National Workshop on Qualitative Research Methods for benchmark disabilities with focus on Multiple Disabilities
Date: 17th April, 2017 – 19th April, 2017
Venue : National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) , ECR, Muttukadu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu | India.
Developments in the area of disability rehabilitation is rapid in recent years. With the rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act having been passed in December 2016, replacing the PwD Act of 1995, the scope for research and development in the area of disabilities has increased. Every child with benchmark disability between the age group of 6 and 18 years has the right to free education.
As the RPwD act is aligned with UNCRPD and the number of disabilities covered by the Act have increased from seven to twenty-one; the professionals now have the responsibility to equip themselves to find out the strengths and gaps in the field with empirical evidences so as to reach out the target population with appropriate methods and strategies to help them realize their rights and potentials.
Multiple Disabilities including deaf -blindness (MD-Db) is included as a disability in the RPwD act. We are aware that this population poses additional challenges due to MD-Db; requiring tailor made programs despite lack of adequate researched data on the extent of the challenges being faced.
“Benchmark disability” refers to more than forty per cent of a specified disability of a person. As one of the first steps since passing of RPwD act, this national workshop is NIEPMD’s initiative to equip the researchers in this area.
The qualitative research methods are appropriate to address benchmark disabilities; with an aim to zoom in to specific issues and analyze with objectivity. They may result in getting an insight and understanding into the issues pertaining to individuals with multiple disabilities; which may further lead us toward finding appropriate solutions. Till date, most of the research carried out in our country has been in quantitative methods. For working with a low -incidence group, conditions with heterogeneous population such as MD-Db, the professionals require expertise in carrying out qualitative research. NIEPMD as an apex body of Government of India for carrying out research, training and documentation in the area of MD, takes the responsibility and objective to equip the professionals in carrying out qualitative research.
Centre for International Inclusive Pedagogy and Practice, University of Northampton with Prof. Richard Rose as the Director has expertise and rich experience in qualitative research. This national workshop of NIEPMD in collaboration with the University of Northampton; is aimed to realize this need for developing expertise in our country.
Course Content: The course will consist of basic understanding of qualitative research, importance and suitability in Indian context, significance in the area of disability rehabilitation aspects of conducting a qualitative research, data collection and analysis.
Outcome: The participants are expected to gain an insight in conducting qualitative research, identify research areas of interest and arrive at a brief proposal.
Registration fee: NIL
Stay Facility: Twin Sharing facility with food
(available from evening of 16-04-17 to noon of 20-04-17)
Travel Allowance: 3
rd/ 2nd AC fare for selected Indian participants. Participants from SAARC nations will be provided
Lodging and Food, TA to be borne by sponsoring organizations only.
Last Date for Application: 20th March 2017
Eligibility for Participation
- Master’s Degree in any area of disability rehabilitation & special education, having a minimum 3 years of work experience. Preference will be given to those working with multiple disabilities including Db.
- Preference will be given to candidates registered for PhD
- Submission of Abstract (max 250 words) with intent of research, along with requisite documents of qualification and experience. Important: Considering the seats are limited, the applications will undergo strict scrutiny by a panel. Applicants may kindly schedule their travel ONLY after receiving confirmation of registration.
For Registration (ONLY through email):
Mr. Rajesh Ramachandran
(Rehabilitation officer/ Course coordinator, B.Ed.SE-ASD)
niepmduk@gmail.com | +91-98847-18969
Download : Application (PDF, 156KB)