[This story has been produced as part of our campaign, #DisabilityInclusion: A Billion Reasons For Change. Learn more about Accenture's Disability Inclusion initiative.]
Disability inclusion has been gaining attention across various sectors, but challenges persist in creating truly accessible environments.
The panel discussion Inclusive Empowerment: Building Bridges in a Phygital System, organized by The Quint and Accenture India, brought together experts to explore the role of technology, legal frameworks, and organizational practices in fostering an inclusive workplace for persons with disabilities.
Dr. Sanjay Jain, Professor of Law, National Law School of India University, opened the discussion by highlighting systemic shortcomings in the recognition of disability within legal frameworks and historical narratives. He pointed out that, despite disability being an integral part of human history, it is frequently erased from historical accounts. Dr. Jain stressed that inclusion is not just a moral obligation but an essential pathway for expanding human imagination and fostering diversity.
Kiran Venkatramanappa, Head of Engineering at SAP Central Business Configuration, India, emphasized the importance of grassroots advocacy and generational change. He highlighted that inclusion must start early, with children being taught how to interact with and support individuals with disabilities.
Deepti Prasad, co-founder, XL Cinema, shifted the focus to the empowering role of innovation in disability inclusion. She highlighted that inclusion should go beyond mere accommodations to create holistic opportunities and empower individuals. Deepti cited the example of voice search technology, initially designed for visually impaired users, which has now become a mainstream tool benefiting society at large.
Parag Pande, Lead for Global HR Operations and Disability Inclusion Sponsor for Accenture India, underscored the dual imperatives—economic and personal—of disability inclusion. He emphasized that excluding persons with disabilities means missing out on a significant segment of untapped talent. Parag also shared personal experiences, emphasizing that disability inclusion is not just about statistics but about recognizing the humanity and potential in every individual.
Overall, the panel called for greater empathy, improved training, and a societal shift in how individuals with disabilities are viewed and supported.
Watch the full discussion to learn more.