Empowerment Initiatives for Persons with Disabilities

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 was marked by the launch of 16 initiatives aimed at empowering Divyangjans in India. The event, led by Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar, showcased the government’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. Cultural performances by Divyangjan artists brought into light their talent and resilience. The initiatives reflect a broader vision of an equitable society where individuals, regardless of ability, can thrive.

Key Initiatives Launched

The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan is an online platform for accessibility auditors. It aims to enhance infrastructure inclusivity. The Sugamya Bharat Yatra encourages Divyangjans to assess public space accessibility using the AI-enabled “Yes to Access” app. This initiative promotes active participation and feedback from the disability community. The Pathways to Access – Part 3 Compendium provides essential government documents on employment and healthcare for persons with disabilities. This resource empowers individuals with knowledge and access to opportunities. High-Power Spectacles, developed by CSIR-CSIO, offer low-vision individuals enhanced optical clarity. The Divyasha E-Coffee Table Book celebrates ALIMCO’s 50-year journey in providing assistive devices. The Kadam Knee Joint, created by IIT Madras, improves mobility for users. The Awareness Generation and Publicity Portal streamlines applications for awareness initiatives, promoting transparency.

Accessible Education and Employment Opportunities

Twenty-one accessible storybooks in Braille and large print were launched to support inclusive education. The Standard Bharti Braille Code aims to standardise Braille scripts in 13 Indian languages. An online portal for Braille book submissions encourages further educational inclusivity. A memorandum of understanding with Infosys BPM enhances employment opportunities through the PM DAKSH portal. The Employability Skills Book, released in 11 languages, bridges education and employment gaps for Divyangjans. The Infosys Springboard Skill Programme empowers young deaf learners with marketable skills.

Technological Innovations for Inclusivity

The Google Extension for Persons with Hearing Impairment improves access to sign language in media. This initiative ensures that the Deaf community has resources for education and entertainment. The E-Sanidhya Portal assists individuals with neuro-diversity conditions, particularly autism, providing vital support services. The Computer-Based Indian Intelligence Test, developed by NIEPID, offers a culturally relevant assessment tool. This indigenous test reflects the diverse Indian population, ensuring accurate representation in intelligence evaluation.

Stricter Accessibility Norms

The government is drafting stricter “non-negotiable” accessibility standards. These rules will enforce compliance with accessibility requirements. Larger fines and penalties will be imposed for non-compliance. Completion certificates for buildings may be withheld if standards are not met. This initiative aims to create a barrier-free environment across India.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the role of technology in enhancing accessibility for persons with disabilities in India.
2. Discuss the significance of the Sugamya Bharat Yatra in promoting awareness and accessibility for Divyangjans.
3. Analyse the impact of the E-Sanidhya Portal on the lives of individuals with neuro-diversity conditions.
4. Critically discuss the importance of standardising Braille scripts in promoting inclusive education for visually impaired individuals.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the role of technology in enhancing accessibility for persons with disabilities in India.

1. Technology facilitates the development of assistive devices like High-Power Spectacles and Kadam Knee Joint, improving mobility and vision.
2. AI-enabled applications, such as “Yes to Access,” empower Divyangjans to assess and provide feedback on public space accessibility.
3. Digital platforms like the Awareness Generation and Publicity Portal streamline access to resources and initiatives for persons with disabilities.
4. Innovations like Google Extension for Persons with Hearing Impairment ensure access to sign language in media, enhancing communication.
5. Computer-based assessments, such as the Indian Intelligence Test, provide culturally relevant tools for evaluating individuals with disabilities.

2. Discuss the significance of the Sugamya Bharat Yatra in promoting awareness and accessibility for Divyangjans.

1. Sugamya Bharat Yatra encourages Divyangjans to actively participate in assessing public space accessibility, encouraging community engagement.
2. The initiative aims to raise awareness about accessibility issues faced by persons with disabilities in various public establishments.
3. Feedback collected during the yatra can inform policy changes and improvements in infrastructure and services.
4. Partnership with organizations like the Association for Persons with Disabilities enhances credibility and outreach of the initiative.
5. It serves as a platform to highlight the resilience and capabilities of Divyangjans, promoting a more inclusive society.

3. Analyse the impact of the E-Sanidhya Portal on the lives of individuals with neuro-diversity conditions.

1. The E-Sanidhya Portal provides tailored support services for individuals with neuro-diversity conditions, particularly those with autism.
2. It offers both online and offline resources, ensuring accessibility for a diverse range of users.
3. The platform facilitates connections between individuals and support networks, enhancing community engagement.
4. It aims to empower users with resources that promote skill development and independence.
5. By addressing specific needs, the portal contributes to the overall well-being and integration of individuals with neuro-diversity conditions into society.

4. Critically discuss the importance of standardising Braille scripts in promoting inclusive education for visually impaired individuals.

1. Standardising Braille scripts ensures consistency in learning materials across different educational institutions, enhancing literacy.
2. A unified Braille code in 13 Indian languages promotes inclusivity and accessibility in education for visually impaired students.
3. Standardisation facilitates the creation of more educational resources, such as accessible storybooks, for diverse learners.
4. It helps in aligning with Unicode standards, ensuring compatibility with digital platforms and technologies.
5. By reducing confusion and improving communication, standardised Braille scripts enhance the overall educational experience for visually impaired individuals.