Welcome to the 11th Reeta Peshawaria Oration Award Ceremony and
National Seminar on
Inclusive Higher Education for All under NEP 2020
Opening Doors to Inclusive Higher Education –
Be Part of the Movement for India’s Landmark Seminar on Inclusive Higher Education!
One of the first initiatives in India, this seminar under NEP 2020 focuses on inclusive higher education for neurodiverse learners. It opens pathways to employment, self-esteem, mainstream living, and full participation in society.
Special feature: the Reeta Peshawaria Oration Award Ceremony honouring pioneers in disability rehabilitation.
Higher education empowers neurodiverse learners by:
Opening up employment opportunities, including jobs unheard of until now.
Building self-esteem, personal growth, and decision-making control.
Supporting mainstream participation—living in regular neighbourhoods, joining the workforce, paying taxes, and contributing as citizens.
Encouraging authentic friendships and relationships beyond supported living arrangements.
This platform brings together educators, policymakers, researchers, families, and self-advocates to break systemic barriers and ensure equity, inclusivity, and dignity for all learners.
Don’t Miss Out
1 Mission: Inclusion for All
Be Part of the Change!
The Countdown to Inclusion Has Begun
Two Days of Knowledge, Action, and Impact
Programme at a Glance
Day 1 – National Seminar on Inclusive Higher Education
Theme: Policy, Pedagogy, and Participation
Inaugural Session & Plenary Panel – NEP 2020 and the Road to Inclusion
Technical Sessions – Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Policy Implementation
Paper & Poster Presentations – Scholars, Practitioners, Institutions
Student & Family Roundtable – Voices from lived experience
Day 2 – National Workshop on Inclusive Practices
Theme: Innovation, Empowerment, and Action
Hands-on Training – Assistive Technology for learning & communication
Workshop – Transition Planning and Individual Transition Plans (ITPs)
UDL Implementation – For faculty, administrators, and curriculum designers
Panel Discussion – Self-advocates on higher education access
The Reeta Peshawaria Oration Lecture
Valedictory Session – Award ceremony & key recommendations for action
📜 Seminar Sessions
🖼️ Posters & Papers
🛠️ Workshops
🎤 Oration & Valedictory
Download Seminar Brochure
Event Overview
Inspire, Learn, Empower
Background and Rationale
In line with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, higher education in India is undergoing a transformative shift to become more inclusive, equitable, and learner-centric. However, systemic and social barriers continue to limit access and participation for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), and Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD).
This two-day programme brings together educators, policymakers, researchers, disability experts, self-advocates, families, and university leaders to explore strategies, share best practices, and innovate for a more inclusive higher education ecosystem.
The event also honours the legacy of Dr. Reeta Peshawaria Menon, a pioneer in clinical psychology and disability rehabilitation, through the Reeta Peshawaria Oration Award Ceremony. In parallel, the National Workshop will focus on building practical skills in Assistive Technology, Individual Transition Planning (ITP), and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
NEP 2020 and Disability Inclusion in Higher Education
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in college teaching and curriculum
Transition from school to higher education for learners with high support needs
Accessibility, accommodations, and assistive technology
Mental health, self-advocacy, and peer support in campus life
Institutional frameworks: Disability Support Cells and Inclusive Governance
Role of family, community, and civil society organisations
Career pathways, internships, and vocational support post-college
Dr. Desh Keerti Menon is a Principal Clinical Psychologist who has made remarkable contributions to the disability sector. He was the Founder and Director of the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), Secunderabad, from 1984 to 2000. He has worked extensively with individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Challenging Behaviors.
Dr. Menon’s passion for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and his expertise in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for individuals with anger, anxiety, depression, and personality disorders has made him a respected leader in the field. His long-standing commitment to training and empowering rehabilitation professionals aligns with the vision and legacy of Dr. Reeta Peshawaria.
Together, Dr. Reeta Peshawaria and Dr. D.K. Menon have significantly influenced disability rehabilitation practices in both India and abroad.
Special Highlight:
We are honoured to announce that Dr. Kiran Bedi, former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, will be the Chief Guest of the event and will preside over the Reeta Peshawaria Oration Award Ceremony.
Dr. Bedi will present the Oration Award to the recipient, recognising their outstanding contributions to disability rehabilitation.
Learn about Esteemed Reeta Peshawaria Oration Awardees
Meet Our Esteemed Resource Persons
Centre for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi – 110025
Welcome to Jamia Millia Islamia
Jamia Millia Islamia established the Centre for Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Sciences in 2005, making it the first of its kind in a Central University in India. The Centre offers BPT, MPT (Sports, Orthopedics, Cardiopulmonary & Neurology), and Ph.D. programmes in physiotherapy. It is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, modern physiotherapy clinics, and advanced research facilities in areas like orthopedic rehabilitation, sports physiology, neuro, and cardiopulmonary sciences.
Registration Fees
1) Paper & Presenter – ₹1,500
- For authors presenting papers/posters
- Includes: participation, certificate, presentation slot, lunch
2) Non-CRE Delegates / Students – ₹1,000
- PhD, PG, UG, Diploma students (show valid student ID)
- Includes: participation, certificate, lunch
3) Family Members & Self-Advocates – ₹750
- Parents, caregivers, and self-advocates with disabilities
- Includes: participation, certificate, cultural events, lunch
4) RCI-CRE Approved Participants – ₹750
- Covers only CRE sessions