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Key Points

The International Purple Fest in Panjim has launched three groundbreaking initiatives to support disabled learners. These include a specialized IELTS handbook designed specifically for persons with disabilities. The festival also celebrated the first batch completing ISL interpretation certification for family members of deaf individuals. Additionally, new American and British Sign Language training programs were announced to give Indian professionals international exposure.

Key Points: International Purple Fest Launches 3 Disability Learning Initiatives

  • IELTS Training Handbook provides accommodation guidelines for disabled test takers
  • 17 candidates completed ISL interpretation certification for deaf family members
  • Specialized ASL and BSL training program begins December 3 in Delhi
  • First batch certificate distribution on International Day for Persons with Disabilities
3 min read

International Purple Fest: 3 initiatives launched to promote learning among the disabled

India's International Purple Fest unveils IELTS handbook for disabled, sign language certification, and ASL/BSL training to create inclusive learning pathways.

"The handbook is a first-of-its-kind inclusive resource designed to make IELTS preparation accessible - Anjali Vyas, BITI Co-founder"

Panjim, Oct 12

To create accessible, inclusive and empowering pathways for persons with disabilities to learn and thrive on both national and international platforms, three transformative initiatives were unveiled on the second day of the International Purple Fest here, an official said on Sunday.

Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, shared information on these initiatives, said the official in the statement.

The initiatives include launch of an IELTS Training Handbook for Persons with Disabilities; successful conduct 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 launch of a Specialized Basic Training Programme on American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) by Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), it said.

The October 9-12 event is India’s first of its kind festival that celebrates persons with disabilities, said the statement.

The first major launch at the Fest was that of the IELTS Training Handbook for Persons with Disabilities, developed by Believe in the Invisible (BITI) with support from the DEPwD.

Authored by Anjali Vyas, co-founder of BITI and British Council–certified IELTS Trainer, the handbook is a first-of-its-kind inclusive resource designed to make IELTS preparation accessible, structured, and learner-friendly for persons with disabilities (PwDs).

Serving both as a self-study guide for learners and a teaching manual for trainers, the publication addresses the challenges faced by persons with visual, hearing, locomotor and other disabilities in accessing standard IELTS resources.

It provides reasonable accommodation guidelines, adapted strategies, and practical tools for each of the four IELTS modules — Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, said the statement.

The ISLRTC announced that it successfully conducted 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) from August 11 to 29 in offline mode in Delhi.

A total of 17 candidates appeared for the assessment, all of whom successfully completed the course. Grades were awarded based on their performance, and the Certificate Distribution Ceremony for this first batch will be started on December 3, on International Day for Persons with Disabilities, said the statement.

In response to the growing need for Indian Sign Language professionals to gain international exposure, ISLRTC also announced the launch of a Specialized Basic Training Programme on American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL). The one-month (4 weeks) physical training programme at ISLRTC, New Delhi, commences from December 3.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Finally, some concrete steps towards inclusion! The ASL and BSL training programs are particularly impressive. Hope they expand these initiatives to tier 2 and 3 cities soon. Accessibility shouldn't be limited to metro cities.
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Sarah B
Wonderful to see India taking such progressive steps in disability inclusion. The focus on siblings and children of deaf adults is especially thoughtful - it recognizes the broader support system needed. More countries should follow this model!
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Arjun K
While these initiatives are commendable, I hope the implementation reaches the grassroots level. Often such programs remain confined to urban elite circles. The government should ensure proper funding and monitoring for nationwide impact.
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Nisha Z
As a special educator in Mumbai, I'm thrilled about the ISL certification program! We desperately need more qualified sign language interpreters across schools and public services. This will create meaningful employment opportunities too. 👏
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Michael C
The international focus with ASL and BSL training shows India's growing global outlook in disability rights. The Purple Fest seems like a fantastic platform - hope it becomes an annual event that inspires more such innovations.

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