New media programmes for differently-abled

The department of communication and journalism at the Mumbai University, and the Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped have come together for the first time to take on the issues of differently-abled persons and accessible media, websites and universal design. While the university and the institute have had many collaborative programs in the past, this course is a completely new addition.

The institute has envisaged a long-term training module for the media and communication students and professionals, under the topic ‘Media & Disability Communication’, in collaboration with university. The placement of students within six months is a priority of the institute and the department.

PJ Mathew Martin, media officer and course coordinator, says, “The focus will be on Indian sign language, multi-lingual subtitling, captioning, closed captioning and tele-captioning services (online and off-line), creation of accessible websites and latest multimedia software for the vision and hearing-impaired persons and those with learning disabilities.”

“The theory portion will consist of knowledge on media and communication for the differently-abled, and students will be taught to identify emerging issues, trends and creative strategies for promoting the concept of inclusive society, in the area of disability and human development, through journalism and mass communication,” he adds.

The course content is project oriented. It includes practical skills in the use of media and mass communication tools, and techniques for improving communication delivery of media organisations and media houses. The content also includes training in universal design and accessible media products and programs, such as news, advertisements, films and documentaries.

Most students are excited about the course, as the world of media and mass communication is quite new for them. “A student was keen on learning subtitling and captioning and its applications. He had already worked in the field and knew that the scope and job opportunities are immense in India and abroad. But he lacked a degree/diploma. Hence he was keen on the course,” says Martin.

Having been with the institute for more than 21 years, Martin has lots of experience working for differently-abled persons and making them visible in the media. But he believes that there is a lot to be done by the media in the field of entertainment, education and information for differently-abled persons.

R Rangasayee, director of the institute, says, “This training programme will meet the needs of section IV of the Persons with Disabilities Act (1995) and the National Policy on Persons with Disabilities (2006), section 11.A and 51.XI, which emphasise on the importance of raising awareness, dissemination of information and accessibility.”

Admissions to the post-graduate diploma in media and disability communication course have already begun, and August 13 is the last date for applications.

For course details, contact 26409465/09869993833.