Department of Rehabilitation Science — Profile

  History

The PG and Research Department of Rehabilitation Science is a pioneering institute in teaching and training professionals in the field of Rehabilitation for persons with special needs. Among the various courses offered by Holy Cross College, the programmes in Rehabilitation Science and Special Education, recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) in the Multiple Disability Category, are the first of their kind in Asia.

Established in 1983, the department was a collaboration between the Holy Cross Congregation of Chavanod, Bharathidasan University, and Christoffel Blinden Mission, West Germany, aiming to address the shortage of trained rehabilitation workers. Its services were initiated by the visionary leadership of Rev. Dr. Sr. Elizabeth Rose and stalwarts like Dr. Sr. Maria Kamalam and Dr. Prabhakar Immanuel, who, alongside a dedicated faculty, advanced the institute's mission of empowering individuals with disabilities for an inclusive society.

The department offers a wide range of academic programmes, including diplomas, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral degrees, as well as need-based courses in the field of Disability Rehabilitation. Since its inception, it has forged strong national and international networks, enriched by the contributions of experts like Dr. Jeanne Kenmore, Dr. Christine Carlson and Dr. Pamela Amber from the USA, supported by Christoffel Blinden Mission.

The department is affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, and recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). The course has been recognized by the Government of Tamil Nadu (G.O. Ms. No. 901, dated 20.07.1989). In 2020, the Department of Rehabilitation Science initiated the “SCHOOL OF REHABILITATION AND BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES”, entering a new era of education.

  Our Journey

Key milestones in the development of the PG and Research Department of Rehabilitation Science:

  Achievements & Outreach

The department boasts global partnerships with institutions in the USA, Germany, Australia and beyond, and has a stellar alumnae network with 100% employment. Graduates have become special educators, low vision consultants, counsellors and more, serving across continents including the USA, Europe and the Middle East. Strategic partnerships with schools and universities further facilitate student and staff exchange programmes.

Commitment extends beyond academics. Initiatives like the Holy Cross Blossoms Opportunity School and the Rainbow Therapeutic Centre provide direct support to children with developmental disabilities. The department collaborates with prominent national institutions such as NIEPMD and NIMHANS, and runs extension programmes like Youth for Jobs (Y4J), empowering youth with disabilities. Compulsory internships, fieldwork and clinical practice prepare students for real-world challenges. The department also offers consultancy services, helping organizations establish disability services, and supports the UN's Disability-Inclusive Development 2030 Agenda by fostering a barrier-free, inclusive society.

  Vision & Mission