoming devices include a commode wheelchair and an assistive cane for visually impaired persons. ALIMCO is placing a strong emphasis on in-house research, user-centric design, and cost-effectiveness, aligning with national initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', a senior official said. The organisation is also expanding outreach by collaborating with state governments, NGOs, district administrations and the Red Cross Society to improve access to assistive devices for persons with disabilities (PwDs) and senior citizens. "Under the Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) initiative, we are enhancing last-mile delivery of aids in remote and aspirational districts. ALIMCO also partners with special schools across the country to ensure that children in need receive the appropriate assistive devices," the official told PTI. To strengthen coordination and outreach, ALIMCO is also engaging with state project directors of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) through dedicated conferences. "These conferences aim to raise awareness and enhance synergy with state education departments for identifying and supporting more Children with Special Needs (CWSN) under the Centre's ADIP scheme," the official added. With its latest product range, ALIMCO officials said they aim to scale both impact and reach, especially in rural areas where access to quality rehabilitation support remains a challenge.
The Print
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Print
ALIMCO integrating AI in next-gen prosthetics in push for inclusive innovation
A public sector undertaking under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, ALIMCO is set to introduce these AI-enabled products as part of a broader vision for inclusive and affordable innovation, senior officials said. The innovations were detailed during ALIMCO's recently held Annual General Meeting for FY 2024-25, where officials unveiled a series of products under development and nearing rollout. New Delhi, May 18 (PTI) From AI-powered systems to smart mobility aids, the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) is gearing up to introduce a new lineup of assistive technologies designed for persons with disabilities, featuring integrated artificial intelligence components. 'True empowerment begins with access to technology that enhances independence and dignity. At ALIMCO, we are leveraging AI and indigenous innovation to build a future where no one is left behind,' said Praveen Kumar, CMD, ALIMCO. For FY 2025-26, the corporation is preparing to launch another wave of assistive technologies, including a universal socket, upgraded motorised tricycles and wheelchairs — currently in different stages of design, prototyping, or user trials. Other upcoming devices include a commode wheelchair and an assistive cane for visually impaired persons. ALIMCO is placing a strong emphasis on in-house research, user-centric design, and cost-effectiveness, aligning with national initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', a senior official said. The organisation is also expanding outreach by collaborating with state governments, NGOs, district administrations and the Red Cross Society to improve access to assistive devices for persons with disabilities (PwDs) and senior citizens. 'Under the Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) initiative, we are enhancing last-mile delivery of aids in remote and aspirational districts. ALIMCO also partners with special schools across the country to ensure that children in need receive the appropriate assistive devices,' the official told PTI. To strengthen coordination and outreach, ALIMCO is also engaging with state project directors of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) through dedicated conferences. 'These conferences aim to raise awareness and enhance synergy with state education departments for identifying and supporting more Children with Special Needs (CWSN) under the Centre's ADIP scheme,' the official added. With its latest product range, ALIMCO officials said they aim to scale both impact and reach, especially in rural areas where access to quality rehabilitation support remains a challenge. PTI UZM DIV DIV This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
