Creating an Accessible Campus: An Overview of IIT Bombay’s PwD Student Cell

The Person with Disability (PwD) Student Cell at IIT Bombay was established in 2022 in compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016 to make the campus more accessible and inclusive for students with disabilities. Recognizing PwD students’ unique challenges, the cell aims to provide comprehensive assistance and resources to ensure they have equal access to educational opportunities and day-to-day life within the IIT Bombay community. 

Additionally, the PwD student cell is committed to upholding a work environment where faculty, staff, and student members from different communities can work together cohesively. The cell strives to ensure no discrimination occurs in the workplace or on campus.

Structure

The PwD Student Cell has seven members – four professors and three students. The faculty members have a term of 3 years, and the student members have a term of 1 year. 

Objectives and Initiatives 

The PwD Student Cell at IIT Bombay has numerous objectives aimed at fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students with disabilities. These goals are achieved through various initiatives and facilities, including:

1. Orientation: Organize orientation and awareness sessions for students and faculty, including online sessions, to prepare students after admission before they physically join IITB.

2. Support Systems: Developing and managing support systems, including mentorship programs and transport facilities, to assist PwD students in their daily campus life.

3. Website: The PwD Student Cell runs a comprehensive website that features a variety of free assistive software tools, such as 

• Speech-to-text and text-to-speech software
• Braille printers and embossers 
• Math and science accessibility tools
• Closed captioning tools to aid PwD individuals, many of which are free 
• Screen Magnifiers and Readers
• Other resources like audiobook services, classroom strategies, and resources for people with autism and communication disorders

There are also paid softwares, links to which are present on their official website.

4. FAQs Page: Assistance is offered on a case-by-case basis to ensure students can utilize these tools effectively. The website also features a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page, addressing common questions related to hostel accessibility measures, commute options and placement opportunities for PwD students, exam and lab accommodations, and more.

5. Library Support: The IIT Bombay Central library has over 7,000 books in Braille and accessible formats. Students can contact the library or the librarian for access to these resources.

6. Issue Resolution: PwD Student Cell helps resolve issues faced by PwD students. Appointment of Liaison Officers who can be contacted in the event of any incident of discrimination, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all.

7. Placement Assistance: The PwD Student Cell collaborates with the Placement Cell to provide employment opportunities for students with disabilities. These opportunities are displayed on the Placement Cell Portal, and necessary accommodations are made based on prior requests.

8. Guideline Preparation and Maintenance: Create and maintain guidelines for students and faculty based on the government’s Accessibility Code for Educational Institutions.

9. Apart from the website, further assistance can be availed through email or by visiting the PwD Cell office:

• Email: pwdstudentcell@iitb.ac.in
• Address: 3rd Floor, Next to Gender Cell, Main Building, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai – 400076

In case of specific queries regarding accessibility on campus, facilities available and the possibility of customized accommodations, kindly write to the PwD cell on their official email id: pwdstudentcell@iitb.ac.in

Editorial Credits: Gouri Namdeo, Rishit Kesharwani

Insight published an article in September 2022 focussing on accessibility in the institute. Read the article by clicking here for detailed information about the need for a PwD cell in the institute.

Appendix: Eligibility for PwD Category in JoSAA

As per Section 2(t) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, “Persons with Disability (PwD)” means a person with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment which, in interaction with barriers, hinders his full and effective participation in society equally with others. 

To qualify under the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category for the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA), candidates must meet the following criteria:

i. Candidates with at least 40% of a specified disability (Benchmark disability), irrespective of the type of disability, shall be eligible for the benefits of the PwD category, as certified by the certifying authority  

ii. Leprosy-cured candidates who are otherwise fit to pursue the courses are also included in this category

iii. Candidates with less than 40% disability but difficulty in writing, as prescribed by the competent authority, are also included in this category

Source: Information Bulletin JEE (Main) – 2024

Verification and Proof of Disability

Candidates need to undergo physical verification by a Medical Verifying Officer. Candidates need to submit either a Unique Disability Identity (UDID) card and a JoSAA format certificate as can be seen in this form here.

1. UDID card: Issued by medical authorities designated by State Governments or Union Territories. The Medical Verifying Officer can be a CMO, CHMO, CDMO, Civil Surgeon, or an equivalent authority. According to the RPwD Rules 2017, the disability certificate/UDID card can be issued by a notified hospital in the PwD’s home district or the hospital where they are receiving treatment for their disability.

Visit the official government website for more information: https://www.swavlambancard.gov.in/

2.  JoSAA disability format certificate: Available on the official website of JoSAA 2024. JoSAA has three specific certificate formats for different types of disabilities:

1. In cases of amputation or complete permanent paralysis of limbs and in cases of blindness (Form II)
2. In case of multiple disabilities (Form III)

As per the form, the various disabilities covered as part of the category are:

1. Locomotor disability (Affected part of the body: Left/Right/both arms/legs)

2. Low vision (Affected part of the body: Single eye/both eyes)

3. Blindness (Affected part of the body: Both Eyes) 

4. Hearing impairment (Affected part of the body: Left/Right/both ears)

5. Mental retardation 

6. Mental-illness 

3. Other Disabilities- In cases other than those mentioned in Forms II and III. (Form IV)

As per the form, the following physical impairments/disabilities are covered under this category:

1. Locomotor disability 

2. Visual Impairment (blindness / low vision) 

3. Hearing impairment 

4. Speech and language disability 

5. Intellectual disability 

6. Mental-illness 

7. Disability caused due to chronic eurological conditions and/or blood disorders

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