05 Dec 2024|Noida | Amity University, Noida
Seminar on Equitable Access to Higher Education for Students with Disabilities - Aspirations and Adjustments held at Amity University
A seminar on "Aspirations and Adjustments for Equal Access to Higher Education for Students with Disabilities" was organized by Amity University Uttar Pradesh Noida campus, to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024. The aim of the Seminar was to empower the differently-abled students and give them their rightful place in the mainstream society.
Dr. Rashmi Das, an expert in the education of persons with autism spectrum disorder, said, “The potential of Persons with Disabilities must be enhanced and their leadership qualities must be developed. No new policy has been implemented by the government in recent years for the development of marginalized or discriminated persons with disabilities. Therefore, it is necessary to implement policies like mandatory CSR. There is a need to pay special attention to higher education and school education of persons with disabilities and there should be a special School board to provide certificates to persons with disabilities.”
Dr. Anil Kumar Aneja, Director, Centre for Disability Studies, University of Delhi, stated that other institutions should learn from the initiatives taken by Amity to help the Persons with Disabilities. “Today, the world is developing rapidly, and it is crucial to provide equal rights and opportunities to Persons with Disabilities for inclusive development. We must adopt a collaborative approach and change the perception of people towards the persons with disabilities”, he added.
Dr. Geeta Oberoi, an expert in the education of persons with learning disabilities, asserted, “Specific learning disabilities (SLDs) are brain-based disorders that affect a person's ability to excel in specific academic fields. In specific learning disabilities, the disability may be invisible, but the person is not invisible. These disabilities manifest differently but mainly affect reading, writing, and mathematical skills.” Dr. Oberoi provided detailed information about the types of specific learning disabilities and the laws related to them.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, said, "We believe that when any part of your body functions less or there is a disorder, the efficiency of your other senses and body increases. We need to understand the needs of persons with disabilities for inclusion and provide equal opportunities. Education is the fundamental right of all and in higher education, people with disabilities should get equal opportunity to acquire knowledge in the area of their interest. They should be provided opportunities to develop their skills so that they can become entrepreneurs and fulfil their aspirations.”
Dr. Jayanthi Pujari, Director, Amity Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, welcomed everyone and spoke about the importance of the program.