Vidya professors’ volunteer involvement in I-YwD Project to provide the dignity and rehabilitation of the differently-abled youth 

The selfless acts of  Vidya fraternity have brought the institution unprecedented benefits all over the years.

Innovation by Youth with Disabilities (I-YwD) is a project by the Government of Kerala- conceived by Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC) and implemented by National Institute of Speech and Hearing (NISH). I-YwD project is a vital step in providing the right dignity and consideration for the differently-abled. The National Institute of Speech and Hearing (NISH) and the A P J Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) inked a MoU to serve a platform for self-motivated youth with disabilities to progress in the path of innovation.

Dr Ramani Bai V (Professor & HoD, CSE Dept)  is serving as the Institution Authorized Signatory and Faculty PoC (Point of Contact).

The first step in the collaboration between I-YwD and KTU Colleges was to identify faculty mentors who can guide I-YwD participants through their innovation and entrepreneurship journey. Our  Dean – Academics and Heads of CSE & AS Dept have volunteered to act as mentors as per the details given below :-

Name Designation Area of Preference
Dr Sudha Balagopalan Dean – Academics & Professor, EEE Dept Assistive Technologies, Waste Management, Problems of Elderly, Problems of Women, Project Proposal Preparation and Documentation
Dr Ramani Bai V Professor & HoD, CSE Dept Artificial Intelligence (AI), Mental Health and Wellness, Project Proposal Preparation and Documentation
Dr Jiby Jose K Professor & HoD, AS Dept Problems of Children, Project Proposal Preparation and Documentation

The mentors will be attending a one day immersive, hands-on, disability sensitization program at the National Institute of Speech and Hearing (NISH). The sensitization programme, facilitated by experts from disability communities, aims to impart the foundational understanding on different disabilities and the importance of accessibility and inclusion. The Mentor Sensitization Programme is to be held tentatively in the second week of February.

The Editorial Team of News & Events joins the entire Vidya fraternity in extending hearty appreciations to Dr Sudha Balagopalan, Dr Ramani Bai and Dr Jiby Jose on this magnanimous gesture and wishing all the best in this noble endeavor to support the  differently abled youth and equip them to contribute for the welfare of the society !!!