Can beneficiaries track application status for Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs?

Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.

Hepsn

Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs

The Persons with Disabilities Act 1995 indicates that differently-abled persons should have access to education at all levels. In the higher education sector, the University Grants Commission (UGC) is supporting universities and colleges in the country to involve in special education activities.

Central In Kind

States / UT: All India

Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Social Justice and Empowerment

Nodal department: Department of Social Justice & Empowerment

Scheme for: Individual

Scheme profile

Categories: Education & Learning, Social welfare & Empowerment

Sub-categories: Financial assistance

Target beneficiaries: Individual

Tags: Education, Persons With Disablities, Higher Education, Learning

Details

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

Provision of Facilities and Financial assistance The HEPSN scheme has three components. They are enumerated as follows: Component 1: Establishment of Enabling Units for differently-abled Persons To develop awareness in the higher education system and also to provide necessary guidance and counseling to differently-abled persons it is proposed to establish resource units in colleges in the country which will be called Enabling Units. The functions of this Enabling Unit will be to: 1. Facilitate admission of differently-abled persons in various courses; 2. Provide guidance and counseling to differently-abled individuals; 3. Create awareness about the needs of differently-abled persons and other general issues concerning their learning; and 4. Assist differently-abled graduates to gain successful employment in the public as well as private sectors. The special unit will be coordinated by a faculty member to be nominated by the head of the institution. He/she will work as an honorary coordinator for which a token honorarium of Rs. 4000/- per month will be paid. The unit will also have a budgetary provision of ₹50 000/per year towards general administration stationery and contingencies and to avail the services of experts and personnel for organizing awareness programs counseling sessions etc for efficient and independent functioning in order to achieve its objectives. Component 2: Providing Access to Differently-abled Persons 1. The UGC will make a one-time grant of up to ₹5 00 000 per college during the Plan period so that the colleges can address the accessibility issues pertaining to disability and make special arrangements in the environment for their mobility and independent functioning. 1. The colleges address accessibility-related issues as per the stipulations of the Persons with Disabilities Act 1995. 1. The colleges ensure that all existing structures as well as future construction projects in their campuses are made disabled-friendly. 1. The institutes create special facilities such as ramps rails and special toilets

Provision of Facilities and Financial assistance
The HEPSN scheme has three components. They are enumerated as follows:

Component 1: Establishment of Enabling Units for differently-abled Persons

To develop awareness in the higher education system and also to provide necessary guidance and counseling to differently-abled persons, it is proposed to establish resource units in colleges in the country, which will be called Enabling Units. The functions of this Enabling Unit will be to:

Facilitate admission of differently-abled persons in various courses;
Provide guidance and counseling to differently-abled individuals;
Create awareness about the needs of differently-abled persons, and other general issues concerning their learning; and
Assist differently-abled graduates to gain successful employment in the public as well as private sectors.
The special unit will be coordinated by a faculty member to be nominated by the head of the institution. He/she will work as an honorary coordinator for which a token honorarium of Rs. 4000/- per month will be paid. The unit will also have a budgetary provision of ₹ 50,000/per year towards general administration, stationery, and contingencies, and to avail the services of experts and personnel for organizing awareness programs, counseling sessions, etc., for efficient and independent functioning in order to achieve its objectives.

Component 2: Providing Access to Differently-abled Persons

The UGC will make a one-time grant of up to ₹ 5,00,000 per college during the Plan period so that the colleges can address the accessibility issues pertaining to disability and make special arrangements in the environment for their mobility and independent functioning.
The colleges address accessibility-related issues as per the stipulations of the Persons with Disabilities Act 1995.
The colleges ensure that all existing structures as well as future construction projects in their campuses are made disabled-friendly.
The institutes create special facilities such as ramps, rails, and special toilets, and make other necessary changes to suit the special needs of differently-abled persons.

Component 3: Providing Special Equipment to Augment Educational Services for Differently-abled Persons

Differently-abled persons require special aids and appliances for their daily functioning. These aids are available through various schemes of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. In addition to the procurement of assistive devices through these schemes, higher education institutions may also need special learning and assessment devices to help differently-abled students enrolled in higher education. In addition, visually challenged students need Readers. Availability of devices such as computers with screen reading software, low-vision aids, scanners, mobility devices, etc., in the institutes, would enrich the educational experiences of differently-abled persons. Therefore, colleges are encouraged to procure such devices and provide the facility of Readers for visually challenged students. The UGC will provide an ad hoc one-time grant of up to ₹1,50,000 per college during the Twelfth Plan period

Eligibility

The college applying for a grant for any one of the components of the scheme should have enrolled disabled persons, including persons with visual impairment, hearing impairment, locomotor disability, etc., in various courses of the institute. The definitions of disability are in accordance with the Persons with Disabilities Act 1995.
Institutions applying for the scheme should have been approved by the UGC under Sections 2(f) and 12 B.
The college should have constituted an expert committee involving faculty members, experts in the field and differently-abled persons themselves. The committee should meet at least once a year to review the activities related to the concerned scheme(s).

Application Process

Offline

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.

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

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.

Official links

References

Guideline: https://www.ugc.gov.in/pdfnews/1112642_Person-with-Disability-guidelines.pdf

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs?: Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual, Individual through benefits related to Education & Learning, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs?: Eligibility for Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs?: Benefits under Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs?: Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs is managed by Department of Social Justice & Empowerment and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs?: Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs?: Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs?: Applications for Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs?: Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is income certificate required for Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs?: Income certificate requirements may vary depending on beneficiary category, subsidy eligibility, and financial assistance criteria defined under Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs.
Is Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs a central government scheme?: Yes, Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
Can students apply for Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs?: Eligible students studying in recognised institutions may apply for Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs depending on educational qualification, category, income limit, and academic eligibility.
Is scholarship amount provided under Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs?: Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs may provide scholarship assistance, tuition support, educational reimbursement, or financial aid for eligible students.
Can CSC centres help users apply for Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs?: Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs?: Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs?: Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs in All India?: Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with Persons With Disabilities Scheme In Colleges: Higher Education For Persons With Special Needs applications?: Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.