Shilpi Kapoor Recipient of the 10th NCPEDP - Shell Helen Keller Award

Shilpi Kapoor, Managing Director of BarrierBreak Technologies(External website), leading Accessibility consultancy firm of India received the Shell Helen Keller 2008 award on the eve of World Disability Day. She received the award for the Role Model category (non-disabled role model supporter of increased employment opportunities for disable people).

Shilpi started her journey way back in 1995 teaching computers to visually impaired students at her residence. Since then she has not looked back and has made remarkable contributions for the disabled community in India. Along with Bill Gates Foundation she set up the first Computer Training Centre for the visually challenged in Mumbai at Indian Association for the Visually Handicapped (IAVH).

Shilpi then moved on and set up a company, Net Systems Solutions now known as Net Systems Informatics (India) Pvt. Ltd. (N-syst) that provides Knowledge Management and Accessibility solutions. N-syst is the pioneer in the field of accessibility in India. The year 2007 saw the birth of BarrierBreak Technologies a subsidiary of N-syst, adding on to Shilpi's achievements.

In 2008, Shilpi (BarrierBreak Technologies) along with the Royal National
Institute of Blind people (RNIB) (External website) UK organized Techshare India conference (External website) and assistive technology exhibition in New Delhi. Techshare India was the first ever Accessibility and Disability conference to be organized in India. Techshare India received an overwhelming response from disabled people, NGOs, corporate sector and Government bodies.

Shilpi has always believed in giving employment opportunities to the disabled rather than looking at them as the dependent segment of our society. More than 50% of the employees at BarrierBreak Technologies are people with disabilities. She has always given importance to people's abilities rather than their disabilities.

Shilpi is neither the first person nor the last person working for the betterment of people with disabilities in India but her understanding about the needs of people with different types of disability is remarkable. Her passion for doing things differently for accommodating the disabled in the main stream of the society has inspired many including her employees, friends, and relatives.

About NCPEDP (External website)

National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) headed by Mr. Javed Abidi is a registered trust which stresses the need for productivity and empowerment of the disabled rather than holding traditional views of charity and welfare towards the disabled. Board of management of NCPEDP includes representatives from different segments, such as Industries, NGOs, disabled people and International agencies.

About Shell Helen Keller Award (External website)

NCPEDP - Shell Helen Keller Awards symbolize an equal playing field for people with disabilities. Every year, 10 role models are selected - those who have been doing exemplary work towards helping disabled people find positions of equality and dignity in the workplace. Recipients of the NCPEDP - Shell Helen Keller awards include individuals as well as organizations that have succeeded in making a difference in the lives of disabled people.