Bengaluru, November 13, 2024: As digital spaces rapidly evolve, accessibility remains a challenge for millions of Indians with disabilities. In response to this growing need, BarrierBreak and NewzHook proudly present the 3rd edition of Inclusive India: Digital First on November 22, 2024, at the Radisson Blu, Bengaluru. This impactful one-day event, supported by Amazon and leading accessibility advocates such as Lainey Feingold, NCPEDP, DEOC, Mitra Jyothi, IAAP, and APD India, brings together leaders, policymakers, and experts to tackle the urgent need for inclusive design, accessibility policies, and digital innovation for equal access.

According to the NFHS-5 survey (2019-21) published by the ICMR, India has over 63.28 million people with disabilities, yet only a limited number of the technological solutions available in the country are fully accessible. To address this critical gap, ‘Inclusive India: Digital First’ will explore actionable strategies in key areas, including workplace accessibility, AI’s role in promoting digital inclusion, and policy frameworks supporting the rights of people with disabilities. The event will feature:

• An inaugural address by Sri Das Suryavamshi, State Commissioner for Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Karnataka, on disability rights and inclusion
• A keynote by Peter Korn, Director of Accessibility for Amazon’s Devices & Services, on innovation in accessibility
• Christopher M. Lee, Ph.D. – President of G3ict & IAAP, sharing his thoughts on integrating accessibility certifications into organizational training and policies for building digital accessibility
• An exclusive session on understanding ICT product standards under IS-17802, led by Shilpi Kapoor, CEO of BarrierBreak and a committee member involved in the formation of this standard
• Engaging panel discussions on topics like advancements in smart home technology, and current practices in accessibility testing and certifications
• Interactive Learning Hub sessions designed to provide practical guidance on initiating digital accessibility programs
• Specialized focus sessions addressing accessibility in entertainment and retail, innovative design approaches, and policies crucial for fostering accessible organizations

“Last year’s event introduced transformative ideas to make the digital world more inclusive. This year, we are excited to broaden these conversations with insights from expert speakers on fostering inclusive workplaces, embedding accessibility in training, and advancing digital and tech accessibility,”

shared Shilpi Kapoor, Founder and CEO of Barrier Break. “Additionally, we are introducing a learning hub this year focused on hands-on training in accessibility implementation, AI-driven inclusivity, and practical design strategies for digital accessibility,” she added.

Since its debut in 2020, Inclusive India: Digital First has engaged over 1,000 professionals across sectors in discussions on building an accessible digital ecosystem. This year’s edition promises an even more dynamic agenda, with actionable insights on enhancing accessibility across sectors, from entertainment and e-commerce to workplace design and policy.