Early Times Report
Mandi Gobindgarh, Aug 9: The Department of Special Education and Training at Desh Bhagat University successfully conducted a two-day Continuing Rehabilitation Education (CRE) programme on “Emerging Trends in Inclusive Education”. The event brought together distinguished experts, educators, and rehabilitation professionals to explore the evolving landscape of inclusive education in India and beyond. The programme was inaugurated by the Dr Zora Singh, Chancellor of Desh Bhagat University, who highlighted the societal value of such initiatives. He noted that, “This programme is not only beneficial for students but is also a step towards building a more inclusive society. It aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of rehabilitation professionals, ensuring they stay abreast of new trends and technologies in the field.” CRE programmes are designed to support the professional development of registered rehabilitation professionals, covering topics such as artificial intelligence in disability, best practices in teaching and clinical settings, and the use of assistive devices. Participation also contributes towards meeting registration renewal requirements as per the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) guidelines. The organizers emphasized that inclusive education is a commitment enshrined in both national and international education frameworks. The ultimate goal is to foster learning environments where every student—regardless of ability, background, or need—feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. The event saw 150 registered participants, with 128 in attendance, primarily from Punjab—reflecting the region’s growing dedication to inclusive education. The programme featured a diverse and comprehensive lineup of sessions covering topics such as: Development of inclusive schools, Assistive and inclusive technologies, Inclusive pedagogy, Teacher preparation and professional development, Policy frameworks for inclusion, Social and emotional learning, Equity, diversity, and inclusion, Research perspectives in disability and education. In this program 12 guest speakers shared their expertise, including Dr. Precious Sheoran, Dr. Pardip, Dr. M. Karuppasamy, Dr. Nitin Raj, Ms. Shikha Jain, Mr. Satish Kumar, Mrs. Sherrain Rattan, and Mr. Bibhakar Vishwakarma. Each contributed valuable insights into developing inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning environments. Finally, Dr. Precious, Director of the Faculty of Education, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) for their support, and to all the speakers and participants for their enthusiastic involvement. |