Enhancing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities is one of the main concerns of the disability sector in India. NASSCOM Foundation has been promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the IT-BPM industry for several years. 

Continuing its efforts, NASSCOM Foundation in association with Kalasalingam University, Srivilliputtur, organized a recruitment drive for the first batch of B.Tech., Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering B.Tech. graduates with hearing impairment from  the university.  

As many as 63 candidates from the batch participated in this drive which was supported by companies like Sutherland Global,CGI and Integra Solutions.

Kalasalingam University, Srivilliputtur had started this innovative six-year B.Tech program for hearing impaired students to enable them to go for well-equipped and relevant jobs in the industry. It represents the Asia’s first effort to educate the hearing impaired within a technical university, training them to be at par with other engineering graduates.

Commenting on the occasion, Rita Soni, CEO, NASSCOM Foundation said “We have been sensitizing the industry for inclusion of persons with disabilities and have seen encouraging responses, not on the basis of compassion but on the basis of competence of the candidates. Kalasalingam University’s targeted initiative, uniquely supports inclusion with relevant technology and more time for students with hearing impairment. We are thrilled to have this partnership!”

“Making education inclusive for persons with disabilities does not just mean giving them an opportunity to study in a cohesive environment, but also means making all systems associated with education accessible and affordable for them. This recruitment drive is a step towards this direction and we are thankful to NASSCOM Foundation for supporting us.” Added Thiru K. Sridharan, Chancellor, Kalasalingam University, Srivilliputtur.

Sharing his excitement a student, Sabari Venkatesh said , “ It is a dream for all the students of my age to find a job in a leading IT organization. Through this initiative, NASSCOM Foundation and Kalasalingam University have helped us find our dream jobs. This drive has given me and my batchmates an opportunity to come forth and participate in the placement procedure like any other competent B.Tech student in the country.”