*Initiatives for the Empowerment of Divyangjans* _"The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 with the launch of 16 groundbreaking initiatives to empower Divyangjan across India. Through these initiatives, the Department aims to ensure equal opportunities, accessibility and empowerment for every Divyangjan. Widespread awareness has been done through print, electronic, digital and social media platforms to ensure that Divyangjan across India including those in remote or underserved areas are informed about these initiatives."_ List of Initiatives: 1. *Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan*: An online platform for empanelment of accessibility auditors for built environments was introduced, reflecting the government's commitment to creating inclusive infrastructure 2. *Sugamya Bharat Yatra*: A unique initiative in partnership with the Association for Persons with Disabilities, where Divyangjan will assess the accessibility of public spaces using the AI-enabled ‘Yes to Access’ app. 3. *Pathways to Access – Part 3 Compendium*: The third installment of the series highlights key government documents on employment, financial services and healthcare for persons with disabilities, empowering them with knowledge and access to resources. 4. *High-Power Spectacles*: Developed by CSIR-CSIO, these glasses cater to individuals with low vision, offering superior optical clarity and improving quality of life. 5. *Divyasha E-Coffee Table Book*: ALIMCO’s e-book, launched to commemorate its 50- year journey, showcases inspiring stories and achievements in providing assistive devices to Divyangjan. 6. *Kadam Knee Joint*: An indigenous innovation developed by IIT Madras and SBMT, offering enhanced mobility and durability, launched as a major leap in assistive technology. 7. *Awareness Generation and Publicity Portal*: A digital platform for seamless application under the Awareness Generation and Publicity Scheme was inaugurated to enhance transparency and efficiency. 8. *Accessible Storybooks*: In collaboration with NIEPVD and NBT, 21 accessible books in Braille, audio and large print formats were launched to promote inclusive education. 9. *Standard Bharti Braille Code*: A draft for standardized Braille scripts in 13 Indian languages was introduced for public consultation, ensuring consistency and compatibility with Unicode standards. 10. *Braille Books Portal*: An online submission portal for creating Braille books was unveiled, fostering inclusive education. 11. *MoU with Infosys BPM*: A significant partnership to enhance employment opportunities for Divyangjan through the PM DAKSH portal’s Divyangjan Rozgar Setu initiative. 12. *Employability Skills Book*: Released in 11 Indian languages, this book bridges the gap between education and employment for Divyangjan, promoting economic independence. 13. *Infosys Springboard Skill Programme*: Infosys Springboard in collaboration with Yunikee offered courses to help deaf learners across India to develop skills across various fields and acquire marketable abilities. 14. *Google Extension for Persons with Hearing Impairment*: SignUp Media and Yunikee partnered to provide robust, reliable, accessible source of sign language communication in entertainment, information and educational media for the Deaf community in India in accessing entertainment and other video content. 15. *E-Sanidhya Portal*: Tata Power Community Development Trust and NIEPID, Secunderabad developed Tata E-Sanidhya Neuro-Diversity Platform as a specialized online and offline (digital) service designed to assist individuals with neuro-diversity conditions, particularly those affected by autism. 16. *Computer-Based Indian Intelligence Test by NIEPID, Secunderabad*: NIEPID has developed an indigenous Indian Test of Intelligence, with the key strengths in its cultural relevance and sensitivity. The data from 4,070 children across different parts of India ensures that the test represents the Indian population accurately. Source and Reference: *PARLIAMENT QUESTION: Initiatives for the Empowerment of Divyangjans | PIB Press Release | 04 of February 2025* https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2099647 *संसद प्रश्न: दिव्यांगजनों के सशक्तिकरण के लिए पहल* https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2099742