Aims and Objectives

Aims:-
TThe aim of this course is to prepare trained educators to screen, assess, provide need based education/ intervention to persons with Deafblindness and Multi- Sensory Impairment in individual or in various service delivery models like Early Intervention Programs, Special Schools, Inclusive Setups, Home Based Programs, Community Based Programs and Pre Vocational and Vocational Centres. It will also provide the opportunity to develop and increase trained human resources in the field of Deafblindness, who will have the awareness, knowledge and understanding about Deafblindness.
Objectives
TThe objective of this course is to prepare the trainee teacher to train persons with Deafblindness in individual and/or group settings. On completion of the course the trained educators is expected to:
1. Understand the characteristics and etiology of deafblindness and associated conditions
2. Be familiar with the process of screening, assessment and diagnosis of persons with Deafblindness
3. Understand the communication modes of persons with Deafblindness
4. Plan and implement Individualised Educational Programs
5. Preparation of Indigenous Teaching Learning Materials, keeping in mind the needs of an individuals with Deafblindness
6. Understand Orientation and Mobility from the perceptive of persons with Deafblindness and provide appropriate training
7. Planning and Executing Functional Activities
8. Awareness and Use of Special aids and appliances
9. Knowledge on Curriculum Adaptation

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum qualification for admission is successful completion of 10+2 or equivalent examination with at least 50% aggregate in any stream. Students who have appeared for the examination and their result awaited may get provisional admission, subject to submission of their documents as per the eligibility criteria within allotted time. Any persons who are interested in learning and have access to internet are eligible to undergo this training. However, preference will be given to-
Parents, siblings and family members of children with special needs.
Special Educators/Therapists
Co-ordinators of Sense India projects,
CBR workers
Persons with Deafblindness and disability

The guidelines regarding reservation of SC/ST/OBC as per the Government of India/State Govt. will be applicable for admission. Reservation for persons with disability will be made as per the Persons with Disability (Equal Opportunity Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act 2016. Admission will be subject to verification of facts as in the original certificates/documents. Management reserves the right to cancel admission if a discrepancy is noted, even at a later point of time after admission. Such a decision will be final and binding on the candidate.
Each batch will have a maximum of 50 students.

Program Structure

Monthly two sessions of two hours of online lectures/ counselling sessions each on 1st Saturday and 3rd Saturday from 11 am to 1.00 pm

Course Content

Unit-1: Understanding Persons with Deafblindness8 Hrs.

1.1 Definition of Deafblindness, Multi- Sensory Impairment and Multiple Disabilities
1.2 History of Deafblindness in India
1.3 Causes and Impact of Deafblindness

Unit 2: Screening and Assessment of children with Deafblindness9 Hrs.

2.1 Screening and Identification
2.2 Assessment and Importance of Assessment
2.3 Types of Assessment - Clinical and Functional Assessment
2.4 Screening and Assessment Checklist

Unit- 3: Modes of Communication with persons with Deafblindness9 Hrs.

3.1 Introduction to Communication
3.2 Modes and types of Communication
3.3 Fostering communication
3.4 Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Unit- 4: Individualized Educational Plan and Teaching Strategies9 Hrs.

4.1 Introduction and procedures to write an IEP
4.2 Teaching strategies
4.3 Teaching reading and writing
4.4 Planning functional activities

Unit 5: Orientation and Mobility6 Hrs.

5.1 Sighted guide technique
5.2 Indoor and Outdoor Mobility

Unit 6: Teaching Learning Materials8 Hrs.

6.1 Preparation of Indigenous teaching learning materials
6.2 Awareness of special aids and appliances (Braille, Taylor’s frame, Abacus, Hearing aids, Low vision equipment)

Unit 7: Inclusive Education and Curriculum Adaptation6 Hrs.

7.1 Environmental modification and Learning Rich Environment
7.2 Awareness and knowledge on curriculum adaptation

Practical – 33 hours (1 week)

1. Conduct functional assessment of vision and hearing for two children with Deafblindness of different age group. Write and present assessment report of these children.
2. Develop an IEP for one child with Deafblindness.
3. Develop low cost functional assessment kit to be used in homes, schools and community.
4. Write functional assessment report of the child with recommendations.
5. Prepare communication profile for one child based on assessment findings recommend intervention approaches for the child.

Support from the organization (course)

Sense India will be providing the entire learning materials related to the course on Deafblindness. The materials in English/Hindi will be disseminated within two weeks of the admission process. Sense India will be organising web based sessions on Deafblindness once in a week (two hours session) on every Wednesday during 11:00 am to 01:00 pm (IST). However, the students will be informed in advance regarding the sessions.

Sense India will also provide the opportunity of one week of hands on practical sessions with children and adults with Deafblindness at one of the partner organisations working with persons with Deafblindness (as per the convenience of the student). The students will receive hands-on experience under the supervision of trained special educators and coordinators. The students will get an opportunity to observe and assist special educators in one-on-one and group teaching, independent work, carrying out functional assessments, and planning individualized educational programmes. Additionally, there will be opportunities to learn via talks, workshops, seminars, and conferences. Some variation in schedule may be expected.

Attendance

Selected candidates are expected to attend the web based sessions through their login ID’s provided by the organisation. The students will also have to complete the one week of practical sessions at any of the designated location (at one stretch or in two sessions). Students are expected to achieve the minimum required attendance in each of the above mentioned areas, failing which the students will not be receiving the web based course certificate on Deafblindness.

Placement Opportunities

Since Persons with Disability Act 2016 has recognised Deafblindness as a unique category under Multiple Disability, it has created an opportunity for those availing the three months certificate course on Deafblindness to upgrade their knowledge.

On successful completion of the three months course the students will develop a better understanding of deafblindness and may find placements in special schools (government and as well as private setup), mainstream schools, or NGO’s working in the field of Deafblindness. This course will be helpful to in service teachers working with Samagra Shiksha, NGOs and other institutions providing education to Persons with Disabilities

How to Apply

Applicants can apply by downloading app from Google Play store or online through the Sense International India website at www.senseintindia.org Applicants has to apply for 1st Batch before 15th of January, 2nd Batch before 15th of April, 3rd batch before 15th of July and 4th batch before 15th of October each year. Admission will only be accepted on submission of the entire course fee through online payment provided on Sense India app. Incomplete forms shall be liable to be rejected. To apply, submit attested copies of the following documents by contacting the course coordinator:
• Statement of marks and degrees of Higher Secondary (10+2) or other equivalent qualifying examination
• Proof of Age (Class 10 certificate)
• Certificate of higher qualifications
• Certificate by a Govt Medical Officer/Authority, letter from the host organisation that the candidate is a sibling/parent of a child with Deafblindness
• Proof of work experience (in Deafblindness or related experience)
• Disability Certificate for persons with Disability (if any)