Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is preparing for Special Campaign 5.0, scheduled from October 2 to October 31, 2025. In line with this initiative, DEPwD, in collaboration with the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) in Dehradun, and ALIMCO, is launching a series of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Certification Programs. These programs aim to promote inclusive education and enhance accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Additionally, 75 distribution camps will be organized, where 40,000 beneficiaries will receive high-quality aids and assistive devices valued at over Rs. 38 crores across various locations in the country.

This groundbreaking initiative formally acknowledges the invaluable knowledge, skills, and competencies of teachers, instructors, and trainers who have been steadfastly contributing to the education and empowerment of persons with visual and hearing impairments. The RPL certifications are designed to elevate professional standards, foster credibility, and promote the seamless integration of assistive technologies in educational settings.

This initiative seeks to formally recognize the knowledge, skills, and competencies of teachers, instructors, and trainers who have been contributing to the education and empowerment of Persons with visual and hearing impairments. The certifications aim to build professional credibility, improve teaching standards, and promote the integration of assistive technologies in classrooms.

The RPL programs launched under this initiative include:

• RPL in ICT & Assistive Technologies for instructors of Persons with Visual Impairment (Computer, Music, Physical Education, and Science/STEM teachers).
• RPL Certification in Teaching Computer Literacy Skills to Children with Hearing Impairment (CWHI) through Indian Sign Language (ISL).
• RPL Certification in ISL Interpretation for Cricket Commentary (CISLI-CC): A first-of-its-kind training to build professional ISL cricket commentators for IPL and international tournaments, ensuring sports accessibility for the Deaf community.
• RPL Certification in Teaching English Literacy Skills for Children with Hearing Impairment (CWHI)

These RPL programs would be short term programs to assess, support additional training and certification of PwDs. This initiative aims to enhance the number of resources required for providing improved services for teaching science, music, technology, sports, and language etc. to Persons with Disabilities and to bridge learning gaps for PwDs. By empowering educators and interpreters, the initiative also promotes independence, self-reliance, and vocational readiness among learners with hearing and visual impairments.

As a part of this noble endeavor, Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry, will be conducting 75 distribution camps at various locations across the country.Through these camps, more than 40000 Beneficiaries will directly benefit by receiving high-quality aids and assistive devices.

Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) also launch of a specialized training and certification program for local cycle mechanics and e-rickshaw mechanics by Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), a CPSE under the Department.The initiative aims to empower mechanics across the country with the necessary skills to repair and maintain assistive devices like motorized tricycles, manual tricycles, and wheelchairs, thereby strengthening the ecosystem of accessibility and mobility support for Persons with Disabilities. Upon successful completion of the training, participants will be awarded a certificate recognizing them as “Trained by ALIMCO” for repairing mobility assistive devices.

This program has been designed to:

• Enhance local service availability for PwDs by creating a network of trained mechanics across urban and rural areas.
• Promote skill development and livelihood opportunities for local cycle and e-rickshaw mechanics.
• Ensure timely and reliable repair services for mobility aids, reducing downtime and inconvenience for PwDs.

This program represents a step forward in ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities. By equipping local mechanics with specialized skills, Department not only enhancing service delivery but also promoting inclusion and livelihood opportunities.

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KV

(Release ID: 2167797)