cover pros - IGNOU

Dear Learner
Message from the Vice-Chancellor
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Indira Ganditt National Open
University (IGNOU) and I congratulate you for deciding to pursue your
studies thremgh the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) System adopted
by the University. This Central University, established by an Act of
Parliament, has the objective of providing higher education to all those
who aspire for it
The University is committed to excel in teaching, training, capacity building, scholarship, research
and public service. IGNOU values the appropriate use of information and communication technologies
and the satellite media to support quality teaching and learning. Self-instructional print material,
audio and video programmes, radio broadcasts, Gyan Darshan Telecasts, face-toface counseling
sessions, teleconferencing and interactive radio counseling, periodic assignments and project work
constitute the teaching-learning methodology.
IGNOU has constantly endeavoured to reach out to vulnerable groups in the society and contribute
to the creation of inclusive societies where all members get the opportunity to exercise and enjoy all
their rights and participate fully in community processes. Specifically, in context of persons with
disabilities, IGNOU is proud to collaborate with the Rehabilitation Council of India to develop
programmes in the disability sector. Our first initiative was the launching of the awareness-cumtraining
Packages in Disability for parents and family members of persons with disabilities in the
areas of mental retardation, visual impairment, hearing impairment and cerebral palsy. The
Programmes, which were launched in 2006, have been received enthusiastically by the target group.
The positive feedback received from the learners of the Awareness-cum- Training Packages in
Disability guided IGNOU and RCI to create Certificate Programmes, which would enable the learner
to develop the knowledge, attitude and skills, and acquire recognized qualifications, to work with
young children with disabilities. This Certificate Programme in Early Childhood special Education
Enabling Inclusion are in Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, Visual Impairment, and Hearing
Impairment.
I hope that completing the Programme will enable you to have a positive influence on the lives of
those you are associated with so that disability does not become a barrier to living a fulfilled and
enriched life. The Certificate Programme will be implemented through IGNOU Regional Centres in
coordination with select Organizations working in the field of disability. These organizations will
function as Special Study Centres. This Prospectus will provide you the necessary information that
will enable you to enroll for the Programme and complete it successfully.
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(V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai)
Vice-Chancellor