Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs
This UGC scheme (HEPSN) helps colleges make their campuses more accessible and supportive for students with disabilities. Colleges can receive grants to set up disability resource units, build ramps and accessible facilities, and provide special learning equipment like screen readers and mobility devices. Colleges apply by submitting a proposal in the HEPSN proforma along with their College Development Plan to UGC.
About This Scheme
This UGC scheme (HEPSN) helps colleges make their campuses more accessible and supportive for students with disabilities. Colleges can receive grants to set up disability resource units, build ramps and accessible facilities, and provide special learning equipment like screen readers and mobility devices. Colleges apply by submitting a proposal in the HEPSN proforma along with their College Development Plan to UGC.
Full official description
The Higher Education for Persons with Special Needs (HEPSN) scheme is meant for creating an environment at higher education institutions to enrich the higher education learning experiences of differently-abled persons. Creating awareness about the capabilities of differently-abled persons, construction aimed at improving accessibility, purchase of equipment to enrich learning, etc., are the broad categories of assistance under this scheme.
Specific Objectives of HEPSN
**** The specific objectives of the HEPSN Scheme are as follows:
- To provide equal educational opportunities to differently-abled persons in higher education institutions.
- To create awareness among the functionaries of higher education about the specific educational needs of differently-abled persons.
- To equip higher education institutions with the facilities to provide access to differently-abled persons.
- To provide special devices to higher education institutions that will augment the learning experiences of differently-abled persons.
- To monitor the implementation of all existing and future legislation and policies, which are about higher education of differently-abled persons.
Benefits
- Up to ₹50,000/year for running an Enabling Unit (resource and counseling center for disabled students), plus ₹4,000/month honorarium for the faculty coordinator
- One-time grant of up to ₹5,00,000 for making the campus physically accessible (ramps, rails, special toilets)
- One-time grant of up to ₹1,50,000 for special learning equipment (screen readers, low-vision aids, scanners, mobility devices)
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- College must be recognized under Sections 2(f) and 12B of the UGC Act
- Must have enrolled students with disabilities (visual, hearing, locomotor, or other impairments as defined in the Persons with Disabilities Act 1995)
- College must have an expert committee that meets at least once a year to review disability-related activities
How to Apply
Application for specific projects should be sent in the prescribed Proforma For financial assistance under the scheme to assist for college to facilitate higher Education for Person (HEPSN) Scheme on Page number 6 along with the College Development proposal.
Procedure for release of grant
Component 1. Honorarium to the coordinator and other budgetary provisions @ Rs.50,000/- per year will be released for the 1st year after approval of the proposal. Subsequent grants will be released on the basis of an audited utilization certificate and statement of expenditure.
Component 2. The grant will be released upon receipt of detailed plans and estimate as per UGC building guidelines.
Component 3. 90% of the grant allocated will be released as 1st installment and the remaining 10% on a reimbursement basis, upon receipt of the audited statement of expenditure and utilization certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Higher Education for Persons with Special Needs (HEPSN) scheme?
HEPSN stands for Higher Education for Persons with Special Needs. It is a scheme designed to provide inclusive higher education opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Who is eligible for HEPSN?
The eligibility criteria for Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs (HEPSN) may vary depending on the country or region. Generally, individuals with recognized disabilities, such as physical disabilities, visual impairments, hearing impairments, learning disabilities, or intellectual disabilities, are eligible to apply for the scheme.
How can I apply for HEPSN?
The application process for HEPSN depends on the specific guidelines and procedures established by the implementing authority. Typically, you would need to fill out an application form and submit it along with the required documents. It is advisable to check the official government websites, education boards, or relevant authorities in your specific country or region for detailed application instructions.
What support services are provided under HEPSN?
HEPSN offers various support services, which may include accessible infrastructure, assistive technologies, academic accommodations, counseling and guidance, mentoring, and career support. These services aim to facilitate the learning and participation of students with disabilities in higher education.
Are scholarships available under HEPSN?
In some cases, HEPSN schemes may provide scholarships or financial assistance to students with disabilities to help alleviate the financial burden of higher education. The availability and specific details of scholarships can vary, and it is advisable to check the guidelines and provisions of the HEPSN scheme in your country or region.
Are there any reserved seats or quotas for students with disabilities under HEPSN?
Some HEPSN schemes may allocate reserved seats or quotas for students with disabilities in educational institutions. This ensures a certain percentage of seats are specifically reserved for individuals with disabilities to promote their access to higher education.
Can I receive assistance in obtaining disability certificates or documentation?
Enabling units or support centers established under the HEPSN scheme often assist students with disabilities in obtaining the necessary disability certificates or documentation required for their application. They can guide you through the process and help with the required paperwork.
Are there any specific guidelines for inclusive curriculum and teaching practices under HEPSN?
HEPSN promotes inclusive curriculum and teaching practices to cater to the diverse learning needs of students with disabilities. However, the specific guidelines and recommendations may vary depending on the country or region. It is advisable to consult the implementing authority or refer to official resources for information on inclusive curriculum and teaching practices.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Aadhaar Card.
- Passport Sized Photograph (Signed Across).
- Residential Certificate.
- Disability Certificate.
- Details of the Bank Account (Bank Name, Branch Name, Address, IFSC, etc).
- Proof of the Latest Educational Qualification (Passing Certificate or Marksheet)
- Bonafide Certificate from the School/College
- Any other document required by the College or the District Social Welfare Office.