CABE Foundation at the International Conference on “Redefining Abilities – Towards a Vision for Inclusive and Empowered Living” [03-05 November 2025]

The International Conference on “Redefining Abilities – Towards a Vision for Inclusive and Empowered Living” was held from November 3–5, 2025, at the India International Centre, New Delhi. The conference was organised by Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust, New Delhi, in collaboration with Rehabilitation International, New York.

The three-day event brought together a diverse range of stakeholders — including policymakers, academics, professionals, practitioners, organizations of persons with disabilities, and innovators — to explore pathways towards building an inclusive and empowered society for all.

The conference aimed to promote inclusive innovation, cross-sectoral collaboration, and rights-based frameworks that empower persons with disabilities, particularly women and youth, as active contributors in education, employment, governance, social and cultural activities, and technology.

Conference Themes

Discussions during the conference revolved around four core sub-themes:

1. Emerging paradigms in inclusive education

2. Accessible rehabilitative initiatives

3. Advocacy and policies

4. Empowerment of women and youth with disabilities

The sessions also addressed the need to integrate research, policy, and practice through multi-stakeholder engagement to ensure that inclusion becomes central to social and economic development.

CABE Foundation’s Participation

CABE Foundation was privileged to be actively associated with this international event. Our Executive Director, Mr. T.D. Dhariyal, served on the Organising Committee and chaired several sessions throughout the conference.

One of the key sessions chaired by Mr. Dhariyal featured Mr. Hiroshi Kawamura, Vice President of Rehabilitation International, who delivered an insightful presentation on “Digital Inclusion vs Digital Divide: Why Universal Design is Crucial.”

Fig. Prof Joseph Kwan, VP Asia Pacific, Rehabilitation International & past VP Hong Kong Institute of Architects;  Mr. TD Dhariyal, ED CABE Foundation; Mr Jitender Tuli and participants in the conference.

Mr. Dhariyal’s leadership and participation reflected CABE Foundation’s ongoing commitment to advancing universal accessibility, inclusive policy design, and empowerment through participation and innovation.

Impact and Takeaways

The conference provided a dynamic platform for meaningful dialogue, research exchange, and collaboration between global and national actors in the disability sector. It highlighted the importance of shared learning and collective action in building a resilient, equitable, and participatory society that upholds the principles of accessibility and sustainable development.

By facilitating the exchange of best practices, innovative approaches, and policy insights, the conference contributed to the broader mission of creating a more inclusive India — one where persons with disabilities are at the centre of planning, design, and decision-making.

CABE Foundation congratulates Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust led by Dr. Uma Tuli and Rehabilitation International for hosting this impactful conference and we reaffirm our own commitment to fostering accessibility, equality, and dignity for all.