Govt to prioritise certification for persons with disabilities as private sector shows interest in employing them

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The government is making efforts to integrate accessibility topics into educational curricula, emphasising the importance of preparing students for an inclusive and diverse workforce, said Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities...

On the sidelines of the Inclusive India Digital First Summit held earlier this month, Aggarwal spoke about the current focus on accessibility, reflecting on past campaigns such as the barrier-free initiative and the Accessible India campaign."Accessibility is not just about ramps; it's a comprehensive effort," he stated, emphasising the need to adapt to an evolving landscape..

Recognising the capabilities of blind individuals, Aggarwal lauded companies like IBM and Microsoft for employing blind coders. "STEM education needs to be tailored to unique needs," he said, showcasing the government's commitment to fostering educational opportunities for all...

Efforts to promote sign language from an early age and address the dropout rate for deaf students highlight the urgency in addressing these unique challenges, he said.. Talking about digital accessibility, Aggarwal highlighted the role of legislation and collaborative engagement..

With only a small portion of India's digital landscape accessible to individuals with disabilities, it becomes essential to explore global models of digital accessibility..