‘Vocational Training for PwDs and Livelihood Opportunities’

  Tata Institute of Social Sciences’ (TISS) School of Vocational Education (SVE) to host a National Webinar on ‘Vocational Training for Persons with Disability (PwDs) and Livelihood Opportunities’

Hon'ble Minister Shri Thawar Chand Gahlot, Union Minister, Social Justice and Empowerment will inaugurate the webinar.

Ms. Poonam Dhillon, Film Actress and Social worker will facilitate Dr. Amitabh Mehrotra, SPARC India, Mr. K.A. Advaith, International swimmer of Special Olympics (World) Organisation.

Mumbai, July 6, 2021: School of Vocational Education, TISS will hold a national webinar on the topic, ‘Vocational Training for Persons with Disabilities and Livelihood Opportunities’. The webinar which is slated on 8th July from 3 PM to 6 PM is an effort by TISS to highlight the key aspects of "The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill - 2016" and form linkages between skill / vocational training institutes and employers to provide education, skill development and employment to PwDs.

The three-hour long webinar will be inaugurated by Hon'ble Minister Shri Thawar Chand Gahlot, Union Minister, Social Justice and Empowerment, who will shed light on government's efforts and way ahead in generating livelihood opportunities for the PwDs. Further, Ms. Poonam Dhillon, Film Actress and Social worker will felicitate Dr. Amitabh Mehrotra, suffering from Cerebral Palsy since birth and devoted his life for ‘PwDs’. He is founder of SPARC India, Mr. K.A. Advaith International swimmer of Special Olympics (World) Organisation.

The objective of the webinar is to focus and put emphasis on establishing linkages between skill/vocational training institutes and employers to support the provisions provided as per “The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill – 2016”; for education, skill development and labour laws to avail /promote livelihood to the persons with disabilities in India. The webinar will stimulate a multi stakeholder's dialogue keeping in mind all the benefits of the bill and also seek solutions for the upliftment of the PwDs by providing a better idea about the services which would cover all types of especially abled, who need rehabilitation services and it should be part of mainstream development in the community. A multi-sectorial approach including social integration interventions, health, education, and vocational programs are important issues related to rehabilitation.

Speaking about the webinar, Dr. Medha Somaiya, Social Scientist and coordinator of webinar said, “With a representation of 4-5 % in the entire population, PwDs should be entitled with better employment opportunities and importantly should be given the dignity across the industries. The webinar aims at recommending key interventions from all the key stakeholders. We look forward to make an action plan to improve and expand the participation of Persons with Disability in employment opportunities”

The anticipated outcome of this webinar is to provide a factsheet of present facilities used in employment/ self-employment/ livelihood based on previous experience. Additionally, the webinar will also suggest the opportunity to work for quality of life of PwDs, enhance and motivate them to work in any such government initiatives/collaborate PwDs with employer & provide them with skill for the livelihood opportunity and to boost all stakeholders to provide livelihood opportunities for PwDs.

This National Webinar for PwDs will be conducted in three segments –

Government Initiatives, in which Dr. Sanjay Pradhan, Lead Affirmative Action, Special Projects, and Mr.

Ravindra Singh, Sector Skill Council PwDs, will guide the attendees.

In second segment Vocational Training -Dr. Mallika Nadda, Founder Chetana and Chairman, Special Olympics Bharat, Ms. Ruma Roka, Noida Deaf Society, Dr. Madhura Nagchoudhari, Centre for Disability Studies, TISS, will share their experiences.

Lastly webinar will cover important aspect of Employment and Livelihood, Ms. Aradhana Lal, Vice President- Brand, Communications & Sustainability, Lemon Tree, Shri. Subhash Chuttar, Employer, Shri. Dayal Kangane, Confederation of Indian Industry MH-GO will showcase their efforts.

More than 675 persons have registered of various categories, such as students, philanthropists, government officers, special educators, employers, as on 6th July 21.

This National Webinar is conducted under able guidance by Dr. Madhushree Sekhar, Dean, SVE, TISS.