Vocational Skill Development

Introduction
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) implements the National Action Plan for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities (NAP-SDP), a Central Sector Scheme launched in March 2015 under the Scheme for Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (SIPDA). This scheme aims to provide vocational training to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to enhance their employability and self-reliance.
Key aspects of the NAP-SDP:
1. Focus on PwDs:
The scheme is specifically designed to empower PwDs by equipping them with essential skills for gainful employment and self-employment.
2. Quality Training:
The NAP-SDP focuses on providing high-quality vocational training through various governmental and non-governmental organizations that are empanelled as Training Partners (ETPs).
SIPDA Umbrella:The NAP-SDP operates as a part of the SIPDA scheme, which aims to implement the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.
3. Eligibility:
Individuals with a disability certificate, with a disability of not less than 40%, who are between 15 and 59 years of age, and who have not undergone any other sponsored skill training course in the past two years are eligible for the scheme.
4. Training Modules:
The scheme offers courses in employability skills, accessible versions of these skills, and even Indian Sign Language videos for training.
5. Project Monitoring Unit (PMU):
The PMU within DEPwD plays a crucial role in training need assessment, content generation, monitoring training, certification, and employer connections.
6. Collaboration:
The scheme involves collaboration between governmental and non-governmental organizations to deliver training programs.