Microsoft and EnAble have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) wherein they will together create about one lakh job opportunities for persons with disabilities (PwDs), as part of the ‘InclusionTo Action’ initiative.
This collaboration will help engage various stakeholders across sectors to transform job opportunities for PwDs, and make this vast untapped talent pool meaningfully productive.
The tie-up between Microsoft and EnAble India follows the former’s five-year global commitment to reduce the gap that exists in education, employment and access to technology for PwDs, worldwide.
For over two decades now, EnAble India, the non-profit organisation, has been working to make PwDs economically independent and help them preserve their dignity and command respect.
With Microsoft joining its mission, over 100 organisations in India across sectors —financial services, manufacturing, retail and technology — will now be brought together to offer tech skilling, mentorship, internship and employment initiatives to PwDs.
The technical skilling programmes will help PwD candidates enhance their understanding of digital accessibility, which is increasing in importance in the present hybrid work environment.
When the representation of PwDs goes up, there is bound to be inclusive product development, which can, in turn, aid technology users with disabilities.
Additionally, PwDs will also gain access to training curricula on modern workplace applications, which will enhance their productivity.