Source: DD News
Context: The International Purple Fest 2025 was recently concluded in Goa, showcasing India’s commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment of persons with disabilities (PwDs).
About International Purple Fest 2025:
- What is the International Purple Fest 2025?
-
- A global inclusion festival dedicated to celebrating diversity and promoting accessibility for persons with disabilities.
- The 2025 edition was held in Goa from October 9–12, focusing on the theme “Inclusion as a Movement.”
- Serves as a platform for dialogue, policy innovation, and cultural expression that recognizes PwDs as equal contributors to society.
- Hosted by: Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Government of India.
- Organised by:
- Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa.
- In collaboration with Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and United Nations India.
- Aim:
- To mainstream disability inclusion in governance, education, and employment.
-
- To foster empathy-based awareness and encourage universal design in public spaces.
- Major Initiatives Launched:
- IELTS Training Handbook for Persons with Disabilities:
-
- Developed by Believe in the Invisible (BITI) with DEPwD support.
- First inclusive self-study and teaching manual for IELTS aspirants with visual, hearing, or locomotor disabilities.
- Includes ISL-linked videos, grammar guidance, time management tips, and accessible practice modules.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in ISL Interpretation
-
- Conducted by Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) under DEPwD.
- Certified SODA (Siblings of Deaf Adults) and CODA (Children of Deaf Adults), strengthening the pool of skilled ISL interpreters.
- First batch trained in August 2025; certificates to be awarded on December 3, 2025 (International Day of PwDs).
- Specialized Basic Training Programme in ASL & BSL
-
- Launched by ISLRTC to train Indian interpreters in American and British Sign Languages.
- Enhances cross-cultural communication and international job opportunities for Indian ISL professionals.
