On the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024, Union Minister Virendra Kumar launched 16 groundbreaking initiatives aimed at empowering Divyangjans (persons with disabilities) across India. These initiatives were described as pivotal steps in creating an inclusive society with equal opportunities and accessibility for persons with disabilities (PwDs).
Minister Kumar emphasised that these measures reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring empowerment and equal opportunities for every Divyangjan, thereby fostering a society where individuals of all abilities can lead dignified, independent lives.
Among the key initiatives launched was the Key Highlights of the Initiatives included:
Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan: An online platform for empanelment of accessibility auditors for built environments was introduced, reflecting the government’s commitment to creating inclusive infrastructure.
Sugamya Bharat Yatra: A unique initiative in partnership with the Association for Persons with Disabilities, where Divyangjans will assess the accessibility of public spaces using the AI-enabled “Yes to Access” app.
Pathways to Access – Part 3 Compendium: The third installment of the series highlights key government documents on employment, financial services, and healthcare for persons with disabilities, empowering them with knowledge and access to resources.
High-Power Spectacles: Developed by CSIR-CSIO, these glasses cater to individuals with low vision, offering superior optical clarity and improving quality of life.
Kadam Knee Joint: An indigenous innovation developed by IIT Madras and SBMT, offering enhanced mobility and durability, launched as a major leap in assistive technology.
Awareness Generation and Publicity Portal: A digital platform for seamless application under the Awareness Generation and Publicity Scheme was inaugurated to enhance transparency and efficiency.
Accessible Storybooks: In collaboration with NIEPVD and NBT, 21 accessible books in Braille, audio, and large print formats were launched to promote inclusive education.
Standard Bharti Braille Code: A draft for standardized Braille scripts in 13 Indian languages was introduced for public consultation, ensuring consistency and compatibility with Unicode standards.
Braille Books Portal: An online submission portal for creating Braille books was unveiled, fostering inclusive education.
MoU with Infosys BPM: A significant partnership to enhance employment opportunities for Divyangjans through the PM DAKSH portal’s Divyangjan Rozgar Setu initiative.
Employability Skills Book: Released in 11 Indian languages, this book bridges the gap between education and employment for Divyangjans, promoting economic independence.
Infosys Springboard Skill Programme: Infosys Springboard recently collaborated with Yunikee to help deaf learners across India. The courses offered through Yunikee channel on Infosys Springboard empower millions of young deaf learners to develop skills across various fields and acquire marketable abilities. Once learners have mastered these skills and obtained certification, they will be well-prepared to explore freelancing opportunities and apply for job positions.
They can also choose to start their own small businesses, improve their performance in current roles, or effectively prepare for government job examinations. Through this collaboration, the goal is to empower 10,000 learners in the next one year
Google Extension for Persons with Hearing Impairment: SignUp Media and Yunikee are partnering to provide the most robust, reliable, accessible source of sign language communication in entertainment, information and educational media for the Deaf community in India. Through this technology, the deaf community in India will have broad access to entertainment and other video content leading to the goal of having a level playing field for all and equal opportunity to contribute to the country’s growth. For the first time, the Deaf Community will have its primary language available in media & education across the country.
E-Sanidhya Portal by Tata Power Community Development Trust and NIEPID, Secunderabad. The Tata E-Sanidhya Neuro-Diversity Platform is a specialized online and offline (digital) service designed to assist individuals with neuro-diversity conditions, particularly those affected by autism. This platform has been developed by Tata Power Community Development Trust in collaboration with the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), under DEPwD.
