Bhubaneswar, May 2: The two-day International Conference on Building Bridges for Inclusivity (ICBBI 2026) commenced at KiiT International School on Friday, bringing together global experts, educators, policymakers, and practitioners to deliberate on strengthening inclusive systems in education and employment.
Organised jointly by the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), Secunderabad, and KiiT International School under its Special Education Needs (SEN) Globe initiative, the conference is being held in collaboration with the University of Sussex, UK. It is supported by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DPwED), Government of India, and the SSEPD Department, Government of Odisha.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Prof. Thompson, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sussex, emphasised that inclusive education must go beyond policy frameworks. “It cannot remain a statement of intent alone; it has to be reflected in everyday practice,” he said, adding that sustained trust-based collaboration is key to achieving meaningful inclusivity. He also underlined that inclusive education must remain adaptable and open to change.
Rajni Jani, Special Secretary, Government of Odisha, highlighted the state’s initiatives in the field of special education. Sharing her experiences, she noted that even small gestures can significantly impact the lives of persons with special needs. She stressed the importance of compassion, patience, and bridging gaps to achieve true inclusivity.
Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS, described the conference as “the need of the hour” and reiterated the institution’s commitment to inclusive education. He stated that KIIT International School is the only institute in the country that has championed the cause of inclusivity with the SEN Globe initiative, that provides education to special children. It has been successful due to its human-centric approach.
The inaugural ceremony also witnessed the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between NIEPID and KiiT IS SEN Globe to uplift underprivileged children with intellectual disabilities. Also, conference proceedings, a significant step towards fostering institutional collaboration was released on the occasion.
The opening ceremony included an invocation, welcome address by KiiT International School Chairperson Dr. Mona Lisa Bal said, KiiT-IS SEN Globe stands as a reflection of this very idea—building bridges between difference and understanding, between exclusion and belonging, and between potential and opportunity. Because when we build the right bridges, every child finds their way across.
Among others KIIT President Saswati Bal, NIEPID Director Dr. B.V. Ram Kumar, SVNIRTAR Director Dr. P. P. Mohanty were also present on the occasion. Dr. Sravan Reddy delivered the vote of thanks.
The conference, being held in hybrid mode from May 2–3, aims to promote evidence-based dialogue, interdisciplinary collaboration, and policy innovation. Key themes include Universal Design for Learning, neurodiversity, inclusive classroom practices, assistive technologies, school-to-work transitions, and inclusive assessment strategies.
