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9 Jan 2026·Source: The Hindu
3 min
Social IssuesSocial IssuesPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Jadavpur University's Braille Game Promotes Disability in Literature

JU develops 'Crip Lit' card game to include disability in literature.

Jadavpur University's Braille Game Promotes Disability in Literature

Photo by Ramona

Jadavpur University's Department of English has developed a Braille game called 'Crip Lit' to bring disability to the center of literary teaching. Funded by the Global Jadavpur University Alumni Foundation, the card game requires players to match authors based on time period, disability, gender, and sexual orientation. The game includes "power cards" featuring queer and transgender disabled figures.

The game aims to challenge ableist literary curricula by including disabled literary figures beyond John Milton and Helen Keller. The cards feature tactile cues like Braille, raised portraits, and color contrast to aid players with visual disabilities.

Key Facts

1.

Game: 'Crip Lit' card game

2.

University: Jadavpur University

3.

Purpose: Promote disability in literature

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: Social Justice - Issues relating to vulnerable sections of the population

2.

GS Paper I: Social empowerment

3.

Potential for questions on inclusive education and accessibility

Visual Insights

Braille Game 'Crip Lit' - Promoting Disability Inclusion in Literature

Mind map illustrating the key aspects of Jadavpur University's 'Crip Lit' game and its connection to social justice and inclusive education.

Crip Lit Game

  • ●Objectives
  • ●Features
  • ●Funding
  • ●Impact
More Information

Background

The history of disability studies as an academic field can be traced back to the late 20th century, emerging from the disability rights movement. This movement, gaining momentum in the 1960s and 70s, challenged societal attitudes and discriminatory practices against people with disabilities. Early scholarship focused on social models of disability, arguing that disability is not solely a medical issue but is constructed by societal barriers and attitudes.

Key figures like Erving Goffman, with his work on stigma, influenced the field. The development of disability studies programs in universities further solidified its place in academia, fostering research and critical analysis of disability in various contexts, including literature, culture, and policy. The field continues to evolve, incorporating intersectional perspectives and challenging traditional notions of normalcy and ability.

Latest Developments

Recent developments in the field of disability studies include a growing emphasis on intersectionality, recognizing the overlapping and interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, gender, and disability. There's also a move towards incorporating lived experiences and perspectives of disabled individuals in research and policy-making. Furthermore, advancements in assistive technology and digital accessibility are shaping discussions around inclusion and participation.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) continues to be a key framework for advocating for disability rights globally. Looking ahead, there's an increasing focus on promoting disability-inclusive development and ensuring that people with disabilities are not left behind in efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the social model of disability: 1. It posits that disability is primarily a medical condition requiring individual treatment. 2. It emphasizes societal barriers and attitudes as the main factors contributing to disability. 3. It advocates for the inclusion and participation of disabled individuals in all aspects of society. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

The social model of disability focuses on societal barriers rather than individual medical conditions. Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.

2. Which of the following international conventions directly addresses the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities?

  • A.Universal Declaration of Human Rights
  • B.International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
  • C.UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
  • D.Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
Show Answer

Answer: C

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is the primary international human rights treaty that specifically addresses the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

3. Consider the following statements regarding the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016: 1. It defines disability based on a medical model, focusing on specific impairments. 2. It mandates reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for persons with disabilities. 3. It provides for the establishment of a National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 mandates reservation and provides for a National Commission, but it does not define disability based on a medical model. It recognizes a broader range of disabilities.

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