India launches 3 new initiatives to make learning more inclusive for persons with disabilities

New Delhi, Oct 12: On the second day of the International Purple Fest, three landmark initiatives were launched to improve accessibility in listening, reading and writing for persons with disabilities, marking a major step toward inclusive education and skill development.

The launches were led by Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Government of India, in the presence of senior officials and representatives from partner institutions.

The first initiative – the IELTS Training Handbook for Persons with Disabilities - developed by Believe in the Invisible (BITI) with support from DEPwD, is a first-of-its-kind resource designed to make IELTS preparation accessible and learner-friendly for persons with visual, hearing, locomotor and other disabilities.

It serves as both a self-study guide and a trainer’s manual, featuring adapted strategies, accessible materials, and Indian Sign Language (ISL) video links.

The second initiative, introduced by the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), focused on skill certification for sign language interpreters.

Under DEPwD’s Skill Training Initiative, ISLRTC successfully conducted the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certification course for siblings and children of deaf adults, with the first certificate distribution ceremony scheduled for December 3, 2025.

ISLRTC also announced a new Specialised Basic Training Programme on American and British Sign Languages to begin in December 2025, aimed at giving Indian Sign Language professionals global exposure and strengthening career opportunities in international forums.

Together, these three initiatives highlight the government’s commitment to creating a barrier-free, inclusive learning environment that empowers persons with disabilities to learn, communicate and thrive - both in India and globally.