The CHRC-NHRC-IGNOU Linkage Project can be described as one of the first organized initiatives that has laid the foundation for creating a new disability sensitive generation of legal practitioners.
In 2003, the National Human Rights Commission, Canadian Human Rights Commission and Indira Gandhi National Open University launched the NHRC-CHRC-IGNOU Linkage Project with the aim being to increase the capabilities and strengths of both the NHRC & CHRC and their associated partners, to cooperatively address major human rights issues in relation to persons with disabilities. To realize this encompassing objective, a programme to improve technical capabilities and awareness of NHRC staff, legal practitioners, and disability and human rights advocates was prioritized.
A key component of the Project was the 'Training Of Trainers Programme', which has prepared a small cadre of human rights trainers in disability, capable of serving formal and non-formal programmes of legal studies. The Programme was offered in four phases during 2004 - 2005. Phase I included face-to-face training in a participatory mode. In Phase II the participants undertook individual studies using desk search and field investigations. Phase III included a seminar in which participants shared findings of their studies. In Phase IV, the participants facilitated five training workshops or Outreach Training Programmes for a group of law faculties, disability rights and human rights advocates.
Thus Outreach Training Programmes (covering the entire country) were conducted at NUJS in Kolkata from 19 - 21 January 2005, National Law Institute University, Bhopal from 1-3 February 2005, Cochin University of Science and Technology in Ernakulam, Kerala from 10 - 12 February 2005, ILS College, Pune on 19-21 February 2005 and University of Punjab on 23 - 25 March 2005.
The National Conference on Disability, which was held on 23 June 2005 in New Delhi, is a culmination of this project.