Equal Opportunity Cell, Delhi University
The EOC, Equal Opportunity Cell, Delhi University offers constructive programmes for ensuring equal accessibility. At the Resource Centre there is a Reception-cum Information Centre. Recently a language Training Centre for the hearing impaired an equipment room for Braille embosser and other modern equipments have been set up here. In the computing laboratory there are 15 terminals for the visually impaired. There are special educators, training room-cum-seminar-cum-committee room with adequate furniture and IT gadgets. There is a separate room for aids and appliances. There are two toilets with complete modern facilities for the differently-abled users. NTPC has build a tactile path from the main gate of the Arts Faculty Complex and from the tutorial building to the Resource Centre. This centre is the first of its kind in any Indian university.
Courses
There many new courses offered by EOC for the physically challenged. The courses are short-term courses of around 3-6 months in duration. They are offered at the DU-NTPC Centre. The courses lay stress on training the Persons with Disabilities, teaching them certain essential skills so that they may get better jobs. The courses also spread the awareness among the public about the disability issues. Some of the courses are given below
Sign Language Interpretation: It is of 6 months duration. The course helps in developing basic communicative skills in Sign Language and ability to interpret.
Communicative English: It is also of 6 months duration. Students are trained in technical writing and professional communication skills. They are taught to use computer-based tools for drafting documents and presentation.
Information and Computer-Technology: The course is of 4 months duration. Its objective is to develop basic skills in communication and information through the use of computers mainly for those with visual impairment.
Disability and Human Rights: This 3 months course. It helps in understanding the experiences of students and staff with disabilities. It is designed to bring about the issues that affect the way in which people with disability are treated, locally as well as globally.
Other activities of EOC
There is a Braille Section of the Central Library. It provides facilities to the students according to their needs. Delhi University is the first University in the India which has adopted DAISY standards for talking books. There is availability of 1500 books are in e-text format. There is book scanning facility too. Braille question papers, college magazines etc are also available here. The staff of Braille library is trained to work on computerized Braille production and talking book production systems. Sign Language interpreters are also available for students of the University of Delhi. Roads have been reconstructed and tactiled by the Cell to make the access easy for the orthopedically and visually impaired persons. There are special toilets and ramps for the wheelchair users.
