About the Association of People with Disability (APD)
Established in 1959, the Association of People with Disability (APD) is one of India's leading
not-for-profit organisations dedicated to empowering persons with disabilities to lead lives
of dignity, independence and inclusion.
Through an integrated life-cycle approach, APD delivers programmes across Early
Intervention, Inclusive Education, Rehabilitation, Livelihoods, Community Mental Health,
Assistive Technology, Research, Advocacy and Capacity Building, impacting over 115,000
individuals annually. With over six decades of experience, APD is recognised for its
commitment to innovation, quality and sustainable social impact.
As APD looks to the future, strengthening academic excellence has become a strategic
priority to enhance educational quality, build professional capability, advance research and
contribute to the continued growth of the disability sector.
Position Purpose
The Director – Academic Excellence provides strategic leadership to APD's academic
portfolio, comprising the SIS School and the Institute of Disability, Rehabilitation & Research
(IDRR).
The role is responsible for strengthening academic quality, educational innovation,
institutional capability, faculty development and strategic partnerships while positioning
APD as a recognised leader in disability education, rehabilitation and professional learning.
As a member of the senior leadership team, the Director will work collaboratively across
programmes and functions to ensure that APD's academic institutions continue to deliver
excellence, foster innovation and contribute meaningfully to the organisation's mission and
long-term strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities
1. Academic Leadership
Provide strategic leadership to the SIS School and IDRR, ensuring academic
excellence across both institutions.
Develop and implement the long-term academic strategy aligned with APD's
organisational vision and strategic priorities.
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
2. SIS School Leadership
Strengthen educational quality, curriculum delivery and student outcomes.
Promote holistic, learner-centred approaches that integrate education, therapy and
family engagement.
Enhance the School's reputation as a recognised centre for excellence in special and
inclusive education.
3. Institute of Disability, Rehabilitation & Research (IDRR)
Provide strategic direction for academic programmes, Continuing Rehabilitation
Education (CRE), clinical education and professional development.
Expand academic offerings and strengthen collaborations with universities, colleges
and professional institutions.
Promote excellence in rehabilitation education and professional learning.
4. Research & Innovation
Foster a culture of applied research, innovation and evidence-based practice.
Encourage publications, academic collaborations and knowledge dissemination.
Strengthen APD's contribution to disability research and professional practice.
5. Faculty & People Development
Build and mentor a high-performing academic leadership team.
Promote faculty development, succession planning and continuous professional
learning.
Create an environment where educators, therapists and researchers are empowered
to excel.
6. Strategic Partnerships
Build and strengthen partnerships with universities, the Rehabilitation Council of
India, government agencies, healthcare institutions and national and international
organisations.
Represent APD at academic, professional and sector forums.
7. Governance & Quality
Strengthen academic governance, quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
Establish systems that promote continuous improvement, accountability and
educational excellence.
Ensure compliance with all relevant statutory and accreditation requirements.
8. Organisational Leadership
Contribute as a member of APD's senior leadership team.
Promote collaboration across programmes and functions.
Support organisational initiatives that strengthen APD's mission, culture and long-
term sustainability.
