IIT Kharagpur To Host National Symposium On Inclusive Education And Technology For Learners With Intellectual Disabilities
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur is set to host the National Symposium on Inclusive Education, Technology & Empowerment for Learners with Intellectual Disabilities on December 6-7, 2025. This virtual event aims to provide a platform for researchers, educators, policymakers, and practitioners to engage in discussions, share experiences, and explore innovative approaches that promote inclusion and accessibility in education.
About the Organizer
The symposium is organized by the Centre of Studies and Research for Differently-Abled (CSRDA) at IIT Kharagpur. CSRDA is a pioneering cross-disciplinary hub that focuses on advancing disability inclusion through research, policy engagement, and innovation. Established at India’s first IIT and recognized as an Institution of Eminence, CSRDA is dedicated to:
- Training educators and caregivers
- Developing assistive and educational technologies
- Running clinics and community programs
- Creating accessible resources that enhance learning and participation for persons with disabilities
About the Symposium
The National Symposium on Inclusive Education, Technology & Empowerment for Learners with Intellectual Disabilities will address the critical gap between progressive policy frameworks, such as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD) 2016 and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and their effective implementation for learners with intellectual disabilities. The event will bring together:
- Academics
- Practitioners
- Caregivers
- Policymakers
- Self-advocates
Participants will share knowledge, exchange best practices, and co-create inclusive futures, shifting the discourse from charity-based approaches to rights-based inclusion. The symposium will tackle persistent barriers, including shortages of trained educators, inadequate infrastructure, limited assistive technologies, and societal stigma.
Relevance for Law Students and Professionals
This symposium features a dedicated track on Policy, Law & Advocacy, making it particularly relevant for law students, researchers, and professionals interested in disability rights and social justice. Key topics will include:
- Implementation challenges of the RPwD Act 2016
- Comparative policy analysis between India and global jurisdictions
- Rights-based approaches to education and care
This platform offers valuable insights into the intersections of disability law, human rights, and inclusive policy frameworks.
Programme Highlights
The symposium is structured around three main tracks:
- Keynote Address
- Plenary Sessions: Dialogues featuring experts on inclusion, technology, and empowerment from both global and Indian perspectives.
- Paper Presentations: Research papers, case studies, and practice papers across diverse disciplines including education, technology, policy, health, and inclusion.
- Training Modules: Specialized skill-building sessions for learners with intellectual disabilities and caregivers, covering topics such as communication, self-advocacy, daily living skills, digital safety, and community participation.
Themes and Sub-themes
The symposium will cover six major themes:
- Policy, Law & Advocacy: Implementation of RPwD Act 2016, comparative policy analysis, rights-based approaches
- Education & Pedagogy: Inclusive classroom practices, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), early intervention, curriculum design for neurodiversity
- Technology & Accessibility: Development of low-cost assistive tools, EdTech solutions, Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
- Social Inclusion & Community Participation: Community-based rehabilitation (CBR), inclusion in sports and arts, addressing stigma
- Health & Mental Well-being: Mental health co-morbidities, sexuality education, personal safety, family support systems
- Employment & Life Skills: Transition planning from school to work, vocational training, supported employment, social enterprises
Who Should Attend
The symposium welcomes a diverse audience, including:
- Law students, researchers, and faculty interested in disability rights and social justice
- Teachers, special educators, and school leaders
- Students and researchers from education, social sciences, design, engineering, and related disciplines
- Therapists, counselors, and rehabilitation professionals
- Caregivers, disability rights organizations (DPOs), NGOs, and self-advocates
- Policymakers and administrators
Call for Submissions
The organizing committee invites concept notes (maximum 700 words) on any symposium theme or sub-theme. Interdisciplinary and practice-based insights are particularly welcome. Participants without papers are also encouraged to register and attend. Concept notes should include:
- Title and theme
- Problem/context
- Approach/method/innovation
- Key findings/insights
- Implications for inclusion, practice, or policy
Submissions can be sent to csrda.iitkgp@gmail.com. Early submissions are appreciated, with acceptance on a rolling basis.
Registration Details
Participation Fee: ₹1200 + GST
To register, email your intent or concept note (if submitting a paper) to csrda.iitkgp@gmail.com. The organizing committee will share payment and virtual access details along with a confirmation and detailed programme schedule.
Important Dates
- Last
