About the fellowship:

This Policy Research Fellowship is a one-year, full time fellowship jointly implemented by The Association of People with Disability (APD) and Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (Divyangjan), Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD).

Policy research on persons with disability involves studying how laws, government schemes and institutional practices affect PwD’s access to rights and services, then producing evidence-based recommendations to make policies more inclusive. This could mean researching a specific issue, for example, "Access to Legal Interpretation Services for Deaf Persons in Indian Courts" by reviewing existing legal provisions, interviewing Deaf individuals and court officials about real barriers they face, comparing India's practices with international standards like the UNCRPD, and producing a policy brief with concrete recommendations (such as mandating certified sign language interpreters in courts). Such research directly feeds into advocacy,



giving organizations like APD and AYJNISHD evidence-based tools to push for policy change, funding shifts, or new guidelines. It aims to support emerging researchers in conducting such policy-relevant research on issues affecting persons with hearing, language and speech disabilities while building their skills in research, advocacy, and leadership.

Themes:
1. Policy Implementation and Governance

2. Access to Quality Services and Rehabilitation

3. Inclusive Education, Employment and Social Protection

4. Technology, Innovation and Digital Inclusion

5. Community Participation, Rights and Advocacy

6. Evidence Generation for Policy and Systems Strengthening

Structure:
The fellowship will run for one year in a full-time hybrid mode, with field-based research across different regions of India. Fellows will be supported by dedicated mentors from AYJNISHD and APD, who will provide technical guidance throughout the programme.

The f

📌 Policy Research Fellow (Bengaluru)
🏢 The Association of People With Disability
📍 Bengaluru