‘Inclusive India Summit’ Scheduled for Global Accessibility Awareness Day
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) is set to host the ‘Inclusive India Summit’ on May 15, 2025, coinciding with Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). This summit aims to enhance awareness about digital access and inclusion for individuals with disabilities worldwide. The event will take place in a hybrid format at the India International Centre in New Delhi, featuring both in-person and virtual participation.
Summit Objectives and Partnerships
The primary goal of the Inclusive India Summit is to foster inclusive development and improve digital accessibility across India. The event seeks to strengthen collaboration among various stakeholders, including government bodies, industry leaders, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and the Divyang community. By bringing these groups together, the summit aims to create equal opportunities and accessible environments for persons with disabilities. The event is organized in partnership with the SBI Foundation, the National Association for the Blind (NAB), the Association of People with Disability (APD), and Mission Accessibility (Dhananjay Sanjogta Foundation).
Key Highlights and Discussions
Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of DEPwD, will serve as the Chief Guest at the summit. A significant feature of the event will be a panel discussion focused on digital accessibility. Experts will share insights and practical measures to enhance the inclusivity of technologies and products for persons with disabilities. This discussion aims to address the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing digital resources and to propose actionable solutions.
Memoranda of Understanding and Reports
During the summit, DEPwD plans to sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several organizations, including I for Humanity Foundation, Nipman Foundation, Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC), and RampMyCity Foundation. Additionally, Mission Accessibility will unveil its annual Accessibility Report Card, which will provide an overview of the current state of accessibility across the nation. An AI-enabled chatbot will also be introduced to assist individuals with departmental schemes, further enhancing support for persons with disabilities.
Educational Initiatives and Future Steps
The event will showcase a draft curriculum designed to integrate digital accessibility guidelines into computer science and design courses. This curriculum has been developed through a national consultative process led by the Association of People with Disability (APD). The Inclusive India Summit represents a crucial initiative aimed at promoting inclusivity and ensuring that the digital landscape is accessible to everyone, marking a significant step toward a more inclusive society.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn
