Colours of Different Abilities

Transformative solutions for inclusive development: The role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

We are celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 6 December 2022 with a theme that stands very close to the mission and vision of Azim Premji University, i.e., Transformative solutions for inclusive development: The role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world.

The students from the Schools of Development, Public Policy and Governance, and Education, and members of the University, came together to celebrate the various colours that represent the various abilities we have on our campus. This is a special occasion for all of us, as this is the first time we are celebrating this day at our University. 

A series of events are planned that would bring your understanding of disability a step ahead. As part of the event, there will be a panel discussion, informative talks, and other engaging activities.

Disability activists, trainers, and accessibility specialists Kameshwari, Justin Philips, and Pinky Gupta will be joining us. 

Ankur Madan will moderate the panel discussion on Educational Spaces for Disabled: Promoting and Obstructing Inclusion and Accessibility, which will be followed by talks by Rohini Sen and Hriday on inclusion in the campus and learning disability.

Furthermore, the screening of a short film and various interactive activities are also in store. 

The schedule is as follows: 

TimeActivity
4 – 4:05 PMWelcoming guests/​introduction
4:05 – 4:20 PMJustin Philip’s talk on the theme and on career opportunities
4:20 – 5:10 PMPanel discussion on educational spaces for disabled: Promoting and obstructing inclusion and accessibility
5:10 – 5:20 PMshort film screening
5:20 – 5:35 PMTalk by Rohini on inclusion in campus
5:35 – 5:45 PMTalk by Hriday on learning disability
5:45 – 6 PMInteractive activities

About the Speakers

Kameshwari is a dynamic professional with over 14 years of experience in IT Service Management, Web, and Mobile Accessibility. Currently working with Google as Programme Manager, her role involves accessibility review and audits and ensuring the final code launches are compliant with global accessibility standards. 

She has delivered talks at internal and external events advocating the need for accessibility and innovative solutions. In her leisure time, she can be found listening to audiobooks, teaching yoga, crocheting, and gardening.

Justin Philips is a trainer at Vision Aid, teaching spoken English and braille. He is also an editor of Insight, a quarterly braille magazine published by Mitra Jyothi. In the past, Justin worked as a medical transcriptionist and at Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled as a trainer. His hobbies are reading, listening to podcasts and music, practicing chess, and spirituality.

Pinky Gupta is working as a Senior Accessibility Specialist at Accenture. She has trained students in Basic Computers, English communication, and accessibility testing in Divya Jyothi, Enable India, and Vision aid. 

She mentors differently abled individuals and their families by giving directions regarding their education, additional certifications, finding out assistive aids, and making them self-reliant. She has given seminars on accessibility testing as a career, assistive aids and digital accessibility, and workplace etiquette. She has also completed the senior grade in Carnatic music (vocal).