The Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) is a statutory government body working under the RCI act, enacted by the parliament in 1993 which was further amended in 2000. The body is concerned with catering services to the disabled, maintain a central register for all the professionals working in the field of rehabilitation and special education, and set the syllabi for the same.

WHAT IS RCI? 

RCI is an apex government council that works for certain motives. It is the only council of India that has the mandate to keep the central rehabilitation register documenting the essential details of all the qualified personnel functioning and operating in the concerned fields.

RCI is concerned with both, the regulation of training programs and policies as well as the standardization and maintenance of training courses for professionals in the field of rehabilitation of people with disabilities.

Apart from this, RCI also prescribes minimum qualification standard to practice as a professional working with the disabled, providing recognition to various institutions offering Bachelor’s/Master’s degrees, Diploma courses, Certifications etc. for the same.

With the authority rested with RCI, it also decides what punitive actions are to be taken against unqualified people practicing in the field.

EXTENDED CONCERNS OF RCI 

RCI not only works for the maintenance but also aims at the betterment of the fields concerned. RCI aims at promoting research work in special education and areas of rehabilitation. It also promotes and encourages the continuation of education in the field, and hence offers refresher educational courses and collaborations with leading organizations working for persons with disabilities.   

List of RCI Licenced Institutions.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RCI IN THE FIELD OF PSYCHOLOGY

RCI holds great importance as one has to receive RCI’s accreditation in order to work as a professional in some of the major fields associated with psychology. The following categories of professionals can apply for accreditation:-

1. Clinical psychologists
2. Rehabilitation psychologists
3. Rehabilitation counselors/practitioners in MR
4. Rehab therapists
5. Special educators etc.

It is considered essential to complete your M.Phil from an RCI licensed institution in order to become a recognizable professional (especially concerning clinical psychology).  

Apart from expertise in the field of psychology, RCI also provides accreditation to other professions such as audiologists and speech therapists, social workers, vocational counselors, mobility specialists, hearing and ear mould technicians etc. 

COURSES OFFERED AT RCI LICENSED INSTITUTIONS/TRAINING CENTRES

• Diploma/ PG Diploma courses (in counseling/vocational training)
• Master’s courses/ PG Degree courses (M.Phil)
• Certificate courses
• Refresher courses (short term) under the Rehabilitation Education Programme

You can visit the official website of RCI: http://www.rehabcouncil.nic.in/ 

If you are a psychology aspirant or wish to plan a career in the field associated with rehabilitation or services to people with disabilities, then RCI referencing is a must. Right from the educational pursuit, to professional accreditation, from policies to declarations of rights and regulations, RCI has all the answers to look up to.