IIT-D celebrates day with 'Challenging challenges'

THE Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi celebrated the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on Friday with Director, Professor V Ramgopal Rao kicking off the "Challenging Challenges" activities.

Several activities were organised to sensitise and build empathy among normal persons by helping them experience the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in their day-to-day life and recognise their abilities for the same. With an aim to support students with disabilities, earlier this year, IIT Delhi had launched 'Office of Accessible Education (OAE), providing support to such students. OAE and the institute's academic section are offering scribes and compensatory time to over 130 students on the campus.

Ramgopal said, "At the OAE, assistive devices will be available for those who need them. We will conduct a survey among the students with disabilities about the kinds of assistive devices they need (wheelchairs, hearing aids, calipers, special mobile phones, etc.). We have taken steps towards making our official website compliant with WGAC guidelines. The institute is also looking into providing mobility services on the campus to the disabled persons."

The Xavier's Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged has also been supporting the institute (pro bono), including providing intensive training to our students, creating accessible study materials.

Professor Reetika Khera, Associate Dean, Student Welfare, IIT Delhi added, "In the coming year, we hope to work with IIT Delhi student bodies such as NSS and BSW to create a pool of student volunteers who can help create accessible study materials and provide other support to persons with disabilities on the campus."