Few Students with Disabilities in Professional Courses, Lack of Career Guidance: Reveals Survey

Only 3 out of 10 students with disabilities are opting for professional courses. Girls' participation in professional courses especially in STEM is deplorable

Only 3 out of 10 students with disabilities are opting for professional courses. Girls' participation in professional courses especially in STEM is deplorable, as only 1 out of 10 girls with disabilities are currently enrolled in professional courses including STEM courses.

The survey conducted under the NCPEDP-Bajaj Finserv Scholarship Program for Students with Disabilities reveals the high prevalence of students with visual impairment and locomotor disabilities at the higher education level. only one out of ten students with disabilities have received career counselling from their school or the last attended educational institutions.

In a study conducted under the NCPEDP-Bajaj Finserv Scholarship Program for Students with Disabilities, concerning the status of higher education for students with disabilities in India, alarming findings have come to light. The end-line report of this comprehensive study has uncovered critical issues plaguing the educational landscape for these students.

The research, spanning across four states and one Union Territory, has unveiled a stark lack of data on inclusive education at the higher education level. Despite the mandates of the RPWD Act 2016, which reserves seats for students with disabilities, the enrollment rate remains dismally low, especially for female students. Shockingly, only 3 out of 10 students with disabilities opt for professional courses, with girls' participation in STEM fields being particularly deficient.

Moreover, the study has highlighted pervasive safety concerns, with a significant number of students facing harassment and molestation while commuting to educational institutions. Accessibility remains a major hurdle, with a significant portion of educational premises being inaccessible to students with disabilities, despite legal mandates.

Additionally, the research has shed light on the acute shortage of assistive devices and technological resources for these students, exacerbating their educational challenges. The online application process, intended to streamline admissions, has proven to be a significant barrier, with nearly 68% of students reporting difficulties.

In response to these findings, the report offers a series of recommendations aimed at addressing these systemic shortcomings. These include the effective enforcement of existing legislation, such as the RPWD Act 2016, and the establishment of synergy between various government stakeholders. Moreover, the report underscores the importance of strengthening partnerships between government bodies, private agencies, and civil society to enhance support mechanisms for students with disabilities.

The research findings call for urgent action to overhaul the higher education system, ensuring equitable access and opportunities for students with disabilities. Failure to address these issues risks perpetuating systemic discrimination and hindering the academic and professional advancement of a significant portion of the population.