Specific learning disabilities and higher education: The Indian scenario and a comparative analysis

Abstract

Learning is in itself an institute of life. The impact of disability, physical or otherwise, on daily activities is profound. In 2016, the Indian law on disabilities became more inclusive by broadening the categories of disabled persons and widened the rights of persons with disabilities. In the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, besides revising the benefits for physically disabled persons, the recognition of equal rights to persons with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs) is historic. The paper, set in the context of higher education, explains the concessions and accommodations provided under the current legislative scheme for SLDs and explores how different jurisdictions have addressed SLDs. Secondly, to realise how the rights provided by these legislations are to be operationalised in higher education institutions; this step assumes significance because neither students with SLDs have access to trained personnel, nor the accommodations in the higher education has been well-articulated. The findings of the comparative study and understanding of the Indian legislative framework suggest measures to how higher educational institutions are to made more accessible to SLDs. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU).