DEPwD, Nipman Foundation & YLAC Ink MoU to Launch ‘Breaking Barriers Fellowship’.

MOUs and Agreement

In August 2025, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nipman Foundation and Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC) to jointly launch the “Breaking Barriers Fellowship,” a programme designed to foster innovation, advocacy, and inclusivity for persons with disabilities.


      - The “Breaking Barriers Fellowship” is a collaborative effort between DEPwD, the Nipman Foundation, and YLAC. Nipman Foundation brings its robust advocacy in accessibility and inclusive practices, while YLAC contributes its expertise in empowering youth leadership. The partnership aims to elevate disability rights through fellow-led initiatives.

      - Under the MoU, the fellowship will drive awareness and innovation on disability rights through initiatives such as hackathons, national-level competitions, and Inclusive Equal Opportunity Awards. These events aim to inspire systemic change and recognize best practices in accessibility.

      - This agreement stems from broader inclusion efforts, highlighted during the Inclusive India Summit—organized on Global Accessibility Awareness Day—where DEPwD formalized partnerships with Nipman Foundation and YLAC among other key stakeholders to strengthen India’s accessibility ecosystem.

Main Point :-   (i) Nipman Foundation is well-known for accessibility audits, awareness campaigns (including the Equal Opportunity Awards), and grassroots initiatives such as “Wheels for Life” to enhance mobility for persons with disabilities. YLAC brings strength in engaging youth through civic leadership programs and public policy advocacy.

      (ii) The fellowship is aligned with DEPwD’s commitment to empowering persons with disabilities through inclusive programs. By leveraging youth engagement and community innovation, it catalyzes inclusive social change and supports DEPwD’s mission of building an accessible and equitable society.


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