UGC directs higher educational institutions, universities to implement accessibility guidelines and standards

The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Tuesday asked Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and Universities to implement the accessibility guidelines and standards in the best interest of Divyangjan. The move aims at improving the participation and learning experiences of people with disabilities in HEIs.

This also aims at achieving the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the provisions of the Rights of Persons With Disability Act, 2016. It is pertinent to mention here that the Government of India launched the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) in 2015 to facilitate barrier-free urban development for persons with disabilities.

Three broad domains were identified for the purpose. They include- Built environment, Information Technology and Transportation. So far, it has been a nationwide flagship campaign to achieve universal access and development for persons with disabilities, said UGC in a letter.

“The NEP 2020 has also envisioned the provisions for extensive use of technology in teaching and learning, removing language barriers, increasing access for Divyang students and educational planning and management including full equity and inclusion as the cornerstone of all educational decisions to ensure that all students are able to thrive in the system if modern education,” the UGC letter read.

Click here for the guidelines.