Sri Vijaya Puram, 18 July 2026, The National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (Divyangjan) (NIEPID), Secunderabad, under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, in tandem with the Composite Regional Centre (CRC) for Skill Development, Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and in association with Directorate of Education, A & N Administration successfully organised a two-day Offline CRE Programme on “Specific Learning Disability : Assessment and Diagnosis” on 16th and 17th July 2026 at Tagore Government College of Education (TGCE), Sri Vijaya Puram.
The programme witnessed the active participation of more than 50 RCI-registered professionals, Special Educators, and rehabilitation professionals from Government and private schools across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Mr. Gyansil Dubey, Head of Office, Directorate of Education, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, as the Chief Guest. Dr. Ambady K. G., Lecturer in Special Education, Dr. Koona Lalitha, Lecturer, Special Education & Mr. Hrushikesh Deshpande, Rehabilitaion therapist, NIEPID, Secunderabad graced the occasion as the Special Guests. Mr. Raju, IED Coordinator, Directorate of Education, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, along with his Inclusive Education (IED) team, whose presence and support added value to the successful conduct of the programme. The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolising the light of knowledge and inclusive education.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Sumithamol S., Director, CRC A&N Isalnds, highlighted the importance of continuous professional development for rehabilitation professionals and emphasized the need for evidence-based practices to strengthen inclusive education and rehabilitation services, particularly in geographically challenging regions such as the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
She also acknowledged that the programme was organized under the visionary leadership and guidance of Major (Dr.) B. V. Ram Kumar, Director, NIEPID, Secunderabad, whose commitment to capacity building and professional excellence continues to strengthen rehabilitation services and inclusive education across the country.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Gyansil Dubey appreciated the initiative of NIEPID and CRC A&N Islands in bringing high-quality professional training to the islands. He emphasized the importance of early identification, scientific assessment, timely intervention, and collaborative efforts among educators and rehabilitation professionals to ensure inclusive education for children with Specific Learning Disability.
The programme featured technical sessions on Contemporary Understanding of Specific Learning Disability: Definitions and Criteria, Neurobiological Foundations of Learning Disabilities, Empowering Through Inclusion, Building Resilient Communities for Inclusion, SLD Assessment Tools, and SLD Diagnosis and Interpretation.
The Valedictory Ceremony was graced by Mr. Sukun Rajan, Principal, Government Boys’ Senior Secondary School,Sri Vijaya Puram as the Special Guest. In his address, he appreciated the efforts of NIEPID and CRC in organizing such an important academic programme and highlighted the crucial role of teachers, Special Educators, and rehabilitation professionals in creating inclusive learning environments for children with disabilities.
Participants shared their feedback, expressing their appreciation for the relevance, quality, and practical orientation of the sessions. Certificates were distributed to all participants in recognition of their successful completion of the CRE Programme.
The programme concluded with a Vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Kishore Kumar Saha, Assistant Professor, CRC Andaman & Nicobar Islands, followed by the National Anthem.
The two-day Continuing Rehabilitation Education Programme significantly strengthened the professional competencies of RCI-registered professionals and Special Educators, reaffirming the commitment of NIEPID and CRC Andaman & Nicobar Islands towards promoting quality rehabilitation services and inclusive education across the islands.
