Dehradun: The National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD), under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has taken a significant step towards improving the lives of Divyangjan by signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with six prominent institutions. This collaboration aims to enhance the welfare and capabilities of persons with visual disabilities by providing them with essential resources and support.
The institutions involved in the partnership include Uttarakhand Open University (Haldwani), the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) Haridwar, Max Hospital Dehradun, and NGOs such as Pratham (Mumbai), the National Association for the Blind (NAB) Delhi, and Torchit Pvt. Ltd. (Ahmedabad). These MoUs will help promote the use of modern technology, artificial intelligence, psychological support, and protection against online fraud, while also making technology more accessible to Divyangjan.
During the signing ceremony, Secretary (DEPwD) Rajesh Aggarwal highlighted the importance of these partnerships, stating, “Today marks a significant milestone, and we are confident that the positive impact of these collaborations will be evident in the lives of Divyangjan in the near future.” He emphasized that the initiative would not only provide technological access but also strengthen teaching and training programs for educators in special education.
Key focus areas of these collaborations include the utilization of modern teaching-learning materials, technical training for teachers, and initiatives to safeguard Divyangjan in the digital world. The partnerships will pave the way for the use of cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to enhance the independence and quality of life for persons with visual disabilities.
This initiative reinforces the government’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment where persons with disabilities can thrive with the support of advanced tools and comprehensive training. The collaboration with institutions and NGOs signals a promising future for empowering Divyangjan, ensuring their access to resources, and fostering their well-being.