NIEPVD Conference on Empowering Through Touch and Technology
| (Enhancing Braille Literacy and Learning Accessibility) | |
|---|---|
| Date: | 01–02 November 2025 |
| Venue: | Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India |
| Organised by: | National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) (Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India) |
| CRE status accrediated by: | Rehabilitation Council of India, B-22, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi- 110016 |
| Accessibility Note | Braille materials and sign language interpreters will be available. The venue will have wheelchair facilities with other accessibility features to facilitate full participation for all attendees. |
| Conference Details : | Braille Conference: please click here for details. |
About the Conference
The NIEPVD Braille Conference 2025 brings together educators, technologists, policymakers, and advocates to explore the latest developments in Braille literacy and accessibility. The event aims to foster collaboration and innovation to empower individuals with visual impairments.
Hosted by the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD), Dehradun, the conference builds on the institute’s decades-long commitment to Braille advancement in India. NIEPVD has played a pioneering role in the standardisation of Bharati Braille codes across Indian languages, including specialised notations for mathematics, science, and music. Through its Braille Development Unit, the institute has developed Braille contractions, shorthand systems, and tactile learning resources that enhance reading fluency and educational access.
NIEPVD also initiated the Braille Council of India (BCI) to guide national policy and innovation in Braille production, teaching, and technology. The institute regularly conducts research studies. Its facilities include a Central Braille Press, which produces high-quality Braille books and charts, and a National Accessible Library that supports inclusive learning.
Theme and Sub-Themes of the Conference
Theme: Empowering Through Touch and Technology
Sub-Themes:
• Braille literacy in education
• Assistive technologies and tactile innovations
• Inclusive publishing and digital Braille
• Policy and advocacy for accessibility
• Braille in the digital age & Contracted Braille
| Day | Session | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Registration | 09:00 to 10:00 |
| Inaugural Session | 10:00 to 11:30 | |
| Technical Sessions 1 | 11:30 to 13:00 | |
| Break | 13:00 to 14:00 | |
| Technical Sessions 2 | 14:00 to 15:30 | |
| Technical Sessions 3 | 15:30 to 17:00 | |
| Day 2 | Partners Exhibition | 09:00 to 10:00 |
| Technical Sessions 4 | 10:00 to 11:30 | |
| Technical Sessions 5 | 11:30 to 13:00 | |
| Break | 13:00 to 14:00 | |
| Technical Sessions 6 | 14:00 to 15:30 | |
| Valedictory Session | 15:30 to 17:00 |
| Session 1: Innovations in Braille Technology | Exploring the latest advancements in Braille devices, tactile displays, and digital Braille tools. |
| Session 2: Inclusive Education Strategies | Discussing effective teaching methodologies and curriculum adaptations for visually impaired learners. |
| Session 3: Accessible Publishing and Content Creation | Techniques and standards for creating Braille books, e-documents, and accessible learning materials. |
| Session 4: Braille in the Digital Age | Integrating Braille with mobile apps, web platforms, and AI-based assistive technologies. |
| Session 5: Reading & Writing Proficiency Concerns | Engaging special educators to enhance Braille reading and writing proficiency among students with VI. |
| Session 6: Policy and Advocacy for Braille Literacy | Engaging with policymakers and stakeholders to promote Braille education and accessibility rights. |
| Sessions may be rearranged as per need. | |
Speakers & Guests
The conference will feature eminent speakers, experts, and dignitaries from the fields of special education, accessibility, and assistive technology. Profiles of notable contributors will be shared closer to the event date.
| S. No. | Category of professionals | Early Bird Registration Up to 30 Sep 2025 |
Regular Registration 01 – 25 Oct 2025 |
On-Spot Registration (subject to availability) On 01 November |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Professionals / Faculty Members / Academicians / NGO Representative | ₹1,500 | ₹1,800 | |
| 2. | Students / Research Scholars | ₹1,200 | ₹1,500 | ₹2,000 |
| 3. | Participants with Disabilities | ₹1,000 | ₹1,200 | |
| 4. | Escorts / Parents / Caregivers | ₹1,000 | ₹1,200 | |
| 5. | CRE Participation Only# | ₹750 | ₹750 | ₹750 |
Inclusive in Registration Fee: Conference Kit, Lunch & Tea/Snacks (on both days) & Certificate.
# Under CRE Participation only category, participants will NOT get Conference Kit and will provide with working lunch only.
Not Inclusive in Registration Fee: Travel, Accommodation, Dinner & Breakfast: (can be arranged on request and on a payment basis)
Note: Presentation of paper is NOT permissible for on-spot registration or participants not followed paper/presentation guidelines. Presentation will be permissible only if technical committee and coordinators approves the paper. There is No separate fee for presentation.
| (Enhancing Braille Literacy and Learning Accessibility) | |
|---|---|
| Registration Link | Please click here: Registration Link You can also Scan QR Code for registration  |
| Registration Payment Details | Bank Account No.: 6185000100023598 Bank Account Name: National Institute of Visually Handicapped Bank Branch: PNB, NIVH Branch IFS Code: PUNB 0618500 |
| Registration & Contact | In-Charge, Braille Development Unit, NIEPVD Phone: +91-135-2744491, 8578956677, 7579278149 Email: bduniepvd@gmail.com Address: 116, Rajpur Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand – 248001 Website: https://niepvd.nic.in/ |
Call for Papers
The NIEPVD Conference on Empowering Through Touch and Technology (Enhancing Braille Literacy and Learning Accessibility) invites original research papers, case studies, and innovative proposals aligned with the theme:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Abstract Submission Deadline | 25 September 2025 |
| Notification of Acceptance | 30 September 2025 |
| Full Paper Submission Deadline | 10 October 2025 |
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Language | English or Hindi |
| Format | MS Word (.docx) or PDF |
| Font | Times New Roman, 12 pt (English) / Kokila, 16 pt (Hindi) |
| Spacing | 1.5 line spacing |
| Length | Abstract – max 300 words; Full paper – 2000–4000 words |
| Referencing Style | APA 7th Edition |
| Accessibility | Authors are encouraged to include alt-text for images and use accessible formatting. |
| Submit via Email: | Send your submissions to bduniepvd@gmail.com with the subject line: “NIEPVD Conference 2025 – Paper Submission” Before sending submissions, it is required to register through the online form (link given on the last page). Selected papers will be published in the Conference proceedings/Book. |
| Committee | Members / Details |
|---|---|
| Chief Patrons | Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, IAS, Secretary, DEPwD Ms. Manmeet K Nanda, IAS, Add. Secretary, DEPwD |
| Patron | Shri Pradeep, A. , Director, NIEPVD |
| Convener/Organizing Secretary | Dr Pankaj Kumar, Assistant Professor |
| Coordinators | Dr Surender Kr. Dhalwal, HoD, DCRPR, NIEPVD Mr Amit Kumar Sharma, Principal, MSVH Er. Manish Verma, Sr Research Officer (T) Dr Vinod Kr Kain, HoD, DCRPR, NIEPVD Mr Sunil Kr Shirpurkar, Assistant Professor Dr Jasmer Singh, Assistant Professor |
| Scientific or Technical Committee | Dr Revathi D, Lecturer, NIEPVD Ms. Sunanda Rana, Lecturer, CP Dr. K S Reddy, Lecturer Mr. Rohit Kumar, Lecturer |
| Publicity and Promotion Committee | Ms. Chetna Gola, Program Producer Sri Murlidhar Das, Lecturer Ms. Shradha Saini, Social Media Consultant |
| Sponsorship and Fundraising Committee | Dr. Ramakrishna Y, Lecturer Dr. Premananda Mishra, Lecturer |
| Registration and Hospitality Committee | Mr Prashant, Faculty, DSER Ms. Sapna Chauhan, Faculty, DSER Ms. Kuldeep Kaur, Faculty, DSER |
| Review, Publication & Accessibility Committe | Smt. Sujatha K., Lecturer Ms. Shrami Negi, Lecturer CP Mr. Rajender Singh Negi, IT&AT Educator Mr. Nikhil, MT, DISLI Ms. Shilpa Dahiya, SL Interpreter |
| Logistics and Technical Support Committee | Mr. Bhupendra Rana, O&M Instructor Shri Maibrem Biren Singh, Lecturer |
| Cultural and Social Events Committee | Mr. Satendra Sharma, Instructor Ms. Indu Chaudhary, Spl. Educator Mr. Siddharth Ranjan Banarjee, Lecturer CP |
| Sanitation & Decoration Committee | Dr. (Major) Charu Yadav, Medical Officer Mr. Siddharth Rangar, JE |
| Finance & Administration Committee | Ms. Shruti Jassal, ACO Mr. Varun Kr Yadav, SO(A) Ms. Anjana Bhagat, SOP |
| Advisory Committee | To be added shortly |
Disclaimer
The Institute reserves the right to make changes to the programme schedule at any time. All decisions made by the Institute shall be final. The Organising Committee may modify conference details if and when necessary. The Institute also reserves the right to add or withdraw the support of any collaborating agency or organization.