AAROHAN
Promoting Inclusion in Higher Education
“Aarohan is Saksham’s institutional partnership initiative enabling students with visual impairment to study, participate, and thrive independently in higher education institutions.”
About Aarohan
Aarohan was launched in July 2021 as Saksham’s structured initiative to promote inclusive and accessible higher education for students with visual impairment.
The program works through institutional partnerships with colleges and universities to build sustainable systems that enable independent learning, equal participation, and digital empowerment.
Aarohan focuses on:
- Institutional collaboration through formal partnerships
- Assistive technology distribution and training
- Conversion of academic content into accessible formats
- Skill development and employability enhancement
- Sensitization of faculty and students
- Strengthening campus-level inclusion ecosystems
Bridging Gaps in Higher Education
Despite progressive policies on inclusive education, students with visual impairment continue to encounter structural barriers within higher education institutions. These barriers affect their academic performance, participation, and future employability.
Aarohan was conceptualized to address these systemic gaps.
Key challenges include:
Inaccessible course material and delayed availability of textbooks in accessible formats
Limited access to assistive technology required for independent reading and writing
Lack of sensitization among faculty and peers regarding necessary academic accommodations
Barriers in studying STEM subjects due to inaccessible digital tools
Insufficient digital skills and exposure aligned with current job market demands
Limited participation in campus activities and co-curricular platforms
The Aarohan Institutional Model
Aarohan operates through a structured, three-pillar framework designed to create sustainable systems of accessibility within higher education institutions.
Rather than one-time interventions, the model integrates accessibility into institutional processes.
1️⃣ Institutional Partnership
2️⃣ Capacity Building
3️⃣ Digital Empowerment
Aarohan collaborates with colleges and universities through formal Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), ensuring that accessibility becomes embedded within academic and administrative systems.
This includes:
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Establishment of Resource Centres
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Coordination with faculty and enabling units
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Institutional commitment to inclusive practices
The program strengthens the academic and digital capabilities of students through structured training programs, including:
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Computer and screen reader training
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Accessible content creation workshops
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Mobility and navigation skills
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Communication and employability enhancement
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Training and Awareness Sessions for Career Development
Aarohan ensures students have access to the tools required for independent learning through:
Distribution of laptops and assistive devices
Training on refreshable braille displays and DAISY players
Conversion of academic books into accessible formats
Creation of an assistive technology experience zone
Aarohan in Numbers (2021– till now)
100+ Students Supported Across Campuses
70+ Assistive Devices Distributed
129 Academic Books Received for Conversion
5+ Higher Education Institutions Partnered
Aarohan continues to expand its reach, strengthening inclusive ecosystems within higher education institutions.
Partner Institutions
Aarohan is implemented in collaboration with leading higher education institutions committed to inclusive education.
Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi
One of the founding partner institutions under Aarohan, hosting structured accessibility interventions and serving as a key hub for inclusive higher education practices.
Hindu College, University of Delhi
Partner institution engaged in awareness initiatives, assistive technology dissemination, and inclusive academic support under the Aarohan framework.
Janki Devi Memorial College, University of Delhi
Collaborating with Saksham to strengthen campus-level accessibility systems and promote independent academic participation for students with visual impairment.
Bharti College, University of Delhi
Engaged under the Aarohan initiative to enhance accessibility practices and strengthen support systems for students with visual impairment.
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College, University of Delhi
Working in partnership with Saksham to foster inclusive campus ecosystems through sensitization programs and accessibility-driven interventions.
Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University
Collaborating under Aarohan to institutionalize structured accessibility support and promote inclusive higher education systems.