The second day of the International Purple Fest in Goa marked a significant milestone in promoting accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities. Three groundbreaking initiatives were unveiled by Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, in the presence of dignitaries including Shri Taha Haaziq, Secretary to SCPD, Goa, Mrs. Richa Shankar, DDG, Shri Praveen Kumar, CMD, ALIMCO, Shri Kumar Raju, Director, Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), and other key officials. These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to fostering a barrier-free learning ecosystem and empowering persons with disabilities (PwDs) to excel in global education and professional arenas.
IELTS Training Handbook for Inclusive Education
The first initiative, the IELTS Training Handbook for Persons with Disabilities, was developed by Believe in the Invisible (BITI) with support from DEPwD. Authored by Anjali Vyas, a British Council–certified IELTS Trainer and BITI Co-Founder, this pioneering handbook is designed to make IELTS preparation accessible and learner-friendly for PwDs. It serves as both a self-study guide for learners and a teaching manual for trainers, addressing challenges faced by individuals with visual, hearing, locomotor, and other disabilities.
Key Features of the Handbook
- Step-by-step instructions for the four IELTS modules: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
- Accessible practice materials tailored to various difficulty levels.
- Reasonable accommodation guidelines and adapted teaching strategies.
- Skill-building activities, lesson plans, and exam preparation techniques.
- Time management guidance, grammar, and vocabulary support.
- Indian Sign Language (ISL) video links and accessible study resources.
This handbook aligns with BITI’s mission to promote visibility for invisible disabilities and ensure universal accessibility in education, marking a significant step toward inclusive global language proficiency training.
ISLRTC’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Certification
The Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), New Delhi, launched the second initiative under DEPwD’s Skill Training Initiative. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – Certification in ISL Interpretation (CISLI) was conducted offline from August 11 to August 29, 2025, at ISLRTC. This program targeted SODA (Siblings of Deaf Adults) and CODA (Children of Deaf Adults), with 17 candidates from across India successfully completing the course. Grades were awarded based on performance, and the Certificate Distribution Ceremony is scheduled for December 3, 2025, coinciding with the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
Specialized Training in American and British Sign Language
The third initiative by ISLRTC is a Specialized Basic Training Programme on American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL). This one-month physical training program, commencing on December 3, 2025, at ISLRTC, New Delhi, aims to equip ISL professionals with foundational knowledge of ASL and BSL. The program covers grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, enhancing professional opportunities for Indian interpreters in international forums. It also promotes Indian culture and heritage to international deaf communities, strengthening ISLRTC’s global outreach.
A Unified Vision for Inclusion
These initiatives collectively reflect a commitment to creating accessible, inclusive, and empowering pathways for persons with disabilities. By addressing barriers in education and communication, the International Purple Fest 2025 has set a precedent for fostering equal opportunities and global participation for PwDs.