Deccan Herald » DH Education » Detailed Story

Touching lives in a special way

With a severe shortage of people to cater to the needs of nearly 16 million Indians who have varying kinds and degrees of disabilities, the field is wide open to those who have the aptitude. A career as a special educator can be rewarding emotionally as well.

“After two months of therapy, a mother, relief writ large over her face, told me she now knows how to handle her daughter's tantrums. We change the family dynamics for the better and that is very rewarding", said Speech Language Pathologist Radhika Poovaiah.

"Rehabilitation field offers immense satisfaction. We are living in exciting times where technology has reached Himalayan heights but our basic need for the human touch remains as great as ever and rehab specialists provide just that." That was Rukmini Krishnaswamy, Director, Spastic Society of Karnataka, urging youngsters to take up a career in rehabilitation sciences.

Dr Nalini Menon listed out several reasons why one could become a special educator. She stated that she doesn't once regret her career switch from research work in Physics to special education.

Radhika, Rukmini Krishnaswamy and Nalini were speakers at a seminar on "Career prospects in rehabilitation sciences" jointly organised by I CARE (Indian Child's Association for Rights and Education) and Christ College to encourage more youngsters to take up careers in rehabilitation. The seminar had rehabilitation professionals and students in good numbers.

There is a severe shortage of people to cater to the needs of nearly 16 million Indians who have varying kinds and degrees of disabilities. People with hearing loss, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, emotional problems, children with autism, retardation and many more such problems need more than just a diagnosis. They require a sustained treatment programme that caters to their individual needs. That is where the Physio Therapist, Audiologist, Counsellor and other rehabilitation specialists make a huge difference.

Most youngsters these days don't think of any other career prospect except engineering and medicine. But there are lots of other things one could do. For instance, working with other human beings and helping them reach their full potential results in you yourself becoming a better human being. This was the passionate call of the organisers to students.

The field is slowly getting its due recognition from all concerned and with that financial returns are also getting better. Rehabilitation Council of India, a statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment regulates training programmes and also encourages research in the field.

Indira Swaminathan, President of I CARE whose work with both normal and special children is well known is a shining example of what job satisfaction means. At 70, the lady is actively involved in innovative teaching, organising workshops, offering educational consultations and enjoying all of it. "I want to transform I CARE to We CARE" says the dynamic woman. Something that is possible when more and more youngsters take up this field.

Bangalore has several organisations offering diploma, graduate and post- graduate programmes in rehabilitation sciences. Details of all the RCI recognised courses are available on its website. www.rehabcouncil.nic.in

Bharathi Prabhu

Why you should consider a career in rehabilitation sciences.

* Immense job satisfaction.

* Scope for creativity.

* Flexible hours.

* Great demand for qualified people.

* Good income.

* Helps your own growth.