Remembering Javed Abidi
Javed Abidi, Global Chair of Disabled People’s International (DPI) and Director of National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), India, passed away on March 4, 2018. On behalf of G3ict, we express our deepest sadness and sense of loss.
ATLANTA (March 04, 2018) —
Javed Abidi, Global Chair of Disabled People’s International (DPI) and Director of National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), India, passed away on March 4, 2018. Anyone who knew him and his remarkable journey would remember him as someone who was persistent, committed, and believed in fighting the most challenging barriers for Persons with Disabilities. As one tribute puts it “speaking to truth power was a habit of Javed Abidi”.
G3ict’s association with Javed began when he was elected as the Global Chair of DPI in Durban in 2011. His and DPI’s support towards the CRPD Progress Report on ICT Accessibility has been invaluable. As someone who had led the movement towards digital accessibility in India, he was acutely aware of the need to empower people with disabilities and their organisations in leading this fight. G3ict supported him in this vision through trainings of DPO leaders on ICT accessibility, joint activities at the United Nations and international venues and expanding DPI’s reach in new countries such as in Central Asia. He was an impassioned advocate of ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’
“Javed Abidi was a formidable advocate for persons with disabilities in India and on the global stage. We owe him considerable advancements in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities. His energy, friendship and support will be greatly missed,” said Axel Leblois, President of G3ict.
On behalf of G3ict, we express our deepest sadness and sense of loss. Our sincere condolences to his family members, NCPEDP and DPI colleagues and to everyone inspired by his leadership. May our advocacy work remain up to his vision and commitment as we carry his legacy alive.
###