Project on Financial Support for Development of Accessible Learning Materials (DALM Project) under SIPDA Scheme
Development of Accessible Learning Materials (DALM) Project
The Development of Accessible Learning Materials (DALM) Project was initiated to promote inclusive and equitable education for students with disabilities by facilitating access to educational content in accessible formats. The Project initially focused on students with visual disabilities, particularly through the production and distribution of Braille materials, and has subsequently evolved to address wider accessibility requirements.
The Project is supported by the objectives of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 and the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, which emphasize inclusive education and access to appropriate books, learning materials and educational resources for students with disabilities.
DALM seeks to bridge accessibility gaps across different disability categories and educational levels, from foundational education to higher education, by facilitating learning materials in formats such as Braille, DAISY Talking Books, E-Pub/digital formats, large-print and tactile materials, as well as other disability-appropriate formats. The Project provides Recurring Grant-in-Aid for provision of accessible learning materials and Non-Recurring Grant-in-Aid for establishment, modernization and capacity augmentation of production centres.
The DALM Project is being revised w.e.f. 01.04.2026 under the SIPDA Scheme for the 16th Finance Commission Cycle (FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31). The revised Project expands coverage beyond visual disabilities to include speech and hearing disabilities, intellectual and developmental disabilities, developmental delay and other learning disabilities, with the objective of strengthening the production and distribution of accessible learning materials and ensuring timely and equitable access to educational content for students with disabilities.
Nodal Agency of the Project
National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (Divyangjan)