EQUAL OPPORTUNITY CELL

The Equal Opportunity Cell at the University of Delhi was formally established in 2006, following an Executive Council resolution. Building upon the university's long-standing commitment to support individuals with disabilities, the Cell's efforts extend from physical accessibility to focusing on the holistic development of life skills. Central to its mission is the full inclusion of persons with disabilities across all facets of university life-academics, culture, and extracurriculars. The university aims to foster an environment where those with disabilities are not only supported but actively encouraged to engage and excel. In line with the principles of equality and accessibility, the Cell ensures equal opportunities by implementing key measures such implementation of reservation for PwD students, availability of print materials in accessible formats, accessible Infrastructure, fee waivers, etc. 

• Affirmative action in favour of students with disabilities.

• To implement legislative provisions and policies.

• To ensure that there is no discrimination in the University on grounds of disability. To ensure availability of accessible reading material for students with visual impairment.

• To oversee the effective implementation of policies and programmes for such disadvantaged groups

• To provide guidance and counselling with respect to academic, financial, social and other matters and to enhance the diversity within the campus.

• To sensitize the University community regarding issues of disabled people.

The EOC operates under the proficient leadership of Professor Bipin Tiwary, our Officer on Special Duty. Prof. Tiwary has also been recipient of National Awards in the field of disability.

Mrs. Seema Taluja serves as the Section Officer, managing the daily operations, with support from Mrs. Shipra Salhotra.

Volunteers are essential in delivering personalized assistance to students with disabilities, catering to their specific needs such as reading and writing. Each month, approximately 11 to 13 dedicated volunteers contribute their time and skills to support around 300 students who regularly seek help at the EOC. This collaboration exemplifies a valuable synergy between volunteers and students, establishing a robust support network that addresses the diverse requirements of individuals with disabilities throughout their educational journey.

The Equal Opportunity Cell (EOC) offers a range of technological based facilities, with the accessible computer lab being one of its most valuable resources. This lab provides a space where students from diverse backgrounds can complete assignments, conduct research, and access educational materials. It is equipped with computers featuring screen-reading software like NVDA, making it accessible to students with varying abilities. 

The lab plays a vital role in promoting digital literacy, skill development, and access to information for students with disabilities. Along with advanced tools such as KIBO camera scanners, the EOC provides access to a collection of over 5,000 e-books in soft copy and more than 3,000 accessible-format books available in its Braille library. This ensures students have the resources they need to succeed academically and develop their skills.

The EOC is equipped with KIBO camera scanners, which have the capability to scan printed books and convert them into e-texts. These scanners can transform both printed and handwritten texts into easily accessible PDFs, supporting a variety of Indian languages. These are particularly valuable for visually impaired students, as they convert hardcopy books into OCR-readable formats, significantly enhancing access to a wide range of information.

This innovative blend of technology makes the campus more accessible, fostering independence for students with disabilities and ensuring that everyone can engage fully with the learning environment.

The Equal Opportunity Cell (EOC) stands as one of the largest centers supporting students with disabilities (PwD) in a regular-mode university globally, underscoring the institution's commitment to inclusion. It operates under the leadership of highly experienced and nationally recognized officers, whose awards reflect their dedication to advancing disability support. Their expertise ensures that the EOC addresses the diverse needs of PwD students with thoughtful and strategic interventions.

The EOC also benefits from capable faculty and non-teaching staff from the university community, fostering a culture of empathy and mutual understanding. The University provides consistent institutional support, which strengthens the EOC's ability to coordinate effectively across departments and ensures the smooth delivery of its initiatives. The distribution of assistive technologies, such as smartphones and mobility aids, enables students to overcome academic challenges and enhances their independence and accessibility.

In addition to its services, the EOC actively shapes inclusive policies within the University. Through collaboration with administrators, student bodies, and external organizations, it promotes accessibility, raises awareness, and advocates for necessary infrastructural changes. These efforts contribute to cultivating a welcoming and inclusive campus environment where students with disabilities can thrive academically and socially.

The Equal Opportunity Cell has played an important role in the establishment of the Center for Disability Studies, approved by the University's Executive Council and notified under Ordinance 20Q. Professor Anil K. Aneja has been appointed as Director, while Professor Bipin K. Tiwary serves as Officer on Special Duty. This initiative reflects the University's dedication to cultivating an inclusive academic environment and advancing research in disability studies. Entrusting experienced leaders with key roles highlights a strategic commitment to realizing the center's vision. Through diligent coordination and securing institutional approval, the Equal Opportunity Cell plays a pivotal role in promoting accessibility and equity within the University's educational framework.