The Centre for Disability Research, Education and Practice (CEDREP) of the Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo, is established with the aim of promoting and providing academic leadership in the fields of disability research, education and practice for national and international agencies and organizations concerned about people with disabilities and their families. The Centre draws together accumulated knowledge and expertise of the academic staff of the University of Colombo and other partners to be an active partner in national disability policy and strategy formulation to create a culture of inclusion.
The Vision and Mission of CEDREP are as follows:
Vision
To be a focal point in providing academic leadership in the pursuit, demonstration and dissemination of studies and practices in disability for the enrichment of the lives of persons with disabilities within a culture of inclusion.
Mission
To promote an inclusive university experience for students and staff with disabilities in a vibrant academic environment by promoting disability studies at both undergraduate and post graduate levels and support through research and evaluation to develop and implement national evidence-based practice in disability work carried out by Government, the corporate sector, civil society and communities including persons with disabilities themselves with the aim of promoting a culture of inclusion.
The Aims and Objectives of CEDREP are as follows:
Aims
The Centre shall strive, through the use of accumulated knowledge and expertise of the University of Colombo and other partners, to promote and provide the academic leadership in the fields of disability research, education and practice for national and international agencies and organizations concerned about people with disabilities and their families.
Objectives
- To enhance the status of the university as an active partner in national disability policy and strategy formulation
- To initiate research that will develop and sustain evidence-based practices in the field of disability
- To strengthen contributions to the further development of disability education
- To establish and strengthen collaborative and link programmes with other institutes of higher learning to promote resolution of disability issues
- To promote partnerships with global higher educational institutes and centres for disability
- To do anything which is incidental to or which furthers any of these objectives and the purpose of the centre.
- To ensure that teaching, learning and assessment address the multiple needs of students with disabilities