NEW DELHI: IIT-Delhi is taking multiple initiatives to promote the inclusion of students with disabilities. From adjustable height tables and making labs accessible to elevated wheelchair accessibility, the institution is striving to create an accommodating environment within the campus.
The Office of Accessible Education, a part of the Diversity and Inclusion Office at IIT Delhi, is leading the charge in implementing inclusive initiatives. These efforts span academic accommodations, transportation accessibility, infrastructure enhancements, and active involvement of students with disabilities in extracurricular activities.
One of the latest endeavours towards inclusivity is the installation of portable, accessible restrooms for persons with disabilities in the main administrative building and other academic blocks to address mobility issues. Additionally, the institution has procured an accessible e-cart for facilitating transportation for students with disabilities across the campus.
The campus buildings have been made more accessible through the addition of ramps, braille signage, and accessible hostel accommodations. Common areas now feature ramps to enhance accessibility, while height-adjustable tables and elevated wheelchairs have been provided in labs to ensure participation in experiments. Notably, IIT Delhi boasts probably the country’s first accessible chemistry lab.
In terms of academic accommodations, students with disabilities receive mandated support such as scribe assistance and compensatory time. Moreover, assistive devices like low-vision magnifiers, hearing aids, and braille embossers are provided according to individual needs.
Prof. Vikram Singh, Faculty Advisor of the Office of Accessible Education, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to ensuring an inclusive environment where no student faces marginalization due to disabilities in any academic or extracurricular activity.
SANGAM, an inter college sports event for students with disabilities, exemplifies this commitment by fostering participation in extracurricular activities. The event features sports like blind cricket, chess, and athletics, attracting teams from various institutions and marking a significant step towards inclusivity in sports at IIT Delhi.