National Institute for the Empowerment of the Persons with Visual Disabilities

The National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) launched a five-day Residential Faculty Development Programme, approved by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), from November 18 to 22, 2024. The programme aims to enhance the skills of educators and professionals in special education and rehabilitation. It was attended by key figures including NIEPVD's officiating Director, Er. Manish Verma, and guest Swami Asimatmananda. Forty-two educators from across India are participating, engaging in discussions on NEP 2020, advancements in rehabilitation technology, and inclusive education strategies.

A two-day national-level CRE program, recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India, was successfully organized by the Department of Special Education and Research at the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities, Dehradun. The event took place on September 26–27 at the institute's Ashtavakra Auditorium, focusing on the theme "The Use of Teaching Learning Material in Special Education." During the two-day CRE program, experts engaged in in-depth discussions on various aspects of teaching and learning materials in special education. The event fostered valuable knowledge-sharing, contributing significantly to the promotion of research, awareness, and education in the special education field.

Inspired by Louis Braille’s visionary words, "In darkness, the strength of Braille brings a ray of light," the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD), Dehradun, celebrated World Braille Day on his 216th birth anniversary. The event emphasized the importance of Braille and empowering visually impaired Divyangjans. A key highlight was the virtual release of the book Standard Bharati Braille Codes by Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, DEPwD. The event featured NIEPVD Director Er. Manish Verma and the virtual presence of dignitaries like Smt. Manmeet Kaur Nanda, Joint Secretary, DEPwD, and Shri Dipendra Manocha, President, Daisy Forum India. The book Standard Bharati Braille Codes marks a milestone in accessibility, offering a comprehensive guide to standardized Braille unicodes in India. Shri Rajesh Aggarwal emphasized Braille’s role in fostering inclusivity and accessibility, while Er. Manish Verma highlighted its significance as the cornerstone for education and self-reliance for the visually impaired.