Disclaimer
Centre for the Study of Disability Inclusion (CSDI) has been established by Janki Devi Memorial College, University of Delhi, with an aim to sensitise and promote awareness regarding disabilities. To promote inclusivity and address the challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), several policy and legal initiatives have been undertaken in India.
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 passed by the Indian Parliament, in pursuant to India signing and ratifying United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2006 (UNCRPD, 2006), is one such landmark Act. The Act defines Persons with Disabilities as “person with long term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which, in interaction with barriers, hinders his full and effective participation in society equally with others”.
The centre endeavours to create awareness and promote inclusion through outreach activities, discussions, exhibitions, recording audio books, creating accessible text, etc. Various activities such as research, training and societal inclusion of PwDs will be promoted under the aegis of the centre. The research under the centre would aim to enrich researchers and policymakers with data, both quantitative and qualitative, on disability and related issues. The centre would also involve the students of the college in research projects to promote research aptitude and academic rigour. An oral history project will also be taken up to record and archive the lived experiences of PwDs and their care givers, in their social, economic, political and cultural milieu. There is a dearth of trained human resource on Braille script, sign language and accessible technologies. To create a pool of trained human resource on them, add-on courses/short-term certificate courses will be offered.
The Centre for the Study of Disability Inclusion will inculcate empathy, compassion and inclusion amongst the teaching and non-teaching staff and students, transforming them into ambassadors of change in society. The centre will conduct and promote research, training and awareness programs to fill the existing gap relating to the study of disability and create an inclusive and participatory environment for PwDs.
Structure
Director: Dr. Md. Zubeer Ahmed
General Secretary: Raju Keshari
Treasurer:
Dr. Khachungla ChalhangExecutive Body: Dr. Renuka Singh, Pouriangthanliu, Samiran Ghissing, Shivam Sharma, Chanpreet Kaur, Dr. Vineeta Bhatt, Vivek Panchpande, Dr. Sanatan Tiwari
Students’ Body: Saksham
President: Pallavi Choudhary
Vice-President: Nivedita
General Secretary: Medha Tushti
Treasurer: Vanshika
Documentation Head: Prerna Singh
Public Relations Head: Mesha
Logistics Head: Harshita
In the forthcoming year, the centre would organise an exhibition and a discussion on disability to widen the contours of disability inclusion. Notable days such as World Disability Day, White Cane Day, Louis Braille’s birth anniversary, etc. will be commemorated through the year. A talk will be held to gain an academic perspective on the PwDs. The centre will also undertake a research project delving into the nuances of everyday lives of PwDs. An inter-college student paper presentation discussing the experiential accounts of the PwDs will be organised under the aegis of the centre, encouraging students to explore various dimensions of the lives of PwDs. Furthermore, the centre will also introduce a short-term certificate course on Sign language/Braille Script in collaboration with a reputed institution. The centre will also collaborate and conduct outreach activities with Devnar Junior and Degree College for the Blind, Hyderabad, Telangana and academic activities with the Centre for Disability Research and Training, Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi. Finally, the centre will record 3 audiobooks by the end of the current year for the visually impaired students.
In the next five years the CSDI aims to implement various initiatives to achieve its mission. Firstly, the organization plans to organise two National/International Conferences to promote awareness and facilitate exchange of ideas. Additionally, a magazine with ISSN will be launched to disseminate valuable insights, amplifying the participation of students and teachers on disability and related issues. To further the impact of its work, CSDI intends to conduct not less than 10 talks, engaging with different communities and stakeholders. This will help create a dialogue and foster a deeper understanding of disability-related issues. Moreover, the organization will undertake three research projects to contribute to the body of knowledge on disabilities. In an effort to enhance educational inclusivity, CSDI will develop a Pedagogical Series Manual to improve curriculum delivery for PwDs. To promote sensitization amongst the younger generation, the centre will collaborate with four neighbourhood schools. In the next 5 years, the ties with Devnar Foundation and CDRT will be further strengthened through various collaborative activities and academic projects.
Embracing media platforms, CSDI will also launch a Podcast Series, offering informative and inspiring content related to disabilities. Additionally, the centre will initiate an Oral History Project to document and preserve the experiences and perspectives of individuals with disabilities. Lastly, to empower PwDs with practical skills, CSDI will design and offer five short-term certificate courses focusing on Sign language, Braille Script, and Accessible Technology. These courses will equip people with valuable tools for better communication and integration into society.
Through these diverse initiatives, CSDI envisages to create a more inclusive society, empowering individuals with disabilities and fostering understanding and support from various communities.
Over the next 25 years, the CSDI has a comprehensive plan to establish itself as a prominent institution for disability studies. The first step involves creating an esteemed platform through the establishment of a Peer-Reviewed Journal for Disabilities' Studies with an ISSN, facilitating scholarly exchange and promoting research in the field.
In its pursuit of excellence, CSDI aims to be recognized as a Centre of Excellence within Delhi University, serving as a hub for cutting-edge research, policy formulation, and inclusive practices related to PwDs. To expand its impact, CSDI plans to evolve into a full-fledged department offering diploma programs, professional degrees, and specialized employability skills for PwDs. These initiatives will empower them to achieve their potential and foster greater inclusion in various sectors.
For the sustainability and growth of its initiatives, CSDI will focus on developing a robust funding model and resource allocation plan. This approach will ensure continuous support for the centre’s activities and enables it to achieve its long-term goals effectively. Additionally, CSDI seeks to create an organic ecosystem network of education-industry outreach, forging strong collaborations and partnerships with relevant stakeholders. This network will extend the reach of disability inclusivity efforts, promoting understanding, acceptance, and opportunities for PwDs. By strategically implementing these initiatives, CSDI aims to be a driving force in the advancement of disability inclusivity, not only within the academic domain but also in society at large, thereby contributing to a more equitable and accessible world over the next 25 years.