The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), marked International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 today with a launch of 16 groundbreaking initiatives to empower Divyangjans across India by Union Minister, Dr. Virendra Kumar, in New Delhi. The event was graced by dignitaries including senior officials, stakeholders, and representatives from the disability sector. The event also featured cultural performances by Divyangjan artists, demonstrating their immense talent and resilience.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Virendra Kumar emphasized, “This momentous occasion reflects our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive society. Through these initiatives, we aim to ensure equal opportunities, accessibility, and empowerment for every Divyangjan. The Department remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the rights and dignity of Divyangjans, driving India closer to achieving a truly inclusive and accessible society.”

Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to creating an inclusive and empowered society for persons with disabilities, Secretary (DEPwD), Shri Rajesh Aggarwal said, “Each step, from advancing accessibility to fostering employability, reflects our resolve to dismantle barriers and open new avenues of opportunities. These initiatives embody the Government's vision of an equitable India, where every individual, regardless of ability, can lead a life of dignity and self-reliance."

Key Highlights of the Initiatives included:

1. 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
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. High-Power Spectacles: Developed by CSIR-CSIO, these glasses cater to individuals with low vision, offering superior optical clarity and improving quality of life.
5. Divyasha E-Coffee Table Book: ALIMCO’s e-book, launched to commemorate its 50-year journey, showcases inspiring stories and achievements in providing assistive devices to Divyangjans.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Accessible Storybooks: In collaboration with NIEPVD and NBT, 21 accessible books in Braille, audio, and large print formats were launched to promote inclusive education.
9. 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.
10. Braille Books Portal: An online submission portal for creating Braille books was unveiled, fostering inclusive education.
11. MoU with Infosys BPM: A significant partnership to enhance employment opportunities for Divyangjans through the PM DAKSH portal’s Divyangjan Rozgar Setu initiative.
12. Employability Skills Book: Released in 11 Indian languages, this book bridges the gap between education and employment for Divyangjans, promoting economic independence.
13. 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
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. Computer-Based Indian Intelligence Test by NIEPID, Secunderabad: NIEPID has developed an indigenous Indian Test of Intelligence, which was inaugurated by the Hon'ble Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar, MSJ&E, on December 11, 2023, in New Delhi. One of the key strengths of the NIEPID Indian Test of Intelligence is its cultural relevance and sensitivity. The data from 4,070 children across different parts of India ensures that the test represents the Indian population accurately.

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