Delhi University plans to send 100 disabled students abroad, the first attempt by the varsity to offer international exposure to pupils of the physically handicapped category.

The students, who will be required to understand the academic ethos of the country they visit, can - with the help of accompanying teachers - take advantage of the opportunity to observe the special facilities provided by the universities and authorities there. Their observations will be used to build a model to usher in changes in DU.

"This will serve two purposes. Students will benefit from the exposure that this initiative provides and grow as individuals. Also, the students will understand the societal systems in the country they visit and, based on what they learn and absorb, we can create and implement it here as well," said Dinesh Singh, vice-chancellor, DU.

Varsity officials also held that the finer points of the proposal, such as the basis of selection of students, were being drafted.

"We will form a committee that will work out the modalities. These students will leave by summer for at least two weeks and be accompanied by faculty members. Their expenses will be borne by the university. We are looking at some European nations and the United Kingdom because these countries are easily accessible," Singh added.

While the move is expected to help improve the facilities for disabled students at DU, officials maintain that the tour will give them much-needed exposure.

"There are almost 1,300 disabled students in the university. There are a lot of students among them who are not well-off. For these students, such an opportunity will go a long way in strengthening their careers. If this is a success, we can take it forward in the coming years," said Vipin Tiwari, deputy dean of students' welfare.