Empowering Change: Reflections on the Panel Discussion for Inclusive and Accessible Cities at Noida Utsav organised by SIDBI & NASVI

Mr. Vashishth leading the discussion

On the breezy yet sunlit afternoon of February 3, 2024, at NOIDA UTSAV, an electrifying panel discussion unfolded under the banner of "Making Cities Inclusive and Accessible for the Differently Abled." The event, organized by NASVI and SIDBI at Noida Haat, was a testament to the commitment towards creating a more inclusive urban landscape. The panel, curated by NEDAR Foundation and CABE Foundation, was skillfully moderated by our Director, Subhash Chandra Vashishth.

The Panel had three speakers in addition to Mr. Vashishth. Mr. Rajendran of NEDAR Foundation, Mr. Sonu Ram, a person who has organised grass root self help groups of persons with disabilitiess in outer Delhi and Ms. Kishwar, a women entrepreneur who vends regularly in weekly haats who shared their expreiences of challenges they face, opportunities they explored and what do they think is the way forward. 

Panelists posing for a photo with disabled entrepreneurs 

Key Takeaways from the Panel Discussion:

1. Street Vendors: Unsung Heroes of Entrepreneurship

The discussion shed light on the fact that many street vendors are individuals with disabilities. As entrepreneurs, they engage in street vending activities not only for livelihood but also for self-reliance. The panel emphasized the need for equal opportunities and enhanced accessibility in the infrastructure of vending spaces and sanitary facilities near vending zones which is a crucial element of inclusion particularly for women vendors with disabilities.

2. Representation on Town Vending Committees

A crucial takeaway was the call for the representation of persons with disabilities on the Town Vending Committees established under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014. This step is vital in ensuring that policies are inclusive and considerate of the unique challenges faced by differently-abled street vendors.

Mr. Vashishth with entrepreneurs at the NEDAR stall 

3. Mainstream Organizations: Catalysts for Change

NASVI and similar mainstream organizations were encouraged to include street vendors with disabilities and disability experts on their advisory bodies. Informed decisions and robust advocacy are essential for protecting the legitimate rights of the differently-abled, making the journey towards inclusion more effective.

4. Urban Planning for Accessibility

The discussion pointed out the critical role of urban planning authorities (Urban Local Bodies) in creating accessible vending zones. Recommendations included incorporating accessible features in built spaces and information and communication services (such as apps), reserving 5% of spaces for disabled vendors, and providing additional areas for parking mobility devices, wheelchairs, tricycles, or specially designed accessible vending carts.

5. Coexistence of Accessibility and Livelihood

A fundamental principle emerged from the dialogue: the right of accessibility and the right of livelihood must coexist as complementary factors. When notifying an area as a "vending zone," local authorities should ensure that footpaths, sidewalks, pavements, or streets remain accessible and usable by pedestrians and persons with disabilities, without being encroached upon by vendors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the enthusiasm and engagement witnessed during this panel discussion serve as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to create a more inclusive and accessible world. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants for their valuable contributions. Let's continue working together, fostering an #InclusiveCities movement and championing the cause of #DifferentlyAbledEntrepreneurs. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the #EmpowermentJourney towards true #InclusionChampioning.

Special thanks to #SIDBI and #NASVI for their dedicated efforts in making this impactful dialogue possible and #NEDARFoundation and #CABEFoundation for initiating Inclusion discussion. The journey has just begun; let's continue striving for a world where inclusivity is not just a goal but a reality.

#InclusiveCities #AccessibilityAdvocate #EmpowermentJourney #InclusionChampion

One day Awareness Raising Workshop on Duties and Responsibilities of Govt. Establishments under RPWD Act 2016, held at NISD Auditorium

Mr. Vashishth conducting the training

With the goal of promoting greater inclusivity within society, the Office of Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, organized a One-day Workshop  on 'Duties and Responsibilities of Govt. Establishments Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016' conducted by Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth, Director at CABE Foundation, as a resource person among others on September 15, 2023.

The workshop was held in the auditorium of the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), Dwarka Sector 10, New Delhi. The objective of this workshop was to provide insights into the obligations and roles delineated in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 for the government establishments.

Fig. Banner of the event.

Government officers from several ministries and departments under the Govt. of India coming from different cities of India participated in the workshop. The workshop was simultaneously interpreted in sign language by a competent interpretor to give n inclusive experience of such sessions. The workshop started off with the first session on disability sensitization with an engaging discussion on the significance of using appropriate language and terminology when addressing individuals with disabilities. It delved into the three prevalent disability models: the charity model, the medical model, and the social model. These models offer distinct perspectives on how society views and interacts with persons with disabilities, highlighting the need for a more empathetic and inclusive approach.

One of the discussions in the workshop was situational and functional disabilities, emphasizing the critical importance of accessibility in diverse settings such as buildings, workplaces, and transportation.

The workshop also emphasized the significance of accommodating accessibility requirements and be aware of subtle ableism at display in our behaviour and attitudes. By doing so, it ensures that people with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of life. This practical insight into the diverse needs of users is essential for promoting inclusivity in our communities.

The workshop was a knowledge-sharing platform that aimed to enhance the duty bearers' understanding of the rights and responsibilities outlined in the 2016 Act. It brought together professionals from various backgrounds to foster a more inclusive and accommodating environment for persons with disabilities. By addressing the intricacies of disability models, language usage, and accessibility challenges, the workshop aimed to pave the way for a more equitable and empathetic society.

Group picture of Faculty, the Dy Chief Commissioner for PwDs and Participants

It also stressed that understanding what is accessible and what is not accessible to persons with disabilities is crucial in fostering an inclusive environment. This awareness extends beyond physical spaces to encompass digital accessibility, ensuring that everyone can access information and technology without barriers.

In addition, it also discussed the legal aspects of accessibility, particularly focusing on sections 40, 41, 42, 44 and 45 of the relevant legislation of accessibility. These sections encompass accessibility in the workplace, transportation, access to information and technology, and the retrofitting of existing infrastructure to make it accessible. By addressing these facets, organizations and individuals can actively contribute to breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive society.

Mr. Naresh from the Institute of Secretariat Training and Management (ISTM) conducted the session on the implementation of 4%  reservation for different categories of persons with disabilities, particularly providing practice guidance on how to prepare the rosters to ensure the correct application of reservation percentages.

The session served as an example of light on the path to inclusiveness. It provides the information and understanding required to build a society in which everyone is treated with equality and respect. We thank the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, for organizing this important awareness raising workshop for the stakeholders.

 

 

Join us at the Conference on Inclusion in Cultural Spaces organised by MAP Bangalore on 01 July 2023

Dear Colleagues,

We are delighted to announce that Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth, CABE's Co-Founder & Director, will be joining the upcoming conference on 'Inclusion in Cultural Spaces', scheduled to be held on the 1st of July 2023 at Bangalore. 

Organised by the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) in Bangalore, and supported by the Mphasis F1 Foundation, the conference