UGC issues draft guidelines on accessibility for PwD students in HEIs; invites feedback

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released ‘draft comprehensive accessibility guidelines and standards’ for Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and Universities to provide easy access to higher education to persons with disabilities.

The Commission has invited feedback and suggestions on the guidelines from stakeholders by March 7. The stakeholders can send their suggestions on University Activity Monitoring Portal (UAMP) at ugc.in.in.uamp.

Also Read | ‘Digital University will not lead to job losses for teachers’: UGC Chairman

“The Government of India launchcd the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) to ensure the equal participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all activities,” the UGC said in an official notification.

Recognizing, accommodating, and meeting the needs of the persons with disabilities corning from diverse backgrounds, it becomes the primary responsibility for the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to provide the facilities that enable persons with disabilities having diverse socio-economic backgrounds to live independently and participate fully in all aspect of their educational life at HEIs,” it added.

UGC’s draft guidelines

“Ensuring equal participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all activities are the priority goals of the nation. Hence, UGC commits itself to support HEIs in all possible manners so that persons with disabilities become part of various academic programs of universities and colleges in good numbers. Making HEIs accessible to all students remains one of the significant goals of the Commission,” UGC said in its draft guidelines.

Also Read | AKTU exam form window reopened at erp.aktu.ac.in with late fee till February 28

The Commission said HEIs must ensure that all buildings and facilities are wheelchair-accessible and disabled-friendly; develop bridge courses for those students that may come from disadvantaged educational backgrounds, and provide socio-emotional and academic support for all such students through suitable counselling and mentoring programmes.

UGC has prescribed guidelines under following sections for developing a holistic perspective and understanding:

• Promoting Inclusive Practices and Accessibility
• Need Assessment and Support Provisions
• Accessibility of ICT
• Mobility Infrastructure
• Built Infrastructure
• Accessible Curriculum, Teaching and Learning
• Accessible Assessment or Examination
• Accessibility in Resources, Services
• Inclusive Campus Living
• Governance and Monitoring of Accessibility and Inclusive Practices