As an Institution of Eminence, the University of Hyderabad (UoH) stands as a global hub of higher education attracting students and researchers from different parts of the country and abroad. Students with special needs from all corners of the country choose UoH for their higher studies because of a fairly accessible campus environment, inclusive learning practices, and a proactive approach by the University administration and faculty members in providing reasonable accommodations. A dedicated unit called Empowered Committee for Differently Abled Persons (ECDAP) functions as the nodal agency to offer various services for students with special needs.
The ECDAP in collaboration with Ability Awareness — an organisation working in the fields of accessibility and sports for people with disabilities — organised a special annual orientation programme for the newly admitted differently abled students on 12 September 2025 in C. V. Raman auditorium. The orientation programme was conducted under the theme: Celebrating Abilities, Inspiring Possibilities. The participation of a group of Differently abled international sports achievers was the highlight of the event. The guests in this category included the current captain of the blind cricket team which won the World Cup for India in the last three tournaments; para-athletes, tennis players, a renowned international para-athletic coach, besides motivational speakers and a group of corporate volunteers.
Students with special needs who took admission at UoH for the current academic year come from Rajasthan, Haryana, Odisha, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, etc. – a visible testimony to the fact that UoH remains a favourite higher education institution for differently abled students from all across the country.
Prof. Pammi Pavan Kumar, Coordinator of ECDAP welcomed the participants on behalf of the UoH, and listed out various accessible provisions, facilities and services available exclusively for students with special needs. Sri N. Annavaram, who teaches in the Department of Sociology, currently a member of the ECDAP and ACDAP, chaired the orientation programme and welcomed the newly admitted students.