Digital education a powerful equaliser

Today, the world stands at the pinnacle of scientific, technological, and digital progress. Yet, despite these rapid advancements, millions of persons with disabilities in India continue to face significant barriers to accessing basic necessities such as education, employment, and financial services. Traditional systems remain not only physically inaccessible but also slow, inefficient, and exclusionary. As India transforms into a digitally driven economy, it is imperative to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind. Digital access is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity that can empower them to lead independent, dignified, and fulfilling lives.

When we speak of true inclusion, education forms the bedrock on which livelihood, empowerment, and independence are built. Despite the surge in digital learning—especially post the Covid-19 pandemic—persons with disabilities, who number nearly 1.5 billion globally, remain significantly under-represented in this expanding digital education space. While platforms like Coursera have seen widespread adoption, their usage is still largely concentrated among the able-bodied. That said, Coursera and other such platforms are working to ensure learners with visual, hearing and other impairments can succeed in courses on their platform.

Now imagine the transformative impact if even half of this global disabled population, over 500 million, could access digital learning. For individuals with mobility, visual, or hearing impairments, online education offers unmatched flexibility, affordability, and the freedom to learn from home and from highly reputed institutions like Columbia University. But access alone is not enough. The critical question is: Are these platforms truly accessible to everyone?

To bridge the gap, digital learning platforms must be designed with accessibility at their core —from screen-reader compatibility and captioning to visual contrast and navigation simplicity. Just as important is ensuring that learners themselves are equipped with the right Assistive Technologies (AT): screen readers, Braille displays, sign language plugins, speech recognition tools, and adaptive input devices. Inclusive digital learning is not just about reaching more people—it’s about reaching all people. To ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind in today’s rapidly evolving job market, it is essential to equip them with accessible, affordable, and tailored education. With the right support, employability and livelihood naturally follow.

Employment is not merely a source of income—it represents independence, dignity, and identity. As job opportunities have shifted from traditional print media to dynamic digital platforms, digital literacy has become a non-negotiable skill. Targeted digital skilling programmes must be designed with inclusivity at their core—offering content in accessible formats such as screen-reader compatible text, sign language interpretation, captioned videos, and simplified interfaces. Assistive technologies like speech-to-text software, screen magnifiers, AI-powered voice assistants, and adaptive hardware (like alternative keyboards or eye-tracking devices) play a vital role in enabling persons with disabilities to access and engage with digital learning and workspaces.

India’s digital economy, with growing investments in artificial intelligence—currently at $1.4 billion—is creating new career avenues. But without proactive inclusion, disabled individuals risk being sidelined. By providing digital and AI-related training that leverages AT, we can empower persons with disabilities to not only apply for jobs but also excel in them—fostering true economic independence and a life of dignity on their own terms.

In the financial space, due to the government’s push for a less-cash economy, digital payments are thriving and evolving. Payment systems like UPI have seen a massive growth in the past few years. In 2024, UPI transactions reached a staggering 172 billion, a 46% increase from 2023. With over 14.96 billion transactions per day, UPI has revolutionised how Indians handle money. But beyond the numbers lies a deeper impact—ease of access for people with physical disabilities. No longer do they have to travel to banks, wait in long queues, or manage cheque books. UPI allows users to send or receive any amount right from their homes. For the disabled, this saves not just time and energy, but also the physical and emotional strain of navigating public spaces. When paired with assistive technologies like voice commands, and screen readers, digital payments become even more inclusive. A digital payment system is more than a mere advancement—it is a powerful equaliser. 

Ultimately, beyond education and employment, persons with disabilities deserve to live with comfort and joy. Technology can and should assist in the everyday—walking, sitting, listening to music, cooking, reading, even relaxing. The goal isn’t just functionality—it’s happiness. Digital access, when inclusive, doesn’t just solve problems. It creates opportunities.

(The writer is the co-founder and CEO of the AssisTech Foundation)