From Need to Opportunity: DEPwD, ALIMCO and EkStep Join Hands to Build a Digital Bridge for Persons with Disabilities

Key Highlights:

• DEPwD, ALIMCO, and EkStep Foundation signed an MoU for the Purple Dots – UBI (Unified Benefits Interface) Initiative.
• The initiative aims to create a digital bridge connecting Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) with opportunities, services, and support.
• It establishes an institutional framework for the design, development, and scaling of this digital architecture.
• The goal is to enable seamless discovery and linkage between PwDs' needs and available resources.

Detailed Insights:

• A "Purple Dot" is a digital profile for PwDs to indicate their needs, such as employment, assistive technology, or skill development.
• Similarly, employers, service providers, and NGOs can create "dots" to list their opportunities and resources.
• An open and interoperable digital infrastructure will connect these dots, fostering a connected ecosystem.
• This initiative seeks to move disability inclusion from fragmented access towards seamless discovery, linkage, and participation.
• EkStep Foundation contributes its experience in building open and collaborative digital ecosystems for societal transformation.
• The collaboration leverages DEPwD's mandate, ALIMCO's sector experience, and EkStep's digital innovation capabilities.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Persons with Disabilities (PwDs): Individuals with long-term impairments who face barriers to full and effective participation in society.
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Open and interoperable digital systems that enable the delivery of essential public and private services.
• Unified Benefits Interface (UBI): A digital platform designed to consolidate and streamline access to various benefits and services for a specific user group.