Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) set up the National Centre for Disability Studies during the 10th plan period, that is operational since November 2006. In order to achieve the goal of Universalisation of education (i.e., teaching, training, research, extension and good governance), the National Centre for Disability Studies (NCDS) was established to undertake plethora of academic, research, extension and awareness activities for human resource development to empower the persons with disabilities and create a society that is friendly for them.
National Centre for Disability Studies acts as Nodal Agency and the first National Centre on Disability Studies under open and distance learning system. The centre is mandated to design develop and implement educational, vocational and awareness programmes in disability for the service providers, who are working for the care and cause of children/persons with disabilities for their rehabilitation and mainstreaming in the society. Its vision is to develop human resources in various fields and areas of disability for creating a sustainable friendly society for person with disabilities.