In News:

• The International Purple Fest 2025, held in Goa reaffirmed India’s commitment to disability inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment.
• Organized by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) in partnership with the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, and United Nations India, the Fest promoted the vision of “Inclusion as a Movement.”
• The event positioned inclusive thinking and universal design as the foundation for education, skilling, and social participation of persons with disabilities (PwDs).

Key Initiatives Launched

1. IELTS Training Handbook for Persons with Disabilities

• Developed by Believe in the Invisible (BITI) with DEPwD support
• Authored by Anjali Vyas, British Council-certified trainer
• India’s first comprehensive accessible IELTS guide for candidates with visual, hearing, locomotor, and other disabilities
• Features:
  • Step-by-step learning modules, skill-building tools, and lesson plans
  • Accessible practice exercises, time-management support, grammar and vocabulary tips
  • Integrated Indian Sign Language (ISL) video links
• Objective: Promote equitable access to global education and skill mobility

2. RPL Certification in ISL Interpretation

• Conducted by Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) under the Skill Training Initiative of DEPwD
• Trained and evaluated SODA (Siblings of Deaf Adults) and CODA (Children of Deaf Adults) from across India
• First batch completed in August 2025, certificates to be awarded on 3 December 2025 (International Day of PwDs)
• Significance: Expands India’s certified ISL interpreter pool and formalizes community-based linguistic skills

3. Specialized Training in American & British Sign Languages

• One-month programme by ISLRTC commencing 3 December 2025
• Focus: Fundamentals of American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) — grammar, syntax, vocabulary
• Aim: Provide international exposure to Indian ISL professionals and enhance global employment opportunities

Significance

• Strengthens the National Education Policy’s inclusion mandate
• Builds skilled interpreters to meet growing demand in education, healthcare, public services, and courts
• Promotes disability-inclusive skilling aligned with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
• Enhances India’s visibility in global disability rights discourse