India unveiled three landmark initiatives at the International Purple Fest on Sunday to improve accessibility in listening, reading and writing for persons with disability, advancing the nation’s commitment to inclusive education and skill development.
The first major launch was the IELTS Training Handbook for Persons with Disabilities, developed by Believe in the Invisible with support from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Authored by Anjali Vyas, co-founder of BITI and a British Council–certified IELTS trainer, the handbook is India’s first inclusive resource for global language proficiency training.
The publication aims to make IELTS preparation accessible, structured and learner-friendly for persons with visual, hearing, locomotor and other forms of disability.
It includes adapted strategies and reasonable accommodation guidelines for each of the four IELTS modules: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
With ISL video links, accessible materials and step-by-step lessons, the handbook serves both as a self-study tool for learners and a guide for trainers.
It marks a step forward in providing equal opportunities for Indian learners to pursue international education and careers.
ISLRTC Expands Training and Recognition Programs
The Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, announced two new skill development initiatives to strengthen India’s sign language ecosystem.
As part of its Skill Training Initiative, ISLRTC conducted the Recognition of Prior Learning – Certification in ISL Interpretation course for siblings and children of deaf adults.
Seventeen participants from across India completed the program between Aug. 11 and Aug. 29 at ISLRTC, New Delhi. Certificates will be distributed on Dec. 3, coinciding with the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
Global Exposure for Indian Sign Language Professionals
ISLRTC also launched a Specialized Basic Training Program on American Sign Language and British Sign Language. The one-month course, beginning Dec. 3 in New Delhi, will train Indian interpreters in grammar, syntax and vocabulary used internationally.
According to ISLRTC officials, the initiative will help Indian sign language professionals gain international exposure and strengthen their participation in global forums. It will also offer international deaf visitors greater insight into Indian culture and heritage.
Government Reinforces Inclusive Education Push
Rajesh Aggarwal, secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, led the launches in Goa, joined by senior officials from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, ISLRTC and the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corp. of India.
Aggarwal said the initiatives reflect the government’s mission to build a barrier-free learning ecosystem that empowers persons with disability to participate fully in education and employment.
Together, the three initiatives highlight India’s drive toward inclusive, accessible and empowering education for persons with disabilities.
Aggarwal said the programs align with the government’s broader goal of ensuring equitable opportunities for persons with disabilities to learn, communicate and thrive—both within India and globally.
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