‘Inclusive India Summit 2025’ Marks Global Accessibility Awareness Day

On May 15, 2025, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, will organize the ‘Inclusive India Summit’ in New Delhi to mark Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). The summit seeks to strengthen the nation’s commitment to digital accessibility and inclusive development for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities). Held in a hybrid format, the summit will serve as a platform to unite key stakeholders from various sectors to foster equal digital participation for all.

Why in News?

The Inclusive India Summit 2025 is being organized to commemorate Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), observed on the third Thursday of May annually. The event underscores India’s ongoing efforts to promote digital inclusion and accessible infrastructure for persons with disabilities through collaborative partnerships and technology-driven initiatives.

Aim and Objectives

• Promote inclusive development in India.
• Enhance digital accessibility for persons with disabilities.
• Strengthen collaboration among government, industry, academia, civil society, and the Divyang community.
• Raise awareness about the significance of digital equity.

Key Highlights of the Summit

• Held in hybrid mode at India International Centre, New Delhi.

Organized by DEPwD in partnership with,

• SBI Foundation
• National Association for the Blind (NAB), New Delhi
• Association of People with Disability (APD)
• Mission Accessibility (Dhananjay Sanjogta Foundation)

Key Events and Features

• Chief Guest: Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary (DEPwD)
• Panel Discussion: Focused on digital accessibility and inclusive tech design.

MoU Signings with,

• I for Humanity Foundation
• Nipman Foundation
• Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC)
• RampMyCity Foundation
• Launch of an AI-enabled chatbot to assist beneficiaries of departmental schemes.
• Release of the Mission Accessibility’s Annual Accessibility Report Card, reviewing accessibility across the country.
• Unveiling of a draft curriculum on digital accessibility for computer science and design courses, led by APD.

Static Background

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)

• Observed globally on the third Thursday of May.
• Aims to raise awareness about digital access and inclusion.
• DEPwD: A department under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment tasked with the empowerment of persons with disabilities in India.