Centre for Disability Law and Advocacy

The National Law University Odisha Centre for Disability Law and Advocacy was established with the goal of encouraging and supporting initiatives of research and teaching in the field of law in order to work towards the implementation and execution of disability rights and social justice. The Centre is consisting of a vibrant community of teachers and students who are dedicated towards working in the field of Disability Law and Disability Rights. The Centre is committed to conducting research for the enhancement of the stakeholders and aims at creating awareness for the rights of the Persons with disability.

VISION AND MISSION

Mission

The Centre aims to collaborate with a variety of advocates, academicians, NGOs, activists, researchers, research scholars, students and other stakeholders to encourage discussion on the growing importance of disability studies and research.
The Centre’s goal is to create a multidisciplinary research environment that allows for cross-disciplinary dialogues and partnerships in order to generate creative research in this subject for the development of the main stakeholders.
The Centre emphasizes education and training, as well as jointly promoting and exchanging resources. It plans to increase the level of discussion and engagement between researchers and stakeholders.
The Centre aspires to contribute to the existing knowledge base, as well as acquire and disseminate information on the techniques and approaches utilized by academicians in India and across the world in the subject of disability and legal studies.
The Centre intends to participate actively in the creation of joint ideas for future research initiatives.
The Centre plans to conduct regular sensitization about Disability Law and Rights of the Persons with disability.

Objectives

Promoting Participatory Democracy
– Act as a catalyst for participatory democracy within the disability paradigm, focusing on unexplored regions of India and beyond for disability welfare and wellbeing .
Raising Awareness through Collaborations
– Organize awareness programs on disability sensitization in collaboration with NGOs, social welfare, and healthcare departments.
Advancing Disability Jurisprudence
– Engage in research to develop and disseminate literature on the socio-legal and economic aspects of disability jurisprudence.
Connecting with Stakeholders
– Establish direct connections with various stakeholders involved in the field of disability.
Global and National Collaboration
– Participate in international and national disability discussions, collaborating with institutions working in this area.
Legislative Assistance
– Assist governments in formulating and improving legislation for persons with disabilities.
Applying Theory to Practice
– Translate theoretical frameworks into practical applications, addressing real-world situations in the disability sector.

Activities/Events/Research Activities

In our ongoing commitment for advancing the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, the Centre for Disability Law & Advocacy (CDLA) at National Law University Odisha (NLUO) has been diligently organising events that foster awareness, knowledge, and positive change. This report highlights our key events held during the past year.

Release of Inaugural Bi-Annual Newsletter – “Empowerment through Law: A Disability Rights Newsletter”
Date: 8th August 2024
Collaborators: : CDLA, NLUO
Newsletter Highlights: The newsletter covers the key developments in the disability rights from recent legal proceedings. Here are the key points:

Supreme Court Notice on Aftercare Guidelines for Special Needs Children: Addressed gaps in the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, regarding aftercare for children with special needs.
Delhi High Court Orders Accessibility Guidelines for Films: Directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to finalize rules for making films accessible to visually and hearing-impaired people by July 15.
Gauhati High Court’s Equal Opportunity Policy for PwDs: Implemented a policy to enhance accessibility, employment opportunities, and workplace conditions for persons with disabilities across its courts.
Supreme Court Criticizes Poor Implementation of RPwD Act: Directed states to address deficiencies in the implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, including appointing State Commissioners and setting up necessary infrastructure.
Karnataka High Court Ruling on Better Working Conditions for Disabled Employees: Overturned the withholding of house rent allowance from a disabled professor and mandated improved accommodations in line with legal standards.
Implementation of Accessibility Standards in Cinemas: Emphasized the need for accessibility features in films, responding to a petition for audio descriptions and subtitles.
Development of Aftercare Policies for Children with Disabilities: Highlighted the need for comprehensive aftercare guidelines for children with disabilities transitioning to adulthood.

