Higher Education of Persons with Disabilities in India: Past, Present and Future.

Purpose: The article aimed at providing glimpses of the status of higher education for persons with disabilities in India, starting with the distant past and moving on to present day developments. It describes the impact of legislations and policies on the educational support systems through the years. Method: Desk review of relevant documents was undertaken and data was presented in the conventional narrative review style. Research questions address the status of higher education of persons with disabilities in India, the impact of Acts and policies and the support systems in place in the past and in the current educational systems. The main focus is on factors that lead to successful completion of higher education and challenges in accessing higher education by persons with disabilities in the country. Results: In ancient India, during the Vedic period, there were no special arrangements for higher education of persons with disabilities. During the Mughal and British periods as well the education of persons with disabilities was not addressed. After Independence, although the provisions mandated by the Acts have increased the support systems in universities and colleges, higher education requires more streamlining to meet the needs of persons with disabilities. Universities that have made innovative arrangements for the education of persons with disabilities have been mentioned. Conclusion: India has made giant strides in facilitating higher education for all, yet there are gaps in the educational system. The article puts forward some recommendations for achieving equitable higher education for persons with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]