New Delhi: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) launched a new Post-Graduate Diploma course in Disability Management (PGDDM) for medicos including MBBS, Ayurveda, Siddha or Unanai graduates.

The University has invited applications for admission to the January 2009 session.

Those having two years of experience in the relevant field will be given preference. The duration of the course will be minimum of one year and maximum of three years.

"The programme has been designed in collaboration with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) to explain the genesis of disability, terminologies used in the area of disability rehabilitation and to identify and assess children, adults and elderly having physical, sensory or cognitive impairments or those who are at risk", said V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice-Chancellor of the varsity.

The programme will equip the learner for prevention, promotion, assessment, early identification, intervention and rehabilitation for all types of disabilities.

The programme also helps in understanding the rehabilitation methodology or strategies of persons with disabilities and in undertaking effective intervention to disability-related issues for children, adults and elderly with disabilities.

It also enables the learners to undertake medical intervention for disability-related health issues, plan and implement prevention programmes for people with disabilities, carry out parental and family counseling of persons with disabilities, and play a leadership role in advocacy, community mobilisation and generating awareness about preventive measures, possible therapies and productive potentials of persons with disabilities by propagating the needs and rights of the disabilities.

The programme has also been designed to make the learners aware of existing facilities and legislations available for persons with disabilities and help them referring the persons with disabilities for appropriate need-based rehabilitation intervention. It also makes them aware of disability certification procedures.

The common prospectus and handbook can be downloaded from the IGNOU website www.ignou.ac.in and filled-in forms have to be submitted to the Regional Director on or before January 30 along with the programme fee.