Newsletter Link: https://pdflink.to/cdlanewsletternluo/

Visit At Chetana Institute of Mental Disability
Date: 2024
Location: Chetana Institute of Mental Disability in Bhubaneswar
Event Details: As part of their Disability Law paper, fifth-year students from National Law University Odisha visited Chetana Institute of Mental Disability in Bhubaneswar. The visit provided practical insights into the lives of differently-abled students. They spent the day engaging in various sports and recreational activities, fostering interaction and understanding. This hands-on experience aimed to deepen their comprehension of disability issues and promote empathy and inclusivity in their future legal careers.

Para Viraj in the annual event of NLUO VIRAJ and KAIRAAN for specially abled students of NLUO and others.
Date: 2024
Location: National Law University Odisha, Cuttack
Event Details: Para Viraj is conducted every year as part of the annual “Viraj and Kairan” event at the National Law University Odisha (NLUO). This sports and cultural event is designed to ensure inclusive participation for all, celebrating diversity and promoting equality through various activities and competitions.

Access Audit conducted by Swabhiman , Government empanelled Auditor
Date: 2024
Location: National Law University Odisha, Cuttack
Event Details: The National Law University Odisha (NLUO) recently conducted an Access Audit in collaboration with Swabhiman, an organization recognized as government-empaneled auditors. This initiative aims to enhance campus accessibility and foster inclusivity, ensuring that the university environment is welcoming and accommodating for all students and staff, regardless of their physical abilities.

State Level Consultation on Draft National Policy for Persons with Disabilities
Date: 8 August 2022
Collaborators: CDLA, NLUO with Odisha Association for the Blind and Child & Women Development Society
Event Highlights: The consultation centered on the Draft National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, featuring speakers who shared insights on disability empowerment, social security, and women’s rights.
Key Speakers: Mr. Sannyashai Kumar Behera, Major Dr. Kalpana Das, Dr. Rina Routray.

Throughout the year, CDLA and NLUO remained steadfast in their dedication to advancing disability rights and social justice. These events have enriched our community with invaluable knowledge and perspectives, while fostering inclusivity and collaboration. As we continue to stride forward, we express our gratitude to our partners, speakers, and participants who contribute to our shared vision of a more equitable and inclusive world.

Interactive Session with Advocate Pankaj Sinha
Date: 4 August 2022
Event Focus: A physical interaction with Advocate Pankaj Sinha, a prominent Disability Rights lawyer, provided students a unique opportunity to engage with his expertise. The session highlighted his legal experiences and challenges.
Special Guest: Advocate Pankaj Sinha, Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India.

Constitution of India in Braille and audio in Odiya language released on 73rd Republic Day
Date: 26 January 2022
Event Description: NLUO marked Republic Day under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative. The day included the unfurling of the national flag, insightful speeches, and impactful initiatives promoting equality and justice.
Activities: NLUO’s Centre for Rights of Disables in association with SAHAYA group released the Constitution of India in Braille and audio in Odiya language. This is the first time in India entire Constitution of India was prepared and released in Braille. Mr. Sanyas Behera, the first blind OAS officer of Odisha read the preamble of the Constitution on this occasion.

International Webinar on Leadership and Participation of Persons with Disabilities towards an Inclusive, Accessible and Sustainable Post-Covid-19 World
Date: 3 December 2021
Collaboration: CDLA, NLUO in association with Sahaya
Event Overview: The webinar aimed to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in the wake of the pandemic. Eminent speakers from various fields discussed strategies for inclusive development.
Notable Speakers: Prof. Krishan Mahajan, Mr. Santosh Rungta, Rev. Badulle Dhammissara Bhanthe, Mr. Sanjay Panda, Mrs. Ananya Das, Dr. Chandrika Prasad Dash, among others.

Highlights: The event emphasized sustainable solutions for an inclusive post-Covid-19 world.

Visually Impaired Women’s Cricket Exhibition Match, Para Viraj
Date: 6th April 2023
Location: NLUO Cricket Ground

Event overview: An exhibition cricket match was organized by Legal Aid Society, IDIA Odisha and Centre for Disability Law and Advocacy. This was an exceptional opportunity to witness the extraordinary skill and athleticism of visually impaired women cricketers. Notably, 11 players had been selected to represent our country in the upcoming Blind T-20 World Cup.

NLUO National Law University Odisha Accredited By NAAC

NLUO National Law University Odisha Accredited By NAAC

Centre for Disability Law and Advocacy