Dr. A. Chidambaram is working in the centre for study of social exclusion and inclusive policy at Pondicherry University from 2009 onwards. He has been instrumental in bringing changes in the University’s policies for the empowerment of students with disabilities. His area of specialisation is the field of disability management and social health. He has received the award of “The Satya Award for Excellence” from Satya special school, Puducherry & the Hands foundation in the year 2017 and “Titled Torch Bearer” from IIM Bangalore and Never the Less foundation in the year 2012.
Currently holding the head of the department CSSE&IP of PU, coordinator of Higher Education for Persons with Special Need (HEPSN) Unit of PU and Nodal officer, Barrier free environment and Management cell of PU.
Under the initiative of him since 2010, PU provides free education for persons with disabilities which enhanced the enrollment of students from single digit to triple digit. Because of this effort, MSJE has awarded the “Best Role Model Institute” award to PU. Further, UGC & Tamil Nadu Open University were issued circulars for replicating this initiative in their affiliated Universities and colleges in the year 2011.
Pondicherry University’s library service is made accessible for different types of students with disabilities which is recognized as a model library and invites visitors across the globe for replication in their respective Institutions.
Organized one international conference, 3-national conferences, 2-national seminars, 10-capacity building training programs to disable people organization (DPOs) and non-governmental organization (NGOs). Conducted 162-webinars on every Sunday between 7 to 9.30 pm, addressing the disability related issues in the group as well as writing local and international journals in this regard.
Initiated a new course titled “PG. Diploma in Disability Rehabilitation Management” in the year 2023-24.
Instrumental for signing MoU with Department of DEPWD, MSJE; NIEPMD; and Satya Special School.
As a Vocational Guidance Officer from 2005 to 2009 in the District Disability Rehabilitation Office at Tirunelveli District in Tamil Nadu accomplished the following:
Provided Guidance and counseling for hundreds of persons with disabilities Monitored and Evaluated 5-special schools & 10-Non-Governmental Organisations and enabled the improvement of their services.
Played a significant role in conducting district level disability survey at Tirunelveli District in Tamil Nadu and published the report in the year 2006-07. This path breaking initiative led to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s order to carry out similar surveys in other parts of Tamil Nadu in the year 2008-09
As a part of community initiative; organized a state-level disabled people procession from Mount Road to the Government Guest House in Chennai in 2006, followed by a meeting was also conducted to sensitize government officials & political parties on various issues related to persons with disabilities. As a result, for the first time in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Election, two political parties had given assurances of 2-different schemes for the disabled in their state election manifesto. Those 2-assurances were also implemented subsequently. It influenced various government policies and secured a maintenance grant for severely disabled persons in October 2006. And got enhanced the monthly grant from Rs 200 to Rs 500. Also, the number of persons benefitting from the pension scheme has been increased from 10,400 beneficiaries to 30,000 beneficiaries. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSv-o0IJufQ)
He had a political lobbying with Tamil Nadu Government during the Chief ministership of Dr. J. Jeyalalitha which resulted following outcomes.
On 16th March 2005 state assembly session; 8-Government orders came out
PwDs (324-Persons) were recruited in various government services (Grade A, B, C & D) after lifting of the ban on Govt. recruitments
As a State Coordinator – state facilitating center for Inclusive Education for the Disabled in Action AID India (from 2004 to 2005 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu) accomplished the following:
Capacitated various NGOs as well as trained special educators (teachers) on Inclusive Education and on disability rehabilitation
Strengthened persons with disability groups at block, district and state level
Planning, Monitoring and Evaluating the partner NGOs periodically
Carried out Relief and Rehabilitation work in the Tsunami affected coastal areas
Served as a Trainer of the Trainees on Reproductive Child Health & Capacitated various NGOs on Reproductive Child Health project activities
Monitored and evaluated the partner NGOs working at the grass-root level

Disability rehabilitation and management