CDRT Annual Report 2023-24

CENTRE FOR DISABILITY RESEARCH & TRAINING

Annual Report (2023-24)

Coordinator: Prof. Someshwar Sati

Established in September 2021, the Centre for Disability Research and Training (CDRT) at Kirori Mal College stands as India’s pioneering undergraduate institution dedicated to disability studies. Over two and a half years, CDRT has evolved to become a beacon of disability awareness and inclusivity. While the 2021-22 academic year marked the foundation-laying phase, and 2022-23 witnessed consolidation and collaboration with NGOs and educational institutions nationwide, the subsequent year, 2023-24, witnessed rapid expansion in partnerships with colleges and universities across India.

In the previous two years, we had signed memorandums of understanding with XRCVC, St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai (09.08.2021, Saksham Foundation (21.07.2021),) St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad(07.07.2021), Vasanta College, BHU, Varanasi(24.11.2022), and Arya Vidyapeeth College, Guwahati(19.12.2022). During the current academic session, the centre inked memorandums of understanding and collaboration agreements with SGTB Khalsa College, Delhi (18.05.2023), Bhawanipur Education Society College, Kolkata (May 2023), Department of English, University of Kashmir (10.07.2023), Assistech (Assistive Technologies Group), IIT Delhi (01.10.2023), Janaki Devi Memorial College, Delhi(12.09.2023), Dr. Bhunabhen Mahendra Nanavati College of Home Science, Mumbai(06.11.2023) and Sophia College, Mumbai (November 2023).

Expanding its activities, CDRT ventured into inclusive education, conducting computer training programs, workshops for converting study materials into accessible formats, and inclusive programs in sports, theatre, and performing arts. These initiatives underline CDRT’s commitment to promoting disability awareness, fostering inclusivity, and providing a wholesome educational experience for persons with disabilities both within and beyond the college campus.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS: During the academic year, CDRT engaged in various academic activities, including workshops, certificate courses, faculty development programs, conferences, and research projects, aiming to popularise disability studies. Through memorandums of understanding with institutions nationwide, CDRT organised academic workshops, enhancing its reach and impact.

1. One such workshop was held at Bhawanipur Education Society College, Kolkata, on May 2nd and 3rd, 2023. Attended by 70 students, the workshop explored disability in language, culture, literature, cinema, and gender, featuring sessions by renowned scholars like Prof. Someshwar Sati, Prof. Banibrata Mahanta, and Prof. Shilpa Das, fostering disability allyship and inclusivity.

2. Another significant workshop took place at the Department of English, University of Kashmir, on July 11th and 12th, 2023. Attended by over 100 postgraduate students and faculty members, the workshop led to the signing of a memorandum of understanding between CDRT and the university, paving the way for a full-course on Disability Studies in the English Master’s curriculum.

3. In collaboration with Sophia College and Dr. Bhunabhen Mahendra Nanavati College of Home Science, Mumbai, CDRT organised a two-day national workshop titled ‘Understanding Disability – Towards a Praxis of Inclusion’ on February 1st and 2nd, 2024. Attended by over 75 students and faculty members, the workshop, conducted by Prof. Someshwar Sati and Dr. Nandini Ghosh, aimed to challenge stereotypes and promote a disabled-friendly and inclusive atmosphere in various spheres of life.

Overall, CDRT’s efforts in organising these workshops and forging collaborations have significantly contributed to promoting disability studies and fostering inclusivity and understanding across educational institutions in India.

Certificate Courses: CDRT aimed to disseminate academic discourse on disability studies nationwide through online certificate courses. Partnering with Arya Vidyapeeth College, Guwahati, and Sishu Sarothi, CDRT organised a 30-hour course from June 1st to 15th, 2023. This course covered topics such as the definition and language of disability, sociological perspectives, legal provisions, accessibility, inclusive education, and the intersectionality between gender and disability studies, attracting participants from institutions across India.

