Nurture mental health and aid the disabled as a rehabilitation professional

In 2012, India accounted for the highest estimated number of suicides in the world, according to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report. The WHO's 2015 Mental Health Report says, "Neuropsychiatric conditions are the leading cause of disability in young people in all regions. If untreated, these conditions severely influence children's development, their educational attainments and their potential to live fulfilling and productive lives."

Maharashtra is the second most populous state in India, home to over 117 million people or more than 9% of India's population; unfortunately also one of the five largest states with people with disabilities in India. Population of children between 0-6 years old is approximately 1.33 crore. Out of these (as per the incidence rate of 10%); 13 lakh children are likely to have one or more forms of disabilities. This data shows the urgent need of rehabilitation professionals in Maharashtra.

Rehabilitation professionals help people with mental health concerns and children with developmental disorders achieve their potential and lead a functional life. There are only 11,239 rehabilitation professionals in Maharashtra. There are a few university-affiliated colleges in Maharashtra offering training in Special Education, but there are no colleges to train professionals in Rehabilitation Psychology.

There is enormous scientific evidence to indicate that disabilities can be prevented at an early stage in life and the chances of a child developing a severe disability can be minimized through rehabilitation. Effective interventions are possible for children at the school and even at home by trained parents. The educational environment can be made more inclusive by giving children the opportunity to study in mainstream schools with the support of Rehabilitation professionals.

In order to meet this paucity of rehabilitation professionals in Maharashtra, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai; and the New Horizons Health and Research Foundation, Mumbai, are offering two Post Graduate Diploma courses in the field of Special Education and Mental Health.

These are, first, the Post Graduate Diploma in Special Education (PGDSE): Multiple Disabilities (Physical and Neurological); and, second, Post Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Psychology (PGDRP).

Both the courses are conducted over one year, to give in-depth training with internship at child development centres, rehabilitation centres, special schools and vocational training centres. Training will be provided by national and international experts from the field. There are opportunities for employment across various sectors, including international schools, rehabilitation homes, counselling centres, and even corporate houses that now follow the mandatory policy of employment of people with disabilities. A career in an enriching profession beckons all graduates. For more information, log on to: http://www.tiss.edu/admissions-2013/admissions-open-for-pgdse-and-pgdrp-2015

Dr Samir Dalwai is a developmental paediatrician, and founder of New Horizons Health and Research Foundation, Mumbai.