ODL as a Means to Quality and Utility Education for Differently Abled Student

Open Learning System can provide educational opportunities to various sections of the society, who are unable to attend College/University because of their prior commitments or problems. In the present era with the adoption of communication technology in its various functions, the Open Learning System is undergoing changes. The Distance Education has grown from print media to electronic media i.e., from Distance Learning to Virtual Learning; e-Learning to teleconferencing but still it is lagging behind in providing educational atmosphere to differently abled students. Children having disabilities are often marginalized and excluded from the education system. Open Universities should provide necessary resources and sufficient flexibility in meeting the needs of differently abled students. ODL Universities are considered as an excellent institution for meeting the requirements of differently abled students. The differently abled students don't just need financial assistance but also social, political, educational and employment equality. Distance Educational Institutions can play a key role by solving the needs of differently abled students. The country has witnessed a phenomenal expansion of educational opportunities from pre-independence to post-independence period. In spite of that, differently abled students have not benefited substantially from this growth in the educational and employment opportunities. Persons with disabilities can lead a better quality of life if they are provided equal opportunities and effective access to rehabilitation measures. This paper address two issues one, how to improve enrolment of differently abled students and their sustainability in Higher Education and the second to explore suitable placement opportunities in public as well as private sector enterprises.