Mysuru : Pawaskar Calls for Crucial Accessibility and Inclusivity for Persons with Disabilities Mysuru:“Accessibility and inclusivity are crucial for persons with disabilities. Equity and integration are essential to ensure that persons with disabilities are fully included in all aspects of society. Inclusion is the need of the hour,” said GuruprasadPawaskar, the State Commissioner for the Office of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of Goa.
He was the chief guest at the second International Conference on Comprehensive Education (ICCE-24) at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mysuru Campus, on July 26, 2024. Pawaskar resonated with the theme of the conference, underscoring the necessity of creating an equitable and integrated environment for differently abled individuals. His insights and commitment to promoting the rights of persons with disabilities highlighted the ongoing efforts required to foster a truly inclusive society.
Dr.Pavan John Antony, Professor of Special Education at Adelphi University, New York, inaugurated the conference. Dr. Antony highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the challenges faced by differently abled individuals. He urged attendees to apply the knowledge and insights gained from the conference to create tangible changes in educational practices and policies.
Dr. Stephen M. Shore, Professor of Special Education at Adelphi University, New York, delivered a keynote address. In his address, Dr. Shore outlined the “4 A’s of Autism” framework, which provides crucial strategies for supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals as they transition to adulthood. The framework focuses on Awareness, Acceptance, Appreciation, and Action, emphasizing a holistic approach to understanding and aiding neurodivergent individuals.
Prof.ShekarBabu, Associate Dean of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mysuru Campus, warmly welcomed the attendees to the second International Conference on Comprehensive Education (ICCE-24). In his opening remarks, Prof.Babu provided an overview of the conference, highlighting its goals and significance in promoting comprehensive education and inclusivity for differently abled individuals.
During the inaugural ceremony, three new books were also released, marking a significant contribution to the field of special education and providing valuable resources for educators, researchers, and practitioners: “Era of Awakening of Persons with Disabilities” by J.P. Gadkari; “Teaching and Supporting Students with Disabilities During Times of Crisis” by Pavan John Antony and Stephen Shore; and “An Unplanned Journey” by Naval Pant.
The ICCE-24 brought together experts, educators, and stakeholders from around the world to discuss and share strategies for comprehensive education and the empowerment of differently abled individuals. The event served as a significant platform for fostering paper presentations, plenary sessions, panel discussions, poster presentations, collaboration, and innovation in the field of education. A total of 47 plenary sessions were organized, featuring 14 international speakers, including differently abled individuals, who served as resource persons. More than 200 participants and delegates from various parts of the world attended the conference. The papers presented covered a wide range of topics, including Social-Emotional Well-Being, Independent Living, Self-Advocacy, Neurodiversity in the Workplace, Artificial Intelligence, Assistive Technology, Post Secondary/Higher Education, Vocational/Employment, and Transition.
This conference is a collaborative endeavour with College of Education and Health Sciences at Adelphi University, NewYork, USA, Western University, Canada and BeyberryInc, USA.
Pre-Conference Workshop:
As part of the second International Conference on Comprehensive Education (ICCE-24), a pre-conference workshop was held on July 25, 2024. The workshop featured a keynote address by the esteemed chief guest, Prof. Baby Shari P.A., Chair Holder of the UNESCO Chair on Community-Based Disability Management and Rehabilitation, and Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Calicut.
Prof. Baby Shari P.A. delivered an insightful keynote address titled “The Community-Based Disability Management and Rehabilitation Programme (CDMRP),” emphasizing the importance of community-driven approaches to disability management and rehabilitation.
Dr.Pavan John Antony, Professor of Special Education at Adelphi University, New York, also inaugurated the pre-conference workshop, setting a collaborative and impactful tone for the conference.