M.A. in Disability Studies and Action

The TISS has been a pioneer in social work education and practice and has, over the years, responded to the needs of the poor, the marginalised and the disadvantaged in society. In response to this demand and the emerging concerns in the era of globalisation, an M.A. in Disability Studies and Action has been developed and offered. The first of its kind in the country, this programme is designed to equip students with sound theoretical knowledge about issues and concerns of persons with disability and all stakeholders, and to help students to develop skills and insights into working with, through and for people with disability at the individual, group and community levels and their representatives, stakeholders and network with other groups and professionals working on similar issues. The TISS has sought recognition for this programme from the Rehabilitation Council of India. This programme consists of classroom work, which includes lectures, discussions, student presentations, and seminar discussions with experts on disability issues, observation study of disability-related organisations and related activities. Field work and rural practicum under supervision provides opportunities to develop practical skills in social work. All students of the programme are expected to conduct a research project as a compulsory requirement for the M.A. Degree. Thus, at the end of two years, the M.A. in Disability Studies and Action graduate is equipped with a range of competencies to work with all groups of persons with disability and other stakeholders in social work and allied fields, at the practice, training, policy and advocacy levels. The research project is a compulsory part requirement for the degree and carries 6 credits. A 2 credit workshop on qualitative and quantitative research will be offered to the students in the Semester III to further strengthen their research capacity. Field work will be concurrent for both the years. The 3-week rural practicum will be a graded activity carrying one credit as community-based rehabilitation, especially in rural India, is an important rehabilitation programme. Students who graduate from this programme may work as Rehabilitation Social Workers in non-governmental, inter-governmental and governmental organisations, working at micro, meso and macro levels at local, regional, national and international sites of practice. The programme equips its graduates to work in various settings, including disability settings, rehabilitation settings, clinical settings such as hospitals, clinics, early detection intervention centres, and inclusive settings such as educational, health, community, employment and development settings; at the levels of prevention, promotion, treatment and rehabilitation. They may also work at the policy level that contributes to the disability rights movement, disability networks, associations and alliances; and engage in field-based research concerning disability.

Selection Procedure:

1. Academic Background (30 Marks): Marks are awarded to each applicant on the basis of the overall percentage of marks secured in the Bachelor's Degree. High academic achievement is not the only criterion on which the candidate will be selected.
2. Essay/Written Test (70 Marks): The candidates are expected to write an essay in order to assess the candidate's general awareness/knowledge about current/contemporary issues.
3. Personal Interview (100 Marks): The candidate is also expected to be acquainted with the programme for which he/she has applied for, as questions may be asked on the topic during the PI. Candidates will be assessed for knowledge and sensitivity towards persons with disability and issues related to the field. To become eligible for the Personal Interview, candidates should obtain a minimum of 55% marks in the Essay/Written Test (45% for SC and ST candidates).