Centre for Disability Studies (CDS)

Dr. George Padanilam Centre for Disability Studies

About the Centre

The Dr. George Padanilam Centre for Disability Studies (GPCDS) at St. Berchmans College, Changanassery, is a pioneering initiative dedicated to advancing inclusive education, disability research, and community engagement.

Established as part of the College’s social responsibility and academic innovation, the Centre aims to bridge the gap between research, policy, and grassroots realities of persons with disabilities. It promotes interdisciplinary inquiry, capacity building, and advocacy that align with the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

The Centre functions as an academic and outreach hub, fostering partnerships with government bodies, universities, civil society organizations, and community networks to strengthen disability-inclusive development across Kerala and beyond.

The Center is dedicated to advancing inclusive development through interdisciplinary education, research, and community-based interventions in the field of disability studies. Guided by a shared vision of social equity, empowerment and social justice, the Center aims to address the multifaceted challenges faced by persons with disabilities and work towards their meaningful inclusion in all spheres of society. Functioning under the academic and administrative framework of St. Berchmans College, the Center draws robust interdisciplinary support from departments such as Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, and English. Through innovative programs, collaborative partnerships, and a commitment to dignity and inclusion, the Center aspires to be a leading force in transforming disability discourse and practice locally and beyond.

Vision

To build an inclusive, equitable, and rights-based society where persons with disabilities can realize their full potential, participate meaningfully in all aspects of life, and lead lives of dignity and autonomy.

Mission

To promote research and scholarship on disability through interdisciplinary and participatory approaches.
To foster inclusive education and accessibility across academic and community spaces.
To develop innovative models of rehabilitation and empowerment, grounded in human rights and social justice.
To build capacities among students, professionals, and communities to engage with disability inclusion.
To advocate for policy transformation and social change in collaboration with government and non-governmental organizations.

Objectives

Conduct research and documentation on disability-related issues, with a focus on inclusive education, health, livelihood, accessibility, and community participation.
Organize training programmes, workshops, and seminars for students, teachers, and practitioners in the field of disability studies and social work.
Serve as a resource and reference centre for disability-related materials, policy documents, and research outputs.
Facilitate collaborative projects with academic institutions, government departments, and NGOs for policy review, programme design, and implementation.
Promote student engagement and social responsibility through community-based initiatives and internships.

Governance

College Management

Principal

Rev. Prf. Dr. Teddy Kanjooparambil

Director (Photo)
Dr. Renjith Thomas (Dean)

Academic Coordinator (Photo)

Dr. Deepak Thomas

(HoD, Department of Social Work)

Programme Officer (Photo)

Mr. Vipin Das

Our Programs/ Our Work

Summer Camp for Children with Disabilities

The Summer Camp program initiated by the Dr. George Padanilam Centre for Disability Studies is a structured short-term intervention designed to foster social inclusion, skill development, and personal growth among children with disabilities. Conducted annually during the summer vacation, the program caters to children aged 5 to 21 years with physical and neurological disabilities from in and around Changanassery. This non-residential initiative integrates therapeutic and recreational activities ranging from speech and occupational therapy to arts, crafts, and vocational exposure into a supportive environment. The program equips children with essential life skills while offering avenues for creative expression, peer interaction, and confidence-building.

Assistive Device Distribution

In partnership with NGOs and CSR initiatives, the centre organizes bi-annual events to distribute assistive devices to persons with disabilities (PwDs) within the college and neighboring communities. These initiatives aim to enhance independence and functional abilities.

Students Club

The Students Club is an interdisciplinary student-led initiative aimed at fostering disability awareness, advocacy, and action across campus. Open to students from all academic backgrounds, the club serves as a platform for voluntary engagement in disability research, inclusive education practices, and community-based rehabilitation. The Club promotes informed student participation in disability discourse while encouraging practical exposure to the challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Members are also given opportunities to contribute to the Centre’s broader inclusion mission, gaining hands-on experience that complements academic learning.

Disability Register

The Disability Register at St. Berchmans College is an institutional initiative coordinated by the Dr. George Padanilam Centre for Disability Studies to identify and support students, teaching, and non-teaching staff with disabilities. The register aims to create a comprehensive database to facilitate inclusive planning, accessibility improvements, and the provision of necessary academic and infrastructural support. Information is collected through both online and physical formats to ensure accessibility and accuracy, and all data are maintained with strict confidentiality. This initiative reflects the college’s commitment to building an inclusive campus aligned with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Awareness Programs for Parents of Children with Disabilities

The centre offers both online and offline monthly sessions to support parents of children with disabilities. These sessions focus on raising awareness, sharing strategies for inclusive parenting, explaining disability rights and entitlements, and providing access to expert guidance. The initiative fosters informed, proactive parental involvement in the growth and development of children with special needs.

Commemoration of Important Disability- Days

To align with global and national disability advocacy efforts, the centre commemorates significant disability-related days through a series of educational and community-focused events. Activities include academic seminars, awareness webinars, inter-collegiate competitions, and social media campaigns. These programs actively engage students, faculty, parents, and PwDs, promoting dialogue, visibility, and inclusion.

Disability Information and Resource Help Desk

The Help Desk functions as a one-stop resource centre for persons with disabilities and their families. It provides information on government schemes, entitlements, support services, and community programs. The desk also offers tele-counselling and aims to position the college as a central hub for disability support and outreach within the region.

Library for Disability Studies

The Disability Studies Library supports academic inquiry and awareness by offering curated collections of reference books, journals, reports, and articles. The collection spans a wide range of disability-related subjects to support students, educators, and researchers in deepening their understanding of disability issues.

Disability Fest

The Disability Festival is a flagship annual program of the center. This three-day celebration of inclusion brings together individuals from all walks of life, including students, families, special schools, and rehabilitation institutions. The festival is designed to promote awareness, understanding, and solidarity around the rights and experiences of persons with disabilities. The program includes a variety of engaging activities such as awareness seminars, cultural performances, storytelling sessions, film screenings, workshops, and exhibitions showcasing assistive devices and technologies. Special features of the festival include sensory rooms and disability sports meets, ensuring meaningful participation for individuals with diverse needs.

Conference on Disability

As a core academic initiative of the Center, the annual conference offers a national and international platform for scholars, practitioners, and students to present original research, exchange ideas, and engage in discussions on disability-related policy and practice fostering engagement and awareness.

Disability Research Aid

To encourage academic research in the field of disability, the centre offers an annual financial grant of Rs. 10,000 to ten selected student researchers. Eligible research must be published in reputed journals such as Scopus, Web of Science, or UGC Care-listed publications. Selection is carried out through a publicly announced, merit-based process.

Publications

With the commitment to disseminate knowledge, the Center facilitates the publication of academic books that compile original research papers and articles by students and faculty. These volumes, each registered with an ISBN, adopt either an interdisciplinary focus or are organized by academic departments. The program aims to make a significant scholarly contribution to the field of disability studies.

Academics

Certificate Course in Disability Studies

The Interdisciplinary Certificate Course in Disability Studies is a flagship academic program offered by the Dr George Padanilam Center for Disability Studies, St. Berchmans College (Autonomous), Changanassery. It offers a unique and holistic understanding of disability from social, psychological, cultural, legal, and literary perspectives. The course is offered in a blended format, with both online/offline classes with field-based practical training and is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students from any discipline. The six-month certificate course is designed to equip learners with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of disability.

This course prepares students for roles in:

Disability Rights Advocacy
Rehabilitation Services
Inclusive Education
Policy Analysis & Research
NGOs & CSR Projects

Key Learning Objectives

Grasp foundational concepts and evolving definitions of disability.
Understand national and international legal frameworks and rights of persons with disabilities.
Explore social, economic, and psychological dimensions of disability.
Engage in community-based learning and assistive technology training.
Analyze disability representations in literature and media.
Develop advocacy and research skills for disability rights and policy development.

How to Apply:

Internship Program

The Dr George Padanilam Center for Disability Studies offers structured internship opportunities exclusively for on-campus social work students of St. Berchmans College (Autonomous), Changanassery. These internships are designed to provide immersive, hands-on experience in the dynamic fields of disability rehabilitation, inclusive education, and applied research. Interns can engage directly with the Center’s interdisciplinary programs and ongoing initiatives, contributing to meaningful community interventions and academic projects related to disability rights and welfare. The internship experience is designed to bridge academic learning with real-world application, preparing students for impactful careers in social work and disability inclusion.

Benefits

Practical exposure to disability-focused interventions and research
Opportunities to assist in organizing national conferences, cultural events, and awareness programs
Interaction with professionals and partner organizations in the disability sector
Certificate of Completion upon successful participation