Campus life at IIT Madras is filled with energy. At the core of all this, though, is a commitment: to ensure that everyone has a chance to thrive, feel included, and shape their journey here. For students with disabilities, this means more than just infrastructure: it means thoughtful systems, empathetic people, and a space that respects their independence and potential. Here’s a look at how IIT Madras is working to make that happen and how that journey is growing stronger each year.
Getting Around: Evolving Physical Accessibility
With its vast forest campus, IIT Madras has a unique charm, but also some inherent challenges. Yet, there has been steady and sincere progress to make the campus more accessible to all:
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Most academic buildings, hostels, and common halls/auditoriums feature ramps and support railings.
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Elevators are available in multi-storey buildings and can be accessed with assistance when required.
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Accessible washrooms are provided in several academic and hostel blocks.
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Battery-operated vehicles are provided according to need to support easier, more comfortable movement across the campus.
The institute is actively working to bridge any gaps. Upgrades are ongoing, and new construction projects increasingly have accessibility built into their design from the start.
Empowered Learning: Academic Support That Listens
Learning should be an experience shaped by curiosity, not limited by barriers. At IITM, academic accommodations are provided to support diverse learning needs:
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Students can receive additional time in exams and access to scribes or laptops, based on requirements.
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Assistive technologies such as screen readers and text-to-speech tools are available through the central library and the DoST (Dean of Students) office.
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Many faculty members show flexibility with deadlines, attendance, or evaluation methods when approached with accommodation needs.
For students with visual disabilities, IIT Madras offers:
- Access to screen-reading software like NVDA and JAWS through library systems and personal setup support.
- Digital materials in accessible formats (PDFs with alt text, ePub, etc.), coordinated with course instructors.
- Tactile diagrams and braille-enabled content through collaborations with research labs and the Accessibility Research Centre.
For students with hearing impairments, support includes:
- Provision of written transcripts or subtitles for recorded lectures and presentations.
- Real-time captioning or note-taking services upon request.
- Seating arrangements that enable lip-reading or proximity to interpreters during in-person sessions.
Though a centralised Accessibility Cell is yet to be formalised, conversations around it have begun in earnest. The hope is to build a more streamlined and proactive system that works seamlessly and respectfully with students.
The People Behind the Support: A Caring Campus Network
IIT Madras is full of people who genuinely care. From mentors to peers, there’s a strong culture of looking out for one another:
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Faculty Advisors (FacAds) often help students navigate academic adjustments and coordinate with professors.
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The Dean of Students’ office supports documentation and provision of learning accommodations.
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MITR and Saathi teams offer emotional support and peer mentorship.
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The campus hospital is available for general health concerns, with scope for further strengthening specialised services.
Across hostels, classrooms, and samitis, students with disabilities often find allies who step in when needed: whether to guide, assist, or simply listen. The collective spirit of the IITM community is a powerful force for inclusion.
Innovation for Inclusion: Accessibility Research Centre (ARC)
A shining example of IIT Madras’ dedication to accessibility is the Accessibility Research Centre (ARC). Housed within the Computer Science and Engineering department, ARC pioneers inclusive design: developing tactile interfaces, accessible software, and innovative assistive tools. Their work empowers individuals, not just on campus but across the world. You can explore their inspiring projects at https://thearc.iitm.ac.in/.
Moving Together, Growing Together
IIT Madras is on a journey toward becoming a more accessible, more understanding, and more empowering space for students with disabilities. Progress takes time, but the energy and willpower to do better are unmistakable.
Whether you’re here to study, teach, support, or innovate, there’s a shared responsibility and a shared joy in making this place better for all.
If you or someone you know would benefit from support, you can always reach out to the Dean of Students Office: https://www.dost.iitm.ac.in/ or the MITR wellness team: https://wellbeing.iitm.ac.in/mitr/.
Let’s keep moving forward, together.