The Hindu : National : ISRO, National Institute of Open Schooling sign MoU

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Wednesday, Sep 06, 2006

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National

ISRO, National Institute of Open Schooling sign MoU

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: In order to boost distance education for persons with disabilities, their parents and trainers, the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for setting up an EDUSAT up-linking station and studio within the Institute's premises. Another agreement was signed by the RCI with the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) for facilitating children with disabilities in acquiring knowledge and skills apart from qualification at their own pace.

As a tie up with ISRO, about 100 study centres of the RCI across the country will be connected to its Delhi studio via satellite. Students of special education, persons with disability, their parents and other individuals involved with the disabled will be able to avail of free informative lectures at these study centres.

The new EDUSAT studio at the RCI will host regular teleconferences on various disability related topics. In the first phase, 100 study centres will be linked while the second phase would see all the 237 recognised training centres providing this facility, and for the final phase, it has been proposed that all the 3,000 non-governmental organisations working in the field of disability rehabilitation will be up-linked with the EDUSAT facility.

Under the agreement with the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), provision of skill-based training in Braille and sign language to parents, teachers and anyone wanting to assist persons with disability effectively are envisaged.

The NIOS has a mandate to offer academic, technical and vocational courses through open and distance learning modes. Certificate/diploma courses in Basic Sign Language, Basic Braille Language, Orientation and Mobility through the network of institutions accredited by both the organisations will be on offer.

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