Youth4Jobs and Kalasalingam University, Virudhugar, Tamil Nadu ,launched the first Smart Inclusion Centre in the country. This is part of the “College Connect” program of Youth4Jobs. The Smart Inclusion Centre located in educational institutions aims to improve employability of youth with disabilities and increase enrolment of youth with disabilities in higher education. The last is also important as the Right to PwD Act mandates 5% enrolment. Technology driven, the SIC showcases assistive technologies developed by companies; assists PwDs in enrolment; sensitises faculties and others to the special needs of the PwDs; encourages companies who visit this campus to look at this talent pool.
The Centre was inaugurated by Dr. Sandhya Chintala, Executive Director & VP Nasscom. She said, “This is a unique initiative. I congratulate Youth4Jobs and Kalasalingam University. With the 3% mandate coming to corporates for disability inclusion, there is a vital role to be played by the smart inclusion centre. Nasscom will be happy to support this initiative.”
Dr. S. Shashi Anand, Vice President, KARE (Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education), Kalasalingam University, said,” There are many corporate visit our campus as part of campus placements, although we try convincing them on the abilities of our candidates with speech-hearing impairment but finds it difficult. The Smart Inclusion Centre is a boon to this, as we can showcase the best practices of disability inclusion at workplace from India and Abroad. We look forward for this association with Youth4Jobs to broadcast “Äbility in Disability” of our SHIP (Speech Hearing Impaired Program) students.”
