New Delhi, Delhi, 25th of March 2026 : In a significant step towards transforming India’s accessibility landscape through technology and community participation, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, has extended its collaboration with the Association of People with Disability (APD) by signing a fresh Memorandum of Understanding in the national capital today.
The MoU was signed on 25 th of March, 2026 in between Shri Pradeep A. Director, DEPwD and Dr. Bhumika Modh Head of APD in presence of Ms Manmeet kaur Nanda, Addl. Secretary, DEPwD, Shri R.C. Meena, US and other officers of DEPwD. The renewed partnership seeks to redefine how accessibility is assessed and improved across the country by harnessing the power of citizen engagement and real-time digital tools.
Building upon their earlier association, the MoU introduces a more structured and scalable framework for conducting accessibility audits of public infrastructure and popular destinations. At the heart of this initiative lies APD’s “Yes to Access” App, a technology-driven platform designed to facilitate crowdsourced accessibility assessments. Through this, DEPwD aims to create a dynamic, real-time repository of accessibility data, generated by trained volunteers and community members, thereby democratizing the process of evaluation and ensuring that lived experiences inform policy and planning.
The initiative envisions mobilizing and capacitating a nationwide network of volunteers and field functionaries who will undertake systematic audits of commonly used public spaces. By leveraging a standardized digital interface, the programme will enable consistent data capture on accessibility parameters, ensuring both reliability and comparability of findings. The integrated monitoring mechanism embedded within the framework will further support continuous oversight, enabling timely interventions and evidence-based decision-making.
This collaboration marks a shift towards participatory governance, where citizens are not merely beneficiaries but active contributors in shaping an inclusive environment. By combining technological innovation with grassroots engagement, the initiative aims to strengthen the accessibility ecosystem in a holistic manner, addressing both infrastructural and attitudinal barriers faced by persons with disabilities.
Importantly, the MoU is a non-financial agreement, underscoring a shared vision and commitment rather than a transactional partnership. It reflects the Government’s continued emphasis on fostering meaningful collaborations with civil society organizations to accelerate progress under the Accessible India Campaign. The renewed engagement with APD is expected to further amplify efforts towards creating barrier-free spaces and ensuring that accessibility becomes an integral part of India’s development narrative.
Through this forward-looking initiative, DEPwD reinforces its commitment to building an inclusive society where Divyangjan can navigate public spaces with dignity, independence, and equal opportunity, while also inviting citizens to become partners in this transformative journey.
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