What Initiatives Were Launched at the International Purple Fest?

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What Initiatives Were Launched at the International Purple Fest?

Synopsis

Three transformative initiatives aimed at enhancing learning opportunities for persons with disabilities were launched during the International Purple Fest in Panjim. These initiatives promise to create inclusive pathways for empowerment and accessibility, marking a significant step forward in the fight for equality.

Key Takeaways

  • Three initiatives launched to empower persons with disabilities.
  • IELTS Training Handbook created for accessible preparation.
  • Successful completion of ISL Interpretation certification.
  • New training program for American and British Sign Language.
  • International Purple Fest highlights the need for inclusivity.

Panjim, Oct 12 (NationPress) In an effort to establish accessible, inclusive, and empowering pathways for individuals with disabilities, three groundbreaking initiatives were introduced on the second day of the International Purple Fest, according to an official statement released on Sunday.

Rajesh Aggarwal, the Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, provided details regarding these initiatives.

The initiatives encompass the launch of an IELTS Training Handbook specifically designed for persons with disabilities; the successful execution of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – Certification in ISL Interpretation (CISLI)/Skill Course for SODA (Siblings of Deaf Adults) and CODA (Children of Deaf Adults); and the inauguration of a Specialized Basic Training Programme focusing on American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) by the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), as stated.

This festival, which took place from October 9 to 12, marks India's first event dedicated to celebrating individuals with disabilities.

The festival's initial major launch was the IELTS Training Handbook for Persons with Disabilities, developed by Believe in the Invisible (BITI) with the support of DEPwD.

Written by Anjali Vyas, co-founder of BITI and a British Council–certified IELTS Trainer, this handbook is a pioneering inclusive resource aimed at making IELTS preparation accessible and user-friendly for persons with disabilities (PwDs).

This handbook serves as both a self-study guide for learners and a teaching manual for trainers, addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with visual, hearing, locomotor, and other disabilities in accessing standard IELTS materials.

It offers guidelines for reasonable accommodations, adapted strategies, and practical tools tailored for each of the four IELTS modules: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, as per the statement.

The ISLRTC also announced its successful completion of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – Certification in ISL Interpretation (CISLI) / Skill Course for SODA and CODA from August 11 to 29 in an offline format in Delhi.

Seventeen candidates participated in the assessment, all of whom successfully completed the course. Grades were assigned based on performance, and a Certificate Distribution Ceremony for this inaugural batch is scheduled for December 3, coinciding with the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, the statement noted.

In light of the increasing demand for professionals in Indian Sign Language to obtain international exposure, ISLRTC also announced the launch of a Specialized Basic Training Programme on American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL). This month-long (4 weeks) physical training program will commence at ISLRTC, New Delhi, starting December 3.

Point of View

I believe that these initiatives represent a vital advancement in the ongoing effort to promote inclusivity and empowerment for persons with disabilities. The commitment displayed during the International Purple Fest underscores the importance of creating equitable pathways for all individuals, regardless of their challenges.
NationPress
12/10/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the International Purple Fest?
The International Purple Fest is India's first festival dedicated to celebrating persons with disabilities, showcasing initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity and empowerment.
What initiatives were launched at the fest?
Three key initiatives were introduced: an IELTS Training Handbook, certification for ISL Interpretation, and a specialized training program for American and British Sign Language.
Who developed the IELTS Training Handbook?
The IELTS Training Handbook was developed by Believe in the Invisible (BITI) with support from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
When is the Certificate Distribution Ceremony scheduled?
The Certificate Distribution Ceremony for the first batch of candidates will take place on December 3, coinciding with the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
Where will the Specialized Basic Training Programme be conducted?
The Specialized Basic Training Programme on American and British Sign Language will be held at the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre in New Delhi.
Nation Press