Additionally, starting from December 6th, 2023, CDRT conducted a short-term certificate course with St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad, titled “Dynamics of Disability.” This course aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of disability studies, including cultural representation, societal impact, equity, diversity, inclusion, rights, laws related to disability, and hands-on experience on how disability NGOs operate, with a focus on training participants to conduct disability awareness workshops.

Faculty Development Program: Recognizing the importance of sensitising faculty on disability matters, CDRT conducted faculty development programs (FDP) under the Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching Scheme, Ministry of Education, Government of India. In collaboration with SGTB Khalsa College and Guru Angad Dev Teaching-Learning Centre, CDRT organised an online FDP focusing on ‘Understanding Disability’ from July 3rd to 10th, 2023. Attended by 65 faculty members from across the country, this one-week program featured 14 lectures by renowned scholars, emphasising the role of higher education in promoting equity and inclusivity, and empowering participants with tools, knowledge, and empathy for a more inclusive academic environment.

Annual Conference at Shangri-La: On 30th and 31st October, 2023, the students and faculty members of CDRT were invited to participate in the annual conference on the ‘Prevention and Treatment of Visual Challenges, and Educating Children and Adults with Blindness’ organised by the Ek Kadam Aur Foundation. The two-day conference featured

exhibits on assistive technology, educational resources, policy reforms in the education sector, and medical research on partial and complete blindness. Additionally, it highlighted government measures to ensure inclusive education in higher education systems, all aimed at creating a more inclusive and disability-friendly future.

Workshop at IIT Delhi: Organised on 3rd April, 2023, the members of CDRT, including students and faculty, visited National Centre for Assistive Health Technology (NCAHT) at IIT Delhi for a workshop focused on Accessible Content and Assistive Technology in Higher Education for individuals with blindness and low vision. Led by Mr. Piyush Chanana, the workshop highlighted the importance of making STEM subjects accessible to all, through innovative assistive devices and technologies. Inspired by the workshop, CDRT has formed a dedicated team to spearhead a STEM project aimed at advocating for inclusive higher education policies. This project involves attending and organising workshops in collaboration with IIT Delhi to develop a policy document for government presentation, advocating for greater accessibility in STEM education for students with disabilities.

DISABILITY AWARENESS AND SENSITISATION CAMPAIGN: CDRT has been

proactive in promoting inclusivity and understanding for individuals with disabilities through various workshops and events.

1. The ‘AIM – Awareness, Inclusion and Mobility Workshop’ held on April 5, 2023, in collaboration with Miranda House’s Women’s Development Cell, offered participants insights through blindfolded activities, sign language exercises, and tactile recognition, aiming to break barriers and promote equal opportunities.

2. Sanket’23, a sensitization workshop on Indian Sign Language (ISL) conducted on September 4, 2023, with ISLRTC, focused on fostering inclusivity within the deaf community in India. This workshop, attended by over 60 participants, featured sign language instructors and members of the deaf community sharing experiences and empowering attendees with basic ISL and non-verbal vocabulary.

3. The Accessible Film Fiesta, organised on September 15, 2023, in collaboration with the Saksham organisation, aimed to promote cultural accessibility in cinema. Screenings of “Barfi” and “Hichki,” with closed captioning and audio description features, facilitated discussions on inclusivity in cinema, contributing to a more accessible cinematic environment.

4. Anubhav’23, organised on October 15, 2023, in collaboration with Prayas: The Enabling Unit of Kirori Mal College, sensitised participants about disability and its associated myths.

Similarly, Parakh’23, held on December 2, 2023, aimed to debunk stereotypes and familiarise participants with the social construct of disability through simulation activities and discussions.

Samavesh’23, conducted on December 6, 2023, along with Prayas, commemorated the International Day for Persons with Disability. The workshop featured demonstrations of innovative tools and the play, “The Big Lie”, challenging societal attitudes towards disabilities, promoting inclusivity through outdoor activities.

6. A training session on conducting sensitization workshops led by Mr. Krishna Warrier on January 19, 2024, focused on strategies for breaking ableist barriers.

