A new Certificate course titled, “Advancing Disability Inclusion Practices: Communication, Accessibility, and Legislation” was launched on Monday by University Inclusion & Accessibility Cell (UIAC) of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University(GGSIPU).

This course is designed to equip participants with the necessary tools and knowledge to create and lead disability-inclusive environments. The course was launched at the two-day seminar on "Strengthening disability inclusion and Advancing Accessibility", which was organized by UIAC UTTHAAN to sensitise the students on inclusion of persons with disability.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Kamal Pathak, Registrar of GGSIPU emphasized the need for fostering a culture of accessibility and empowerment of students with disability. He said, “We need to advocate for robust policies with a focus on inclusive environment. It is a collective endeavour and social responsibility to maintaining equality in the society. The PWD should be engaged in decision making exercises too”.

In her welcome address, Prof Shalini Garg, Program Director and Chairperson of UIAC UTTHAAN said accessibility is not a privilege but a right of an individual. Technology, education and policy play a crucial role to achieve inclusion. She stressed on the need for fostering inclusion and accessibility.

The distinguished speakers included Vaishnavi Ganesh, Specialist: Disability Inclusion from v-shesh; Fahad Lambate, Associate Accessibility Director from BarrierBreak; Prof (Dr) Yukti Sharma, Joint Director Institute of Lifelong Learning, Department of Education, University of Delhi; and Dr Hemlata, Deputy Director, National Centre for Disability Studies from IGNOU Delhi.

The cover page of a Resource Kit on Advancing Disability Inclusion Practices: Communication, Accessibility, and Legislation was released. This Resource Kit is a Preliminary and Foundational overview designed to sensitize individuals, organizations, and institutions with the knowledge and tools necessary to promote disability inclusion across various sectors.

UIAC Inclusion & Accessibility E-Magazine (Biannual) was also launched on the occasion. This edition continues to share inspiring stories, research, and insights into the lived experiences of persons with disabilities, and hopefully serve as a beacon for change and awareness.