A little known circular making its way to various State governments from the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment to identify at least 50-100 inaccessible spots for the differently-abled in buildings and public spaces has an American connection — Pranav Desai, one of the many tech honchos who will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his U.S. trip.
The circular, part of the Modi government’s Sugamya Bharat or Accessible India campaign, has its roots in the BJP’s manifesto for the last general elections, that looks at technological solutions to disability issues. The Ministry eventually plans to launch an application to map various accessible spots in each district in India, a plan that owes much to Mr. Desai and his advocacy group Voice of Specially Abled People (VSAP). “We have been coordinating with various ministries like Human Resource Development and the Railways for technology and even sensitisation issues for the differently-abled,” he told The Hindu .
An advocate of assistive technology, Mr. Desai is hoping that the Prime Minister’s push for Digital India will have a strong component to help the differently-abled make their life easier. “At the low end, we can have simple communication app on a tablet wherein autistic child can use sign language to communicate easily. Similarly a visually challenged person can do excellent programming with assistive technology solutions and they can walk with a ‘smart’ cane that can protect them from obstacles front of them,” he said.
Mr. Desai said that his team of 40 will be welcoming the Prime Minister in San Jose and that he is hoping for a meeting.
