New Delhi, August 12, 2012: Manovikas IGNOU Community College organized a unique “PARENTS WORKSHOP” From Special school to college at Malviya Smriti Bhawan, Deendayal Upadhyay Marg, (Opp. CAG Building) New Delhi on August 11, 2012 Saturday.

Parents workshop started with an inaugural speech by Mr.Vikram Dutt, Chairman , Manovikas IGNOU Community College . During his speech he said, Parents of special children should understand their child. Instead of believing on myths should work towards the reality, myths like society thinks that child with intellectual disability is to be pitied and so their parents but the reality is pity and sympathy do not help anyone, people can rise to the demands of any situation, when molded in a positive environment and the greatest help is to include them in all areas of life. Due to this thought process of the society; parents also become its part.

Mrs. Poonam Natrajan, Chairman, National Trust, Govt. Of India, Chief Guest of Parents Workshop said, that “parents of intellectually disabled child should keep patience as the reaction time of such children is more. They should give them time. To make them independent parents should allow them to do day today task independently, and give them the power of choice so that they become more confident.”

Dr.Arun Banik, Director, NCDS, IGNOU, Guest of Honour said, The curriculum for the students suffering from Intellectual disabilities are framed according to the needs of the student.

Dr. Alok Bhuwan, Managing secretary of Manovikas IGNOU Community College, said, negative attitude of parents towards their differentially disabled child can be, and has been, the most troublesome barrier encountered. Often this negative exclusionary attitude extends from good intentions; to “it’s best for them” philosophy. Parents, instead of emphasizing on their few disabilities, should discover their many abilities. Understanding the fact that unlike all human beings they are more sensitive towards the common human needs like sense of belongingness, freedom to make personal life choices and to have fun. It is very important to make them the part of society from the very beginning, so that they can mold to be a part of it. The major transition that can take place by home-based program to a preschool program to an elementary school program to a high school program to a post-secondary or college or higher or vocational education. This transition will bring positive changes in the child resulting in earning which will help him act as self-reliant learner will also develop a sense of responsibility towards others, perceive themselves in a positive way, cultivate interests that may be the basis for personal development and leisure pursuits, develop an awareness of career opportunities and develop confidence in making decisions that involve risk.

Mrs. Sangeeta, Principal of Manovikas IGNOU Community College, Further explained about the admission procedure to the college and said student of 17 or 18 yrs of age with NIOS, OBE Level C certificate can take admission to five Program offered by MCC to its students. The programs are Certificate in Basic Business Program, Hospitality training program, Certificate in office attendant training program, Certificate in Retail assistant program, and NCCP in Personal Management.

Vote of thanks given by Mrs. Indira Alok, Principal, Manovikas School for Inclusion.

About Manovikas IGNOU Community College
Manovikas runs this College “for the community, by the community, and of the community”. Manovikas-IGNOU Community College (MCC) is registered with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and offers a range of programs at an affordable cost to the students of all ages. Manovikas Community College provides opportunities to all sections of society particularly – educationally marginalized and disadvantaged. Manovikas - IGNOU Community College is India's 1st College for the persons with developmental disabilities. The college guarantees an equal education Opportunity that is need based and quality centered. The approach of the college is to make sure the college experience is everything it should be -- exciting, stimulating, and successful. Manovikas-IGNOU Community College (MCC) strives toward a future where education is accessible and convenient to all including the community of persons with developmental disabilities, and where students can acquire specific competencies, college credit or a degree along with resources to achieve their goals. (MCC) is an innovative and comprehensive college that advances the life-long educational development of students consistent with their needs, interests, and abilities while strengthening the economic, social, and cultural life of its diverse community. The College accomplishes this purpose by providing high-quality, flexible and career-focused educational programs and services which are academically, geographically and financially accessible.