And a 3-day disability awareness training workshop conducted at St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad, from February 29 to March 2, 2024, emphasised various aspects of disability, including representation in literature and cinema, accessibility practices, and strategies for conducting awareness programs.

Accessible Horizons 2024, held on April 24, 2024, at Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, was a groundbreaking event celebrating inclusion and diversity. Organised by CDRT, Kirori Mal College, and Saksham, in collaboration with ONGC, the expo featured a plethora of activities aimed at raising awareness about disabilities and promoting understanding, acceptance, and empowerment of people with disabilities. The event showcased street plays, accessible film screenings with sign language and audio descriptions, musical performances, art exhibits, panel discussions by leading activists, awareness and simulation workshops, sensitisation sessions, and stalls showcasing assistive devices and accessible technology. Over 20 governmental and non-governmental organisations participated, making the expo an enlightening and transformative experience, fostering the creation of a more inclusive and egalitarian society.

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMME (IEP): IEP, crucial for fostering inclusivity and accessibility in education, aims to ensure that all individuals have equal opportunities to learn and thrive. It is dedicated to promoting inclusive education through various initiatives and workshops.

1. Computer Training Programme: Starting from 1st June, 2023, CDRT in collaboration with Saksham Foundation, organised ‘Prashikshan’, a training course aimed at enhancing visually impaired students’ skills in creating and accessing documents using assistive technology, promoting inclusivity and accessibility. It was conducted in both English and Hindi.

2. Prashikshan 2.0: Starting 12th October 2023, this 30-hour Certificate training programme included converting study material into accessible formats and

aimed to promote inclusivity in higher education and make it accessible for students with Blindness and Print Disabilities.

Laptop Distribution for VI students: On 13th March 2024, CDRT, along with Saksham under the Arohan project, distributed laptops equipped with screen reading software to visually impaired students, enhancing their accessibility for academic and professional pursuits.

4. Youth Activation Session: On 9th February, 2024, CDRT collaborated with Special Olympics Bharat to host a session on promoting inclusivity in sports, empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities and fostering awareness and equality.

5. Sangam Sports 2024: Organised on March 16, 2024, by Sangam-Office of Accessible Education, IIT Delhi, for students with disabilities, CDRT was invited to participate,where the cricket team emerged victorious, and Pinki, a first year, secured 1st position in the 100m race. Additionally, KMC participants came 2nd in the relay race. The event featured a variety of sports competitions, including athletics, cricket, table tennis, chess, throwball, and carrom.

6. ‘Khwaab’: Starting from 7th February, 2024, CDRT, in collaboration with CBM India Trust and Atelier Theatre, organised a theatre workshop, exploring theatre as an inclusive space, covering topics such as script writing, breathing techniques, and disability representation in cinema.

CONCLUSION

The academic year 2023-2024 proved to be immensely rewarding for CDRT, marked by a notable expansion of its presence across educational campuses nationwide. From impactful workshops to collaborative initiatives, CDRT left a lasting impression on the educational landscape, furthering its mission of promoting inclusivity and challenging societal norms. With each endeavour, CDRT reaffirmed its commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive society, echoing the belief that every individual deserves respect and recognition beyond any labels or limitations.

Date	Event Name	Organiser/ Collaborator	Nature of the Event
3rd April, 2023	Workshop at IIT Delhi	CDRT in collaboration with National Centre for Assistive Health Technology (NCAHT) at IIT Delhi	Workshop focusing on Accessible Content and Assistive Technology in Higher Education for individuals with blindness and low vision
5th April, 2023	AIM – Awareness, Inclusion and Mobility Workshop	CDRT in collaboration with Miranda House’s Women’s Development Cell	Workshop advocating for inclusivity and recognizing individual potential through various activities
2nd and 3rd May, 2023	Disability Sensitisation Workshop at Bhawanipur College, Kolkata	CDRT in collaboration with Bhawanipur Education Society College, Kolkata	Two-day workshop exploring disability in language, culture, literature, cinema, and gender, promoting disability allyship
From 1st June, 2023	Computer Training Programme with Saksham Foundation	CDRT in collaboration with Saksham Foundation	Training aimed at enhancing visually impaired students’ skills in creating and accessing documents using assistive technology
1st to 15th June, 2023	Certificate Course on Disability Studies	CDRT in collaboration with Arya Vidyapeeth College, Guwahati and Shishu Sarothi	Online course covering various aspects of disability studies, attracting participants from prestigious institutions
July 3rd to 10th, 2023	Faculty Development Program	CDRT in collaboration with SGTB Khalsa College and Guru Angad DevTeaching-Learning Centre	Online FDP focusing on ‘Understanding Disability’, featuring 14 lectures by renowned scholars, emphasising the role of higher education in promoting equity and inclusivity, and empowering participants with tools, knowledge, and empathy for a more inclusive academic environment
11th and 12th July, 2023	Workshop on Disability Studies at Kashmir University	CDRT in collaboration with Department of English, University of	Workshop aiming to promote disability studies as an academic discipline and encourage critical engagement with disability-related

		Kashmir	themes
4th September, 2023	Sanket’23: Sensitization Workshop on Indian Sign Language	CDRT in collaboration with ISLRTC, Ministry of Social Justice	Workshop equipping participants with basic ISL skills and fostering understanding within the deaf community
15th September, 2023	The Accessible Film Fiesta	CDRT in collaboration with Saksham organisation	Movie screening with closed captioning and audio description features
Starting from 12th October, 2023	Prashikshan 2.0: Certificate Training Programme	CDRT in collaboration with Saksham Foundation	Certificate training program promoting inclusivity in higher education for students with Blindness and Print Disabilities
15th October, 2023	Anubhav’23: Workshop on dispelling myths and building empathy	CDRT in collaboration with Prayas: The Enabling Unit of Kirori Mal College	Workshop focused on dispelling myths and building empathy through experiential learning activities
30th and 31st October, 2023	Annual Conference of the Ek Kadam Aur Foundation	CDRT along with Ek Kadam Aur Foundation	Participation in a conference highlighting government measures for inclusive education
Starting from December 6th, 2023	“Dynamics of Disability” Certificate Course at St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad	CDRT in collaboration with St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad	Short-term certificate course providing a comprehensive understanding of disability studies and related topics
January 19,2024	Training Session on conducting sensitization workshops	CDRT, led by Mr. Krishna Warrier	Workshop to train students on how to organise and conduct sensitisation workshops, focus on strategies for breaking ableist barriers
1st and 2nd February, 2024	“Understanding Disability” Workshop at Sophia College, Mumbai	CDRT in collaboration with Sophia College, Mumbai and Dr.Bhunabhen Mahendra Nanavati College of Home Science, Mumbai	Workshop challenging stereotypes and enhancing understanding of disability issues, promoting inclusivity
Starting from 7th February , 2024	“Khwaab” Theatre Workshop	CDRT in collaboration with CBM India Trust and Atelier Theatre	Workshop exploring theatre as an inclusive space
9th February, 2024	Youth Activation Session	CDRT in collaboration with Special Olympics Bharat	Session promoting inclusivity in sports for athletes with intellectual disabilities
29th February to 2nd March, 2024	Disability Awareness Workshop at St.Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad	CDRT in collaboration with St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad	Workshop featuring engaging sessions on various aspects of disability, including representation in literature and cinema, accessibility practices, and strategies for conducting awareness programs
13th March , 2024	Laptop Distribution for VI students	CDRT, along with Saksham under the	Distribution of laptops equipped with screen reading software to visually impaired students

		Arohan project
16th March , 2024	Sangam Sports 2024	CDRT in collaboration with Sangam-Office of Accessible Education, IIT Delhi	Participation in sports fest promoting inclusivity
24th April, 2024	Accessible Horizons 2024	CDRT in collaboration with Saksham and ONGC	A Purple Expo celebrating inclusion and diversity and focused on empowering people with disabilities and advocating their equal participation in society.