About the Organizer
The Centre of Studies and Research for Differently-Abled (CSRDA) at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur is a pioneering cross-disciplinary hub dedicated to advancing disability inclusion through research, policy engagement, and innovation. Established at India’s first IIT and an Institution of Eminence, CSRDA focuses on training educators and caregivers, developing assistive and educational technologies, running clinics and community programmes, and creating accessible resources that strengthen learning, participation, and dignity for persons with disabilities.
About the Symposium
The National Symposium on Inclusive Education, Technology & Empowerment for Learners with Intellectual Disabilities will be held virtually on 6-7 December 2025. This symposium addresses the critical gap between progressive policy frameworks—including the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the National Education Policy 2020—and their effective implementation for learners with intellectual disabilities.
The symposium brings together academics, practitioners, caregivers, policymakers, and self-advocates to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and co-create inclusive futures. It moves the discourse from charity-based approaches to rights-based inclusion, tackling persistent barriers such as shortages of trained educators, inadequate infrastructure, limited assistive technologies, and stigma.
Why This Matters for Law Students and Professionals
The 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. Topics include implementation challenges of the RPwD Act 2016, comparative policy analysis between India and global jurisdictions, and rights-based approaches to education and care. This platform offers valuable opportunities to understand the intersections of disability law, human rights, and inclusive policy frameworks.
Programme Highlights
The symposium is structured around three main tracks:
1. Keynote Address
2. Plenary Sessions: Dialogues featuring experts on inclusion, technology, and empowerment from global and Indian perspectives.
3. Paper Presentations: Research papers, case studies, and practice papers across diverse disciplines including education, technology, policy, health, and inclusion.
4. Training Modules: Specialized skill-building sessions for learners with intellectual disabilities and caregivers, covering communication, self-advocacy, daily living skills, digital safety, and community participation.
Themes and Sub-themes
The symposium covers 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
-
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, counsellors, 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, and implications for inclusion, practice, or policy.
Submission email: csrda.iitkgp@gmail.com
Early submissions are appreciated, with acceptance on a rolling basis.
Registration Details
Participation Fee: ₹1200 + GST
How 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
-
Receive confirmation and detailed programme schedule
Important Dates
-
Last date to submit Concept Note: 21st November 2025
-
Last intimation of acceptance: 24th November 2025
-
Last date for registration & fee payment: 1st December 2025
-
Event dates: 6-7 December 2025
Contact Information
Email: csrda.iitkgp@gmail.com
Phone: Mr. Arin Mukherjee, +91 70034 83339 (9am—9pm IST)
Organizing Committee:
-
Convener & Coordinator: Prof. Dipa Dube, Chairperson, CSRD, IIT Kharagpur
-
Co-Coordinators: Dr. Shakti Deb, Dr. Varuna Chakraborty, and Dr. Avnish Bhatt, Assistant Professors, RGSOIPL, IIT Kharagpur
Mode: Virtual