Techshare 2016 to showcase innovative solutions for disabled

Taking forward its mission to create an inclusive society that does not discriminate against persons with disabilities (PWDs), the fifth edition of Techshare India to be organised here early next month will showcase innovative technology solutions for this population, an official statement has said.

"Techshare India aims to bring together the government, corporates, educators, NGOs and the disabled people so as to understand the needs and provide information on available solutions that can include people with disabilities to participate independently in all walks of life," the statement added.

The two-day conference and exhibition will be organised at India Habitat Centre here from March 3-4.

"50 percent of India's 100 million persons with disability are under the age of 30. This is a huge market for assistive technology products (technology for persons with disabilities)," said the organiser of Techshare India 2016, Shilpi Kapoor, who is also the managing director of Mumbai-based Barrierbreak, a company that works in the area of accessibility and assistive technology.

Techshare India 2016 will showcase accessible resource centres -- libraries/universities that can be accessed by persons with disabilities, accessible banking -- making banking easier for persons with disabilities, and new products and services in accessibility and assistive technology.

There are approximately one billion disabled people in the World, but there is lack of innovation, awareness and reach of accessibility solutions worldwide.

Techshare India 2016 will also announce for the first time The Global Elevate Awards to promote ideas that build inclusion in nine categories - financial, transportation, healthcare, media & entertainment, web, education, students initiatives, assistive technology and made in India.

The awards will be given away to two organisations in each category for their efforts, the statement said.