University of Kashmir (KU) convened the first meeting of its newly constituted Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), marking a significant step toward strengthening inclusivity on campus.
The meeting, chaired by Vice-Chancellor KU Prof. Nilofer Khan, was attended by Registrar Prof. Naseer Iqbal, Dean Students’ Welfare Prof. Pervez Ahmed, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Maqbool, President, Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS); Prof. Masooda Yaseen, Vice President, VMS; Prof. Shazia Manzoor, Head, Department of Social Work KU; Prof. Amina Parveen, Head, Department of Education KU; and representatives of students and parents of PwDs.
A key highlight of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Kashmir and the Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS).
The agreement envisions skill-based workshops and training programmes for persons with disabilities, with a focus on enhancing human resources, improving infrastructure accessibility, providing technical support, and exploring the introduction of a Bachelor’s Programme in Special Education through the University’s academic bodies.
On the sidelines of the meeting, a two-day training workshop on “Beyond Barriers: Reading and Learning with Assistive Tools and Technologies” was organised by the Allama Iqbal Library (AIL) in collaboration with the Special Cell under the aegis of the Department of Students’ Welfare (DSW), KU.
The workshop aimed to promote inclusive education by sensitising participants to assistive tools and technologies that facilitate effective learning for persons with disabilities (PwDs).
The workshop featured demonstrations of modern assistive technologies and AI-based learning tools designed to enhance reading, writing, and classroom participation for students with disabilities.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the workshop Vice-Chancellor, KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, said that the University is committed to ensuring equitable access to education for all learners.
“We are trying our best to make sure that students with special needs are provided every possible facility and support to pursue their education with comfort and dignity,” she said.
Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, said that accessibility and inclusion are integral to the University’s academic environment, and such initiatives bridge the gap between technology and inclusive learning.
Dean DSW KU, Prof. Pervez Ahmed, said that the campus must be accessible to every student and this workshop will go a long way in creating awareness about assistive technologies and inclusive practices.
Padma Shri Javed Ahmad Tak highlighted the need for continuous engagement and the role of institutions in building barrier-free educational spaces.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr. Fayaz Lone, Librarian, AIL KU, informed that several facilities have been established in the library to ensure smooth and comfortable learning for students with disabilities.
On the occasion, the start of a pick-and-drop service for PwD students on the campus was also announced.
The technical sessions were conducted by resource persons from SAKSHAM- Umar Sadiq and H.U. Hubby.
The event proceedings were conducted by Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, Cultural Officer, DSW KU, while the vote of thanks was presented by Shaheel Mohammad, DSW KU.
