The Gandhigram Rural Institute – Deemed University is one of the ten institutions chosen at the national level by UGC under the ninth plan to implement the Scheme for Higher Education for Persons (Disabled) With SpecialNeeds (HEPSN) in order to provide special assistance to disabled students to facilitate better accessibility in higher education system. This scheme is in operation at Gandhigram Rural Institute – Deemed University since April 2001. Under this HEPSN, Our University has organized more than 100 different flagship activities such as student/support group counseling, Soft skills training, technical skills training, entrepreneurship training, communication skills training, Emotional Intelligence enhancement workshop, etc.

The HEPSN cell is also facilitating the disabled students of our University to get various scholarships particularly from NHFDC –Trust Fund Scheme. Through HEPSN, many of our disabled students have got employment in various private sectors. Towards the isabled friendly campus mission, our institute superstructure has been modified architecturally barrier-free mode such as ramps and slopes, handrails to all buildings, special toilets, lowered washbasins, etc. to ensure disabled friendly campus.

On an average about 25 to 30 students both boys and girls, pursue their higher education at the Gandhigram Rural Institute-Deemed University from Diploma to Doctoral programme. Currently during the academic year 2015-2016,there are about 21 special needs students (12 boys and 9 girls) enrolled with the HEPSN, GRI.