Three Landmark Accessibility Initiatives Launched at International Purple Fest to Empower Persons with Disabilities.
Goa:
The International Purple Fest witnessed a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards inclusive and accessible education as three transformative initiatives were launched on the second day of the festival. Spearheaded by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the launches aim to enhance accessibility in listening, reading, and writing for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
The initiatives were unveiled by Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, DEPwD, in the presence of senior officials including Taha Haaziq, Secretary to SCPD, Goa; Richa Shankar, DDG; Praveen Kumar, CMD ALIMCO; Kumar Raju, Director ISLRTC; and others from the department.
1. IELTS Training Handbook for Persons with Disabilities
The first initiative, developed by Believe in the Invisible (BITI) with DEPwD support, is a first-of-its-kind IELTS Training Handbook designed specifically for PwDs. Authored by Anjali Vyas, co-founder of BITI and a British Council–certified IELTS trainer, the handbook addresses challenges faced by individuals with visual, hearing, locomotor, and other disabilities.
The guide functions as both a self-study tool and a trainer’s manual, featuring adapted strategies for the four IELTS modules—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. It includes ISL video links, accessible study resources, time management techniques, grammar and vocabulary support, and customized lesson plans—promoting equity in global English language proficiency tests.
2. RPL Certification for ISL Interpretation – SODA & CODA
The Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) announced the successful completion of its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Certification in ISL Interpretation for Siblings of Deaf Adults (SODA) and Children of Deaf Adults (CODA). Conducted in offline mode from August 11 to 29, 2025, the course saw 17 participants from across India successfully qualify. Their certification ceremony will be held on December 3, 2025, to mark the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
3. Specialized Training in American and British Sign Language
In a move to internationalize sign language training, ISLRTC also announced a Specialized Basic Training Programme in American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL). The month-long course, beginning December 3, 2025, will introduce ISL professionals to ASL and BSL grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, equipping Indian interpreters for global platforms and strengthening cultural exchange with the international deaf community.
These initiatives collectively represent the government’s focused efforts to build a barrier-free, inclusive learning environment, enabling persons with disabilities to gain education, skills, and opportunities on par with their peers globally.