Amazon India signs MoU with Government of Tamil Nadu to empower Persons with Disabilities

With an aim to engage with employable Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and to enable their participation in the mainstream workforce, Amazon India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Government of Tamil Nadu, along with four other state governments. The MoU which extends until 2026 aims to provide skilling and employment opportunities to PwD candidates in the five states. 

Through this initiative, Amazon aims to provide PwDs, the needed support with on-the-job training, intervention and an environment of acceptance and inclusion. The opportunities will be provided across Amazon’s Operations Network, i.e., Fulfilment Centres, Sortation Centres and Delivery Stations for various roles, including stowing, picking, packing, and sorting among other roles.

Liju Thomas, Director, People Experience and Technology (PXT), India Operations, Amazon, said, “At Amazon India, we foster a culture that is conducive to growth and offers people equal opportunities to unlock their full potential. With this initiative, we aim to focus on skilling and livelihood for PwD across Amazon India’s Operations network, over a period of 3 years.” With thousands of associates with Hearing and Speech Impairments playing invaluable role as part of Amazon India’s Operations network, the focus is on building a conducive environment that enables them to perform their roles.

Amazon India has implemented several infrastructure accommodations to support associates with hearing and speech impairment. 'SignAble' is one such initiative which is a virtual and interactive interpreter platform that enables real-time communication between associates with hearing and speech impairments and other associates on the floor. Additionally, Amazon has initiatives designed to create opportunities for persons with hearing impairment in its operations sites. These initiatives have created opportunities for many individuals and empowered them with financial independence and helped them realize their true potential.