State to equip PwD students with aids, improve access

Bhubaneswar: In order to improve academic participation of students with disabilities and promote inclusive higher education across the state, the govt has decided to provide them with aids and appliances and other assistive devices.The higher education department has framed a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the provision of assistive devices to PwD students across the state. The SOP has been formulated in compliance with directions of the Orissa HC aiming to streamline identification, verification, procurement and distribution of assistive devices to students enrolled in higher education institutions (HEIs).As per the guidelines, the department has appointed district nodal officers (DNOs) to act as a single point of contact between colleges and district social security officers (DSSOs). Each higher education institution will also be provided with three wheelchairs to improve campus accessibility. The responsibility of distributing these wheelchairs will lie with the DNOs, while transportation costs will be borne by the higher education department.Colleges have been instructed to identify all PwD students and submit their details to the department. “Following this, DSSOs will verify the data in coordination with block social security officers and institutional authorities. Eligible students will then be provided with necessary aids and appliances based on availability,” an official of the dept informed.In cases where required devices are not available at the district or block level, the requirements will be forwarded to the department of social security and empowerment of persons with disabilities for procurement as per existing guidelines. Institutions have also been asked to maintain proper records, including registers of PwD students, details of devices received and distribution records with beneficiary acknowledgements.In Dec last year, the Orissa HC took up a petition on the lack of basic amenities for differently abled girl students at Shailabala Women’s Autonomous College for hearing. Following this, the social security and empowerment of persons with disabilities and higher education departments informed the court that work is underway to improve facilities and accessibility for students with disabilities in higher educational institutions across the state. This includes providing laptops with screen-reader software, Braille displays, screen magnifiers and audiobook or e-book access tools, and construction of disability-friendly toilets, ramps and railings in HEIs.