Advancing Inclusivity: Ashoka University Hosts Conclave on Higher Education for Students with Disabilities
Ashoka University recently concluded its second edition of the ‘Building Foundations for Inclusive Higher Education’ conclave at the India Habitat Center (IHC). This event gathered experts from universities, institutions, and NGOs nationwide to discuss strategies for creating more inclusive higher education systems for students with disabilities.
During the conclave, Reena Gupta, Director of the Office of Learning Support (OLS) at Ashoka University, and Neha Trivedi, Founder of Spandan, released a report titled ‘Access to Higher Education: An Unresolved Challenge for Students with Disabilities.’ This report highlights the barriers faced by students with disabilities and offers recommendations for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to address these challenges.
The event attracted over 100 key stakeholders from government, academia, and industry, including Rina Sonowal Kouli, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Higher Education; Dr. Pankaj Mittal, Secretary of the Association of Indian Universities; Dr. Jagdish Arora, Advisor at the National Board of Accreditation; and other notable figures like Dr. R K Chadha and Ipsita Mitra.
“At Ashoka University, we believe that true excellence in education can only be achieved when it is accessible to all. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where students with disabilities can thrive. Today's discussions mark a significant step toward establishing a truly democratic higher education system, essential for India’s overall progress,” stated Prof. Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor of Ashoka University.
The conclave featured four dedicated Idea Labs, focusing on critical themes such as building support structures and reasonable accommodation frameworks at HEIs, enhancing accessible library systems and educational content, facilitating access to assistive technology for students, and empowering faculty as champions of inclusive teaching.
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