Disability Accommodation and Accessibility Policy

1. Preamble

Kalinga University is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, accessible, and supportive educational and working environment in which persons with disabilities can participate fully and with dignity.

The University recognizes that persons with disabilities may encounter physical, academic, technological, communication, social, and institutional barriers that can affect their equal participation in education, employment, research, campus activities, and University services. The University therefore seeks to identify and reduce such barriers and provide appropriate and reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, statutory requirements, and institutional provisions.

This Policy establishes a framework for promoting accessibility, providing reasonable accommodation, supporting persons with disabilities, preventing discrimination, and ensuring that disability does not become an unnecessary barrier to academic, professional, social, or institutional participation.

The University shall strive to create an environment in which persons with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect and are provided appropriate opportunities to learn, work, participate, and develop.

2. Principles

The University shall be guided by the following principles:

2.1 Equality and Non-Discrimination

Persons with disabilities shall not be subjected to discrimination, exclusion, harassment, or unfair treatment on the basis of disability.

2.2 Equal Opportunity

The University shall strive to provide persons with disabilities fair and equitable access to education, employment, research, facilities, services, and institutional opportunities.

2.3 Accessibility

The University shall progressively work towards improving the physical, digital, communication, academic, and institutional accessibility of its environment.

2.4 Reasonable Accommodation

Appropriate and reasonable accommodations shall be considered to enable persons with disabilities to participate effectively in academic, employment, and institutional activities, subject to applicable requirements and available institutional resources.

2.5 Dignity and Respect

Every person with a disability shall be treated with dignity, respect, sensitivity, and empathy.

2.6 Inclusion and Participation

Persons with disabilities shall be encouraged and supported to participate fully in academic, cultural, sports, research, social, and extracurricular activities.

2.7 Privacy and Confidentiality

Information relating to a person’s disability or accommodation requirements shall be treated confidentially and shared only where necessary for legitimate institutional purposes or as required by law.

2.8 Universal Accessibility

The University shall, wherever reasonably practicable, incorporate accessibility considerations into infrastructure, technology, communication, teaching, learning, and service delivery.

2.9 Protection from Retaliation

No person shall be subjected to retaliation, intimidation, victimization, or adverse treatment for requesting reasonable accommodation or raising a genuine accessibility concern.

3. Objectives

The Policy aims to:

• Promote an accessible, inclusive, and disability-friendly University environment.
• Prevent discrimination against persons with disabilities.
• Ensure equal opportunity in education, employment, research, and institutional participation.
• Establish a framework for requesting and providing reasonable accommodation.
• Improve physical accessibility across the University campus.
• Promote accessible digital and information resources.
• Facilitate accessible teaching, learning, assessment, and examination processes.
• Support participation of persons with disabilities in extracurricular, cultural, sports, and social activities.
• Provide appropriate support services, assistive facilities, and guidance.
• Promote awareness and sensitization regarding disability, accessibility, and inclusion.
• Protect the privacy and dignity of persons with disabilities.
• Establish mechanisms for reporting and addressing accessibility-related concerns.
• Promote continuous improvement in the University’s accessibility infrastructure and practices.

4. Guidelines

4.1 Scope of the Policy

This Policy shall apply to students, faculty members, staff, researchers, contractual personnel, interns, trainees, and other persons with disabilities associated with the University, to the extent applicable.

It shall cover:

• Admission and enrollment;
• Teaching and learning;
• Assessment and examinations;
• Research;
• Employment and professional development;
• Campus facilities;
• Hostels and residential facilities;
• Libraries and laboratories;
• Information and communication technology;
• University events and activities;
• Sports and extracurricular activities;
• Transportation and mobility support, where available; and
• Other University services and facilities.

4.2 Non-Discrimination

The University shall not discriminate against a person on the basis of disability in matters relating to:

• Admission;
• Enrollment;
• Academic participation;
• Assessment;
• Employment;
• Promotion;
• Training;
• Research opportunities;
• Scholarships and eligible financial assistance;
• Use of University facilities;
• Participation in institutional activities; or
• Other legitimate University opportunities.

4.3 Reasonable Accommodation

The University shall consider reasonable accommodations to address disability-related barriers.

Depending upon individual requirements and institutional feasibility, accommodations may include:

• Accessible seating arrangements;
• Additional time for examinations where appropriate;
• Accessible examination formats;
• Appropriate assistive technology;
• Alternative methods of communication;
• Accessible learning materials;
• Appropriate academic support;
• Adjustments to physical access;
• Flexible arrangements where reasonably required; and
• Other appropriate measures consistent with applicable requirements.

Accommodation shall be considered on an individual basis and shall seek to provide meaningful access without compromising legitimate academic or institutional standards.

4.4 Accessibility of Campus Infrastructure

The University shall strive to improve physical accessibility across campus facilities.

Where applicable and feasible, accessibility measures may include:

• Ramps and accessible entrances;
• Lifts/elevators where required;
• Accessible washrooms;
• Handrails and appropriate pathways;
• Accessible classrooms and laboratories;
• Appropriate signage;
• Accessible hostel facilities;
• Accessible parking arrangements; and
• Other reasonable infrastructure measures.

Existing facilities may be periodically assessed to identify accessibility barriers and prioritize improvements.

4.5 Accessible Academic Environment

The University shall strive to ensure that persons with disabilities can participate effectively in teaching and learning.

Faculty members and academic departments may consider appropriate measures such as:

• Accessible teaching materials;
• Alternative formats;
• Accessible classroom arrangements;
• Appropriate assistive technology;
• Additional academic support where necessary; and
• Reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning methods.

4.6 Examination and Assessment Accommodation

Where required and permitted under applicable academic and regulatory provisions, reasonable examination accommodations may be provided.

Such accommodations may include:

• Additional time;
• Scribe or appropriate assistance where permitted;
• Accessible examination materials;
• Suitable seating arrangements;
• Use of approved assistive technology;
• Alternative formats; and
• Other reasonable measures prescribed or permitted by applicable regulations.

Accommodations shall be administered fairly and consistently.

4.7 Accessible Information and Communication

The University shall strive to make important institutional information accessible to persons with disabilities.

The University may provide information through:

• Accessible digital formats;
• Alternative text or accessible documents;
• Appropriate visual and audio formats;
• Clear signage;
• Accessible websites and online systems; and
• Other appropriate communication methods.

4.8 Digital Accessibility

University websites, online learning systems, digital application processes, electronic resources, and other technology-enabled services should progressively incorporate accessibility considerations.

The University shall seek to ensure that digital systems do not unnecessarily prevent persons with disabilities from accessing institutional information and services.

4.9 Assistive Technology and Learning Resources

Where available and feasible, the University may provide or facilitate access to appropriate assistive technology, accessible learning resources, and other educational support tools.

Libraries, laboratories, and academic departments may identify accessibility needs and recommend appropriate resources.

4.10 Library and Learning Resource Accessibility

The University shall strive to ensure that library and learning resources are accessible to students and employees with disabilities.

Where appropriate and feasible, support may include:

• Digital or accessible versions of materials;
• Assistive reading technologies;
• Appropriate computer facilities;
• Accessible study spaces; and
• Assistance in accessing learning resources.

4.11 Admission and Enrollment Support

The University shall seek to ensure that persons with disabilities have equitable access to the admission and enrollment process.

Where appropriate, reasonable support may be provided during:

• Application;
• Document submission;
• Entrance examinations;
• Counseling;
• Enrollment;
• Orientation; and
• Other admission-related activities.

4.12 Employment and Workplace Accommodation

The University shall promote equal opportunity for employees with disabilities.

Where reasonably required, workplace accommodations may be considered in relation to:

• Workstations;
• Accessibility of offices;
• Communication;
• Assistive technology;
• Work-related facilities;
• Job-related processes; and
• Other legitimate workplace requirements.

4.13 Participation in University Activities

Persons with disabilities shall be encouraged and supported to participate in:

• Cultural programmes;
• Sports;
• Student clubs and societies;
• Conferences and seminars;
• Research activities;
• Workshops;
• Field activities where feasible;
• Student leadership; and
• Other University activities.

Event organizers shall, where reasonably practicable, consider accessibility requirements during planning.

4.14 Hostel and Residential Accessibility

Where hostel or residential facilities are provided, the University shall strive to make appropriate accessible accommodation available, subject to infrastructure and applicable institutional requirements.

Reasonable measures may be considered to support mobility, safety, accessibility, and participation in residential life.

4.15 Emergency Preparedness and Safety

The University shall seek to incorporate the needs of persons with disabilities into emergency preparedness and safety planning.

Where appropriate, emergency procedures may consider:

• Accessible evacuation routes;
• Assistance during emergencies;
• Appropriate signage;
• Communication of emergency information in accessible formats; and
• Coordination with relevant support personnel.

4.16 Transportation and Mobility Support

Where University transportation facilities are available, reasonable efforts may be made to consider accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities. Appropriate arrangements shall depend upon available infrastructure, vehicle capacity, safety requirements, and institutional resources.

4.17 Personal Assistance and Support

Where appropriate and feasible, the University may facilitate access to support persons, caregivers, interpreters, scribes, or other assistance as permitted by applicable rules and requirements. Such arrangements shall respect the individual’s dignity, independence, privacy, and preferences.

4.18 Confidentiality and Privacy

Information relating to disability, medical circumstances, accommodation requirements, or support needs shall be treated as confidential. Such information shall be collected and used only for legitimate institutional purposes and shall not be unnecessarily disclosed.

4.19 Request for Accommodation

An individual seeking accommodation may approach the appropriate University authority through the prescribed institutional mechanism. The request may include information reasonably necessary to understand the accommodation requirement. The University shall seek to process such requests fairly and within a reasonable timeframe.

4.20 Grievance Redressal

Any person who experiences disability-based discrimination, denial of reasonable accommodation, harassment, or an accessibility barrier may raise a concern through the appropriate University grievance-redressal mechanism.

The University shall:

• Provide accessible reporting channels;
• Consider complaints fairly and objectively;
• Maintain confidentiality to the extent reasonably possible;
• Take appropriate corrective measures where warranted; and
• Protect complainants from retaliation.

4.21 Protection from Harassment and Retaliation

The University shall not tolerate:

• Harassment based on disability;
• Derogatory or humiliating comments;
• Disability-based bullying;
• Deliberate exclusion;
• Intimidation;
• Retaliation for requesting accommodation;
• Victimization for raising an accessibility concern; or
• Any conduct that undermines the dignity of a person with a disability.

4.22 Awareness and Sensitization

The University shall promote disability awareness and sensitization through:

• Orientation programmes;
• Workshops;
• Seminars;
• Awareness campaigns;
• Faculty and staff sensitization;
• Student activities;
• Training programmes; and
• Educational materials.

Sensitization may address disability rights, respectful communication, accessibility, reasonable accommodation, inclusive teaching, and appropriate support.

4.23 Training of Faculty and Staff

Relevant faculty members, administrative personnel, support staff, wardens, security personnel, and other employees may receive appropriate training regarding:

• Disability inclusion;
• Accessibility;
• Reasonable accommodation;
• Communication with persons with disabilities;
• Emergency assistance; and
• Institutional support mechanisms.

4.24 Universal Design and Accessibility Planning

Where new buildings, facilities, digital systems, services, or major renovations are planned, the University shall seek to incorporate accessibility considerations at the planning and design stage wherever reasonably practicable. Accessibility improvements may be prioritized based on identified needs, safety considerations, feasibility, and available resources.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

5.1 University Authorities

The University authorities shall:

• Ensure effective implementation of this Policy.
• Promote disability inclusion and equal opportunity.
• Support accessibility improvements.
• Provide appropriate institutional resources.
• Review accommodation and accessibility mechanisms periodically.
• Ensure compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

5.2 Administrative Authorities

The concerned administrative authorities shall:

• Facilitate accommodation requests.
• Maintain appropriate records.
• Protect confidential information.
• Coordinate accessibility-related services.
• Support accessible administrative processes.
• Address accessibility concerns within their jurisdiction.

5.3 Heads of Departments

Heads of Departments shall:

• Promote inclusive academic and workplace practices.
• Facilitate reasonable accommodations.
• Coordinate with relevant University authorities.
• Ensure that persons with disabilities are not unfairly disadvantaged.
• Encourage respectful and inclusive departmental environments.

5.4 Faculty Members

Faculty members shall:

• Treat students with disabilities with dignity and respect.
• Implement approved academic accommodations.
• Provide accessible learning materials where reasonably practicable.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Refer students to appropriate support services when necessary.

5.5 Students and Employees

Students and employees shall:

• Respect the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities.
• Refrain from discriminatory, humiliating, or exclusionary conduct.
• Cooperate with legitimate accessibility arrangements.
• Report serious accessibility concerns through appropriate channels.
• Contribute to an inclusive University environment.

6. Accessibility, Health, Wellness and Support Infrastructure

The University shall utilize and, where necessary, strengthen appropriate institutional mechanisms to support persons with disabilities, including:

• Student Counselling and Wellness Cell;
• Medical Room;
• Mentor-Mentee system;
• Student welfare mechanisms;
• Grievance Redressal mechanisms;
• Accessible academic and administrative facilities;
• Assistive technology and learning resources, where available;
• Appropriate institutional committees;
• IQAC and relevant administrative authorities; and
• External professional or support services where necessary.

The University’s existing institutional framework recognizes medical support, counselling, referrals, mentoring, wellness initiatives, and grievance mechanisms as components of a safe and supportive educational environment.

7. Monitoring and Review

• The University shall designate an appropriate authority or committee to oversee implementation of this Policy.
• The University may periodically assess campus infrastructure and services to identify accessibility barriers.
• Accommodation requests and accessibility concerns may be reviewed to identify recurring institutional requirements.
• Feedback from persons with disabilities may be considered when planning accessibility improvements.
• Awareness and sensitization programmes shall be reviewed periodically.
• Digital systems, academic processes, and administrative procedures may be assessed for accessibility.
• New construction, renovation, and technology projects may incorporate accessibility considerations wherever reasonably practicable.
• Emerging statutory requirements, regulatory directions, accessibility standards, institutional needs, and good practices shall be considered during policy review.
• The Policy shall be reviewed at least once every three years or earlier, if required.

8. Accountability and Transparency

• The University shall ensure that persons with disabilities are informed of available accommodation, accessibility, and support mechanisms.
• Accessibility-related requests shall be handled fairly, respectfully, and within reasonable institutional procedures.
• The University shall maintain appropriate records relating to accessibility measures while protecting individual privacy.
• Complaints relating to discrimination, harassment, denial of reasonable accommodation, or accessibility barriers shall be addressed through appropriate institutional mechanisms.
• Appropriate corrective or disciplinary action may be taken where discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or deliberate obstruction of accessibility is established.
• The University shall protect individuals who raise genuine accessibility concerns from retaliation or victimization.
• The University shall periodically assess the effectiveness of accessibility measures and identify areas requiring improvement.
• The University shall strive to allocate appropriate institutional resources for progressive improvement of accessibility.
• Information concerning relevant accessibility facilities, support mechanisms, and grievance channels shall be made available through appropriate University communication channels.

9. Accessibility and Inclusion Statement

Kalinga University is committed to creating an educational and working environment in which persons with disabilities can participate with dignity, independence, equality, and respect. The University recognizes that accessibility is an ongoing institutional responsibility and shall strive to identify and reduce physical, academic, technological, communication, and institutional barriers. The University shall promote reasonable accommodation, accessibility, inclusion, awareness, and equal opportunity in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, statutory requirements, and University policies.

10. Approval and Implementation

This Disability Accommodation and Accessibility Policy shall come into effect from the date of approval by the competent authority of Kalinga University and shall apply to all eligible students, faculty members, staff, researchers, contractual personnel, and other stakeholders associated with the University. The University shall communicate the Policy through appropriate institutional channels and shall take reasonable measures to ensure its effective implementation.