DISHA Foundation Event

UDAAN 2025: "Awareness and Inclusion Program on International Day of Persons with Disabilities”

• To create awareness about the rights, abilities, and potential of persons with disabilities in society.
• To promote inclusion and empathy among physiotherapy students through direct community engagement.
• To sensitize students towards physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities and their functional implications.
• To highlight the role of physiotherapy in improving functional independence and quality of life of persons with disabilities.
• To encourage leadership and self-advocacy among persons with disabilities in alignment with the theme of International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
• To strengthen institutional collaboration between the Department of Physiotherapy and DISHA Foundation.
• To provide experiential learning to students through interaction, observation, and participation in inclusive activities.
• To foster social responsibility and professional ethics among future healthcare professionals.

• PO1 - Recognize the role of Physiotherapy in the context of the health needs of the community and national priorities in the health sector.
• PO2 - Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior appropriate to at least the minimum standard expected for a Physiotherapy graduate.
• PO8 - Communicate effectively across a wide range of professional and personal contexts.
• PO10 - Engage in group activities that contribute to the betterment of society and behave ethically and responsibly in the social environment.

Overview

The Department of Physiotherapy, Jagannath University, in collaboration with the DISHA Foundation, successfully organized “UDAAN 2025” to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The activity was conducted with the aim of fostering inclusion, awareness, empathy, and social responsibility among students while reinforcing the humanitarian role of healthcare professionals in society.

Students from the entire Physiotherapy Department, along with faculty members, actively participated in the program. The event provided a valuable platform for interaction with children and adults with special abilities, enabling students to gain firsthand insight into the physical, sensory, and intellectual challenges faced by persons with disabilities. Various awareness-oriented and inclusive engagement activities highlighted the strengths, abilities, and leadership potential of individuals with disabilities, in alignment with the theme of the day.

Through this outreach initiative, students were sensitized to the functional needs and rehabilitation requirements of persons with disabilities and gained a deeper understanding of the role of physiotherapy in promoting functional independence, participation, and quality of life. The activity also strengthened collaboration between the academic institution and a community-based rehabilitation center, promoting sustainable partnerships.

Overall, UDAAN 2025 served as a meaningful educational and community engagement experience, instilling values of empathy, inclusivity, ethical practice, and professional commitment among future physiotherapists while reinforcing the importance of inclusive and sustainable healthcare practices.

Outcomes

• Students developed increased awareness and sensitivity towards the needs, rights, and abilities of persons with disabilities.
• Enhanced understanding of functional limitations and the role of physiotherapy in rehabilitation and inclusion.
• Improved empathetic communication and professional attitude among physiotherapy students through direct interaction.
• Strengthened practical exposure and experiential learning beyond classroom teaching.
• Promoted a sense of social responsibility and community engagement among students.
• Encouraged inclusive thinking and ethical practice in future healthcare professionals.
• Reinforced institutional collaboration between Jagannath University and DISHA Foundation.
• Contributed to the promotion of an inclusive and sustainable approach to healthcare and education.

Conclusion:

The UDAAN 2025 activity, organized by the Department of Physiotherapy, Jagannath University, in collaboration with the DISHA Foundation, was a meaningful and impactful initiative that successfully fulfilled its objectives of promoting inclusion, awareness, empathy, and social responsibility. The program provided students with valuable experiential learning opportunities, enabling them to understand the multifaceted challenges faced by persons with disabilities and the critical role of physiotherapy in enhancing functional independence and quality of life.

Through active participation and direct interaction with individuals with special abilities, students developed a patient-centered approach, strengthened their communication skills, and gained deeper insight into ethical and inclusive healthcare practices. The activity reinforced the importance of community-based rehabilitation and interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing the needs of persons with disabilities. It also helped bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, preparing students to become more competent, compassionate, and socially responsible physiotherapy professionals.

Overall, UDAAN 2025 stood as a successful example of institutional commitment towards inclusive education and community engagement. The activity not only contributed to student learning and professional development but also strengthened partnerships with community organizations, emphasizing the importance of sustained efforts in promoting equity, dignity, and inclusion in healthcare and society.