India Inclusive Summit held in New Delhi on Global Accessibility Day

The India Inclusive Summit was held in New Delhi on 15 May 2025 on the occasion of Global Accessibility Awareness Day. Global Accessibility Day is observed on the third Thursday of May every year.

The India Inclusive Summit was held in New Delhi in both physical and hybrid modes. The summit aimed to promote inclusive development and raise awareness about ensuring digital content is accessible to people with disabilities/impairments.

An artificial intelligence (AI)- enabled chatbot was also released on the occasion, which will help people with disabilities access the Department's various schemes.

Who organised the Indian inclusive Summit? 

The India Inclusive Summit was organised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

• The Department organised it in association with the SBI Foundation and the National Association for the Blind, New Delhi. 
• The Association of People with Disability and Mission Accessibility (Dhananjay Sanjogta Foundation) also collaborated with the Department to organise the India Inclusive Summit.

Who inaugurated the India Inclusive Summit? 

The India Inclusive Summit was inaugurated by Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Rajesh Aggarwal highlighted the government’s efforts to promote sign language learning and urged the private sector to create a disability-friendly environment. 

Aim of the India Inclusive Summit 

• The summit highlighted the Government of India’s commitment to inclusive technology and public services for all, including persons suffering from disability/impairment (called Divyang in India).
• To promote collaboration between the government, industry, academia, civil society, and the Divyang community to ensure equal opportunities and accessible environments for persons with disabilities.
• The Department also releases the annual Accessibility Report Card, detailing the current accessibility status across the country.

About Global Accessibility Day 

In 2012, American Joe Devon and Canadian Jennison Asuncion jointly launched the Global Accessibility Awareness Day.

• It is observed on the third Thursday of May every year.
• The goal was to generate awareness amongst people and technology companies about the difficulties faced by people suffering from disabilities/impairments in accessing digital content through digital products. 
• The objective is to persuade technology companies to design and develop accessible products for people with disabilities/impairments.