Context:
On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3rd December), the Government of India launched 16 transformative initiatives to empower Divyangjans (people with disabilities) across the country.
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- These initiatives have been launched by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE).
- These initiatives aim to ensure equal opportunities, accessibility, and empowerment for every Divyangjan.
Key Highlights of Initiatives
- Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan: An online platform for empanelling accessibility auditors to ensure inclusive infrastructure.
- Sugamya Bharat Yatra: In partnership with the Association for Persons with Disabilities, Divyangjans assess public space accessibility using the AI-enabled “Yes to Access” app.
- Pathways to Access – Part 3: A compendium highlighting government resources on employment, financial services, and healthcare for persons with disabilities.
- High-Power Spectacles: Developed by CSIR-CSIO, these glasses enhance optical clarity for individuals with low vision.
- Divyasha E-Coffee Table Book: ALIMCO’s e-book celebrating 50 years of providing assistive devices to Divyangjans.
- Kadam Knee Joint: An innovation by IIT Madras and SBMT, offering improved mobility for individuals.
- Awareness Generation Portal: A digital platform for efficient applications under the Awareness Scheme.
- Accessible Storybooks: 21 accessible books in Braille, audio, and large print launched to support inclusive education.
- Standard Bharti Braille Code: A draft for standardizing Braille scripts in 13 Indian languages for public consultation.
- Braille Books Portal: A new portal for online Braille book submissions.
- MoU with Infosys BPM: A partnership to improve employment opportunities for Divyangjans through the PM DAKSH portal’s Divyangjan Rozgar Setu initiative.
- Employability Skills Book: A book in 11 languages bridging the gap between education and employment for Divyangjans.
- Infosys Springboard Skill Programme: Infosys’s collaboration with Yunikee to help deaf learners develop skills and access freelancing and job opportunities.
- Google Extension for Hearing Impairment: SignUp Media and Yunikee provide accessible sign language communication in media and education for the Deaf community.
- E-Sanidhya Portal: An online service platform to assist individuals with neuro-diversity conditions, especially autism, developed by Tata Power and NIEPID.
- Indian Intelligence Test: An indigenous, culturally relevant intelligence test developed by NIEPID, launched in December 2023.
Other Initiatives of the Government for Divyangjan
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD): To prioritize policy and welfare efforts for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), the Department of Disability Affairs was established under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on May 12, 2012. It was renamed the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities on December 8, 2014.
Accessible India Campaign: Launched on December 3, 2015, the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) aims to ensure universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) by focusing on accessible public spaces, transportation, and information and communication systems.
Deendayal Divyangjan Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS): It is a central sector scheme for providing grants to NGOs for projects that support the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, helping them achieve optimal physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric, or social functioning.
Assistance to Persons with Disabilities for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/ Appliances (ADIP) Scheme: The scheme aims to provide grants to agencies assisting persons with disabilities in acquiring modern aids and appliances to support their rehabilitation, reduce disability impacts, and enhance economic potential.
PM-DAKSH: The PM-DAKSH Yojana is a unified platform for skill development and employment of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) under the National Action Plan by DEPwD. It includes:
- Divyangjan Kaushal Vikas: Provides nationwide skill training for PwDs.
- Divyangjan Rozgar Setu: Connects PwDs with employers, offering geo-tagged job opportunities across India.