ABOUT THE DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTRE (DRC)
The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment where every individual is afforded equal opportunities to learn, participate, and thrive. Recognizing that accessibility and inclusion are integral to the pursuit of academic excellence, the University established the Disability Resource Centre (DRC) to support and empower students with disabilities within the University community.
The establishment of the Centre was initiated under the leadership of the then Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor (I/C), Prof. Dhanesh Patel, whose vision and sustained efforts were instrumental in conceptualizing and laying the foundation for a dedicated institutional mechanism for disability inclusion. The Centre is being further developed and strengthened under the guidance of the present Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bhalchandra Bhanage, whose leadership continues to advance the University's commitment to accessibility, equity, and inclusive education.
The Centre is dedicated to ensuring that persons with disabilities experience the University as a space characterized by dignity, equality, safety, participation, and growth. It strives to create conditions that enable full access to academic opportunities, active engagement in university life, physical and emotional well-being, and personal, academic, and professional development.
Institutional Integration and Functional Framework
The Disability Resource Centre is an integral component of the University’s academic and administrative structure. It functions with institutional support and is empowered to coordinate accessibility and inclusion initiatives across faculties, departments, constituent colleges, and administrative units.
The Centre operates with:
- Institutional support through the University’s administrative and academic framework;
- Functional autonomy in matters concerning disability support and student welfare;
- Statutory responsibility in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory provisions; and
- Cross-campus authority to facilitate coordination and implementation of inclusive practices throughout the University.
This institutional positioning enables the Centre to address accessibility-related concerns in a systematic, accountable, and coordinated manner, ensuring that inclusion remains embedded within the University's policies and practices.
Guiding Frameworks and Mandates
The activities and initiatives of the Disability Resource Centre are guided by national legislation, educational policies, and quality assurance frameworks, including:
- The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016;
- The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020;
- Guidelines and advisories issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC);
- National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) quality benchmarks; and
- Directives issued by the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat, particularly those related to social justice, empowerment, and inclusive education.
Through its programmes, services, and advocacy efforts, the Disability Resource Centre serves both as a support mechanism for persons with disabilities and as a catalyst for institutional transformation. The Centre reinforces the University’s commitment to creating an equitable and accessible educational environment, recognizing that inclusive education contributes significantly to academic excellence, social responsibility, and community well-being.
- VISION
To create an inclusive environment for the differently-abled and empower them to actualize their full potential, and to enable them to integrate with the society as independent and productive individuals.
- MISSION
To make education accessible for the differently-abled and to promote an integrated environment built on disability awareness and sensitization that fosters dignified co-existence.
CORE OBJECTIVES OF THE DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTRE
The Disability Resource Centre functions as an ‘Enabling Unit’ as envisaged by the Government of India, designed to remove barriers and create pathways to success. Our objectives reflect University’s belief that a truly inclusive university enables individuals to live, learn, teach, and work with self-respect, autonomy, good health, and meaningful relationships.
1. Ensuring Equal and Dignified Access to Education
2. Providing Holistic Student Support
3. Facilitating Reasonable Accommodations including; Examination Support, Assistive Technologies, Flexible Assessment Methods Administrative Facilitation, Classroom Accommodations
4. Creating a Barrier-Free Campus including; Accessible Physical Infrastructure, Digital Accessibility, Information Systems, Safe Mobility, Universal Design
5. Supporting Faculty in Inclusive Teaching; Guidance and Consultation’ Training Workshops, Resource Materials, Accessible Pedagogies, Inclusive Assessment Design, Empathetic Classroom Practices, Technology Training
6. Building Awareness and Fostering Respect
7. Strengthening Peer Support and Community with; Mentoring Programmes, Student Networks, Buddy Systems, Collaborative Initiatives, Friendship Building, Leadership Development
8. Supporting Health, Safety, and Well-being including: Counselling, Wellness Resources, Health Services Coordination, Safe Learning Environments, Crisis Support, Preventive Care
9. Acting as an Advisory and Facilitative Bridge
10. Upholding Rights, Autonomy, and Confidentiality
