On the occasion of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), the Inclusive India Summit was held on May 15, 2025, at the India International Centre, New Delhi. Organized by Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the summit aimed to promote inclusive development and digital accessibility for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan).
Key Highlights
About Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD):
- Observed on: Third Thursday of May (May 15 in 2025)
- Purpose: To raise global awareness on digital access and inclusion for persons with disabilities.
Theme of Summit:
- Promotion of inclusive technology, public infrastructure, and accessibility in governance.
Organisers & Collaborators:
- DEPwD, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
- SBI Foundation
- National Association for the Blind (NAB), Delhi
- Association of People with Disability (APD)
- Mission Accessibility (Dhananjay Sanjogta Foundation)
Mode of Event:
- Conducted in hybrid format (in-person + virtual)
Major Announcements & Initiatives:
AI-enabled Chatbot Demonstration:
- Developed in collaboration with Sarvam AI
- Platform: Voice and WhatsApp-based
- Purpose: Provide easy access to disability-related schemes and initiatives
MoUs Signed by DEPwD at Summit:
| Organization | Objective |
| I for Humanity Foundation | To develop an accessible built environment and transportation system. Includes creation of an Accessibility Index, toolkit, and checklist to audit public buildings. |
| Nipman Foundation & Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) | Promote innovation and rights awareness. Includes organizing hackathons, national competitions, and Equal Opportunity Awards to reward inclusive efforts. |
| Ramp My City Foundation | Focus on barrier-free public infrastructure, covering healthcare centres, tourist destinations, and government buildings. |
Significance of Summit:
- Emphasizes “Accessible India, Inclusive India” vision
- Promotes a whole-of-society approach involving public and private sectors
- Boosts public-private partnerships for empowering persons with disabilities
Relevant Government Initiatives:
- Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) – Launched in 2015 to make buildings, transportation systems, and ICT services accessible for PwDs.
- Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 – Provides legal framework for inclusion, equality, and non-discrimination.