Policy and Employment Initiatives for Persons with Disabilities: 2024 Highlights.
“The government has taken several steps for the betterment of persons with disabilities. In this article, we will discuss the key initiatives and advancements the government has made for persons with disabilities in 2024.”
From groundbreaking accessibility initiatives to empowering skill development, the focus has been on breaking barriers and ensuring equal opportunities.
1. Accessibility and Information: Breaking Barriers
National Helpline for Divyangjan (14456):
A single helpline number was launched to provide a user-friendly platform for persons with disabilities to access assistance easily and quickly.
24/7 Disability Information Line (1800222014):
India’s first cloud-based IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System) now operates 24/7 to provide information on 21 recognized disabilities.
This toll-free service ensures that Divyangjan and their families always have access to reliable information and resources.
Indian Sign Language (ISL) Expansion:
- ISL Dictionary: Expanded with 2,500 new terms to cover subjects like mathematics, science, sports, and higher education.
- Regional Languages: ISL dictionary made available in 10 regional languages, ensuring better reach across the country.
- Educational Support:
- 100 concept videos were developed for hearing-impaired students, offering visually rich ISL explanations to improve learning outcomes.
- Subtitles and graphics were added to make these videos more inclusive.
Accessibility Guidelines for Skill Training:
Comprehensive standards were introduced for making physical and digital training infrastructure inclusive.
These guidelines ensure that training institutions adopt universal design principles to accommodate persons with disabilities.
Accessible Documents for the Visually Impaired:
A collaboration with the National Association for the Blind (NAB) digitized 10,000+ government documents,
making key schemes, policies, and reliefs accessible.
Tech-Driven Solutions:
MoUs were signed with startups like Vision Divyang Foundation to use AI tools for guiding persons with disabilities on eligibility for government schemes.
2. Skill Development and Employment: Building Futures
Employability Skills Training:
A 70-hour interactive course was developed in collaboration with Enable India to enhance job readiness among persons with disabilities.
Training of Trainers (ToT):
To ensure effective delivery of training, multiple ToT programs were conducted across the country,
creating a network of well-trained trainers equipped to mentor persons with disabilities.
Industry Partnerships for Employment:
- MoUs with Industry Leaders:
- Collaborations with the National HRD Network and Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI) focused on providing job placements with minimum wage compliance and vocational training.
- Startups and organizations were engaged in developing assistive technologies and offering employment opportunities.
- Specialized Training for the Deaf Community: A partnership with YUNIKEE aimed at providing free and accessible skills training, helping individuals achieve career advancement.
Purple Talks:
A series of sessions hosted by DEPwD connected startups, national institutions, and rehabilitation centers to create innovative solutions for Divyangjan.
3. Infrastructure and Rehabilitation: Building Stronger Foundations
District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRCs):
35 new DDRCs were established to improve access to rehabilitation services across the country.
Major Projects Launched:
Over ₹100 crore worth of projects were inaugurated to enhance rehabilitation facilities and assistive technology development.
Assistive Technology Collaboration:
An MoU between CSIR-CSIO and ALIMCO aimed at designing and manufacturing cutting-edge assistive technology, ensuring better support for persons with disabilities.
4. Celebrating Diversity and Promoting Awareness
Purple Fest 2024:
A landmark event held at Rashtrapati Bhawan brought together 10,000+ Divyangjan and their escorts. Highlights included:
- Launch of the India Neurodiversity Platform.
- Release of a handbook on disability-sensitive language.
Divya Kala Mela:
A series of fairs across cities like Delhi, Pune, and Ranchi showcased the talent of over 1,000 artisans and entrepreneurs. Key achievements include:
- Record-breaking sales of ₹3.5 crores in the New Delhi edition.
- Parallel events such as loan melas, job fairs, and cultural performances created opportunities for employment and financial support.
Yoga for All:
On International Yoga Day, 10,000 Divyangjan participated in mass yoga sessions, promoting health and well-being.
5. Policy Advancements and Legal Updates
Government Job Reservation Guidelines:
New rules for identifying posts for persons with benchmark disabilities and ensuring their reservation in Central Government jobs were introduced.
Legal Accessibility:
Summaries of key judgements, government orders, and circulars were published, making them more accessible to persons with disabilities.
Accessible Architecture:
A collaboration with the Council of Architecture (COA) led to the inclusion of accessibility modules in the Bachelor of Architecture curriculum, ensuring future architects design with inclusivity in mind.
6. Key Observances and Awareness Campaigns
Year-Round Observances:
DEPwD marked significant days to promote awareness and inclusivity, including:
- World Autism Awareness Day (2nd April) to foster acceptance and understanding.
- International Day of Sign Language (23rd September) celebrated through campaigns, ISL courses, and quizzes.
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3rd December): National Awards were presented to 33 individuals and organizations for their contributions to empowering Divyangjan.
2024: A Milestone Year for Inclusion
This year saw remarkable progress in accessibility, skill development, and infrastructure for Divyangjan. With a focus on innovation, awareness, and collaboration,
the Government is paving the way for a more inclusive future where persons with disabilities can thrive as equal members of society.