Yes to Access

Introduction

The India AI Impact Summit 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam, brought together leaders from government, industry, academia, and civil society to discuss how artificial intelligence can be used for real societal impact.

The Association of People with Disability (APD) participated in the summit through the Yes to Access initiative, demonstrating how accessibility checks supported by technology can help improve inclusive infrastructure. The initiative was showcased at the stall of Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), facilitated by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

Over the five days of the summit, the Yes to Access stall saw interactions with policymakers, students, universities, corporates, and civil society organisations who were interested in understanding how accessibility data can support better planning and decision-making.

Demonstrating Accessibility Through Technology

At the stall, the Yes to Access team conducted live demonstrations of the app, showing how users can assess the accessibility of buildings using simple parameters and photo documentation.

Visitors could download the app directly using a QR code displayed at the stall, while a television screen showcased how accessibility data collected through the app is mapped and visualised. These demonstrations helped visitors understand how citizens themselves can contribute accessibility information and help build a larger accessibility database.

Engagement with Institutions and Students

The stall received encouraging engagement from universities, government representatives, and organisations working in technology and social impact.

Many students showed interest in conducting accessibility audits on their campuses as part of research projects, internships, or social impact initiatives. These discussions highlighted how student participation can play a key role in expanding accessibility mapping efforts.

There were also conversations with industry stakeholders, including Tech Mahindra, on how accessibility assessments could be integrated into corporate initiatives related to ESG and inclusive infrastructure.

Recognition at the Summit

The summit also marked the launch of Inclusive by Design: India’s AI4ALL Playbook and the Accessibility Impact Casebook. Yes to Access was featured as a recognised example of how technology and citizen participation can come together to address accessibility challenges.

Why This Matters

Accessibility continues to remain a major gap in many public spaces. Basic features such as ramps, accessible washrooms, tactile paths, and accessible parking are still missing in many locations.

Initiatives like Yes to Access help bridge this gap by creating a growing dataset on accessibility conditions across different places. This information can support policymakers, institutions, and communities in identifying accessibility barriers and planning improvements.

Ultimately, accessibility is not just a compliance requirement, it is about ensuring that public spaces work for everyone.