Thiruvananthapuram, July 1, 2015: The National Institute of Speech and Hearing (NISH) has partnered with the Federal Bank to set up an Assistive Technology (AT) Centre at the institute for enhancing higher education possibilities for people with disabilities.

An MoU to this effect was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Shri. Oommen Chandy, by NISH Executive Director Dr. Samuel N Mathew and Federal Bank Managing Director and CEO Shri. Shyam Srinivasan. A cheque for Rs 2 crore was handed over to the chief minister as the initial funding of Federal Bank's largest corporate social responsibility initiative.

"AT plays a vital role in providing access to higher education for persons with disabilities; enhancing their functional capabilities in terms of acquiring knowledge and skills, eventually leading to better job opportunities and uplifting their social standing," said NISH Director and State Planning Board member Shri. Vijaya Raghavan.

The AT Center at NISH will also be a resource center for similar institutions across the country to conduct research and development, suited to Indian needs and requirements.

"The AT centre will acquire state of the art assistive technologies available around the world for NISH students," he added.

In the wake of NISH transforming into the National University for Rehabilitation Sciences & Disability Studies (NURSDS), the AT center will provide the necessary services for assessing students and the appropriate AT for use in the classroom.

Minister for Panchayats and Social Welfare Shri. M. K. Muneer, Minister for Industries and Information Technology Shri. P. K. Kunhalikutty,  Kerala State Planning Board Vice Chairman Shri. K. M. Chandrasekhar; Shri. G. Vijaya Raghavan and Federal Bank Zonal Head- Thiruvananthapuram Shri. James V. Y., and other dignitaries were also present at the function.