Question 1

Scholar Enrichment Program

Answer

The Scholar Enrichment Program aims at providing educational support to meritorious Divyang students from economically deprived backgrounds pursuing higher education. For the period 2019-20, of the 22 students with disabilities who were selected for the scholarship, received guidance from the subject experts regularly. Swabhiman organized a programme on 5th August 2019 in the office premises and welcomed these students. They were oriented on the scholarship programme, RPwD Act 2016 and related topics. Copies of RPWD Act in both English and Odia scripts were provided to the students in Braille as well. Apart from that, 11 classes were conducted on general studies, general knowledge and current events from the competitive examination perspective.

Question 2

Teacher Support to Special Schools

Answer

Very few teachers are being allotted to government special schools. To fill the gap, Swabhiman appoints qualified unemployed youth with disabilities as teachers in the schools. Thus, supporting both schools and individuals. The teachers are also included in career enrichment programs. Presently Nasim Azam conducts Art classes in BBC School for Deaf, Bhubaneswar. A graduate from B.K. College of Fine Arts, Bhubaneswar, he is himself speech and hearing impaired.

Question 3

Saksham Support

Answer

Children with disabilities are provided all-round support through this. Special educators are sent to their schools, tutorials are given after school hours, IEP is developed, therapy is provided, necessary aids and appliances are provided including infrastructural accessibility (of minor nature) both at home and school. The aim is to also initiate a vocational training program where each child, as per interest, would be linked to a skill development program that could, later on, become a career. The project is supported by Aditya Birla Capital, Mumbai. Saksham covers 136 notified slums and 72 government schools under Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) it supports 342 children and youth with disabilities (6 – 18 age group + dropouts and MR (children & youth) up to 25.

Question 4

Audiobooks Production

Answer

Started started with funding support from Vodafone Foundation UK in 2011. The process continues with the production of audiobooks for all subjects in +3 degree course. Volunteers record the books in their voice. Every month, as per requests received, books are recorded and sent to students.

Question 5

Braille Kits

Answer

Distributed to school students. The activity is need-based. Till 2020, 32 Blind Schools have received for 103 students with blindness.

Question 6

Braille Books

Answer

With a Braille printer provided by SAIL, braille books are being printed and distributed freely to the schools for blind students across Odisha. Class I-VIII books have been provided in many subjects.

Question 7

Youth Leadership Training & Empowerment Program

Answer

Our youth with disabilities are not adequately prepared with the life skills needed to succeed in our increasingly interconnected 21st-century society and economy, by building their capacities, inculcating leadership qualities and preparing them to get good career opportunities.

Question 8

Scholarships

Answer

Scholarships are awarded to meritorious students with disabilities who are unable to support their college education. Scholarship amount enables the purchase of books, payment of mess fees, transport expenses and such expenses which are necessary but not provided by college authorities. A total of 316 youth with disabilities have been supported till 2020.

Addhyayan - Inclusive Education

Vision.