Section 5: Functions of the institute

(1) The functions of the institute are- (a) to train teachers and other personnel working in the field of special needs education and rehabilitation to cater for all kinds of persons with disabilities and learning needs; (b) to conduct research with an emphasis on special needs education and rehabilitation; (c) to produce, document and disseminate information on disabilities to persons involved in special education and rehabilitation and the public as a whole; (d) to design, construct and develop educational materials and aids and to repair and maintain such equipment; (e) to gather and collect information on educational materials and aids for persons with disabilities and learning difficulties from other countries; (f) to prepare brochures, journals, handouts, pamphlets and magazines for persons working in special education and rehabilitation and for persons with disabilities and special learning needs; (g) to conduct in-service courses for personnel working in areas of special needs education and rehabilitation; (h) to run an orientation and mobility centre for training and demonstration purposes; (i) to run a demonstration preschool for the training and stimulation of children with disabilities and special learning needs and to offer educational assessment for those children; (j) to conduct distance education in special education and rehabilitation; (k) to conduct examinations and award certificates and where necessary to revoke such awards; (l) to initiate and run appropriate and affordable outreach or extension services; (m) to do any other thing geared at the enhancement and development of special education and rehabilitation; and (n) to do any other thing which is incidental to or connected with the functions in this section. (2) The institute shall conduct courses leading to the award of diplomas by the Institute of Teacher Education, Kyambogo, under standards provided by the Institute of Teacher Education, Kyambogo, Statute, and regulations made under that Act or as may be agreed upon by the institute and the Institute of Teacher Education, Kyambogo, and shall, in connection with the awards, jointly conduct examinations leading to the awards with the Institute of Teacher Education, Kyambogo. (3) The institute may conduct courses leading to the award of degrees by Makerere University under standards provided by the Makerere University Act, and regulations made under that Act or as may be agreed upon by the institute and Makerere University and shall, in connection with the awards, jointly conduct examinations leading to the awards with Makerere University.