November, 2025: The three-day International Conference on “Redefining Abilities – A Global Vision for Inclusive and Empowered Living” was inaugurated today at the India International Centre, New Delhi, marking the beginning of a transformative dialogue on inclusion, accessibility,and empowerment for persons with disabilities.
Organized by Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust in collaboration with Rehabilitation International (RI), New York, the conference has drawn participation from delegates representing over 25 countries, including thought leaders, policymakers, educators, researchers, and advocates.
The Conference was inaugurated Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. irendra Kumar, Prof. Christoph Gutenbrunner, President, Rehabilitation International, Ms. Manmeet Kaur, Additional Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, and Dr. Uma Tuli,
Founder and Managing Secretary, Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust. In his inaugural address, Dr. Virendra Kumar emphasized upon the ongoing commitments of the government to empower persons suffering from disabilities with education, skill development, accessibility and employment opportunities.
Dr. Virendra Kumar said, “Empowerment of persons with disabilities is not an act of charity — it is their fundamental right. The Government of India is working tirelessly to create equal opportunities through education, skill development, and accessible environments. New Education Policy and Government initiatives are creating equal opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. Initiatives such as the ‘Divya Kala Mela’ have enabled persons with disabilities to become self-reliant and gain national and international recognition for their skills and products. These efforts reflect Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ — collective growth for all.”
Prof. Christoph Gutenbrunner, President, Rehabilitation International, highlighted the importance of global collaboration, saying, “To turn inclusion into reality, we must move beyond dialogue to decisive action. Integrating policy, research, and practice is essential to ensure that every ndividual, regardless of ability, can participate and thrive. Rehabilitation International is proud to partner with Amar Jyoti in advancing this global mission.”
Ms. Manmeet Kaur, Additional Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, underlined India’s strong policy framework, Assistive technology interventions and the need for implementation at the grassroots level. She said, “India has built a robust legal foundation through the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The next step is to translate rights into opportunities. Government, civil society, and institutions like Amar Jyoti must work together to ensure that inclusion reaches every community and every household.” The conference’s Day One sessions featured keynote addresses and thematic discussions on Inclusive Education, Advocacy and Policy Frameworks, and Innovations in Rehabilitation and Empowerment. The day concluded with vibrant paper presentations and networking among national and international experts. The deliberations over the next two days will explore actionable strategies across four key sub- themes — Inclusive Education, Access to Rehabilitative Initiatives, Advocacy and Policies, and Empowerment of Women and Youth with Disabilities — aimed at shaping a global roadmap for inclusive growth and sustainable empowerment. The conference continues through November 5, 2025, and will conclude with a Valedictory Session reaffirming the collective global commitment to a world that upholds equity, accessibility, and dignity for all.