India Boosts Accessibility Efforts with New Collaboration
On March 25, 2026, a monumental collaboration to enhance accessibility across India was officially launched in the national capital. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), part of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has renewed its partnership with the Association of People with Disability (APD) through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The agreement was signed by Shri Pradeep A., Director of DEPwD, and Dr. Bhumika Modh, Head of APD, alongside key officials including Ms. Manmeet Kaur Nanda, Additional Secretary of DEPwD, and Shri R.C. Meena, among others. This strengthened partnership aims to transform how accessibility is evaluated and improved nationwide, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and real-time digital solutions.
Empowering Through Technology
The revamped MoU builds upon the foundation of their earlier collaboration, introducing a robust framework for executing accessibility audits of public infrastructures and popular destinations. Central to this initiative is APD’s innovative “Yes to Access” app, which leverages technology to facilitate crowdsourced accessibility assessments. By inviting trained volunteers and community members to contribute to data collection, DEPwD is creating a dynamic, real-time database that prioritizes lived experiences in the planning and policy-making processes.
Mobilizing a Nationwide Network
The initiative envisions mobilizing a vast network of volunteers and field workers tasked with performing systematic audits of frequented public spaces. By using a standardized digital interface, the program will ensure that accessibility data is consistently captured, offering reliability and comparability in its findings. An integrated monitoring system will further provide oversight, facilitating timely interventions and data-driven decisions.
Towards a Collaborative Governance Model
This collaboration represents a pivotal shift toward participatory governance, encouraging citizens to transition from being mere beneficiaries to active contributors in creating an inclusive society. By merging technological advancements with grassroots involvement, the initiative aims to enhance the accessibility landscape in a comprehensive way, tackling both physical and attitudinal barriers that individuals with disabilities often encounter.
Commitment to Inclusivity
Notably, the MoU is a non-financial agreement, highlighting a mutual commitment to a shared vision rather than a transactional relationship. This reflects the Government’s ongoing dedication to fostering impactful partnerships with civil society organizations, thereby accelerating the objectives of the Accessible India Campaign. The renewed collaboration with APD is designed to intensify the efforts towards developing barrier-free environments and embedding accessibility into India’s broader development narrative.
Through this forward-thinking initiative, DEPwD reiterates its commitment to establishing an inclusive society where individuals with disabilities can navigate public spaces with dignity, independence, and equal opportunity, inviting citizens to partake in this transformative journey.
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