BM Institute seeks govt recognition for course for intellectually disabled in Gujarat

There's good news for intellectually disabled people. The 67-year-old BM Institute of Mental Health, among the oldest mental health institutions in Gujarat, is all set to take yet another leap in education by seeking government recognition for a course specially designed for the intellectually disabled.

The institute has written to Avantika Singh, Director of Employment and Training, apprising her about their intentions and benefits for the same. Confirming the same, Madhu Singh, Director, BM Institute, said, "Over the years, we have realised that students with intellectual disability, if trained well, can do very well. This is the main reason we wish to offer this certificate course for them. We have received approval to start the courses by Gujarat Council for Vocational Training (GCVT) and affiliation is under process. The inspection for providing affiliation is over. If the state government recognises the course, the value of the same will increase and help in employability. We have written to the director of employment and training and she has been quite positive about it."

Speaking about possible areas for recruitment, Singh said, "The possible area of employment for trained intellectually impaired adults may be cottage industries, small scale industries or micro enterprises. They may also start their own enterprise with self-help groups or their family. Such people need supported or sheltered opportunities."

There will be two six-month courses where participants will be trained in creating paper bags and art and craft. There will be 10 seats for paper bags and 20 seats for art and craft. When DNA tried to contact Avantika Singh, she was unavailable for comment.

The 67-year-old institute was in shambles when last year, after repeated attempts, it got approval to recruit 19 people after nearly two decades. The BM Institute of Mental Health focuses on mental health, disability rehabilitation and education.

FOR A CAUSE

• The 67-year-old institute was in shambles when last year, after repeated attempts, it got approval to recruit 19 people after nearly two decades. 
   
• The BM Institute of Mental Health focuses on mental health, disability rehabilitation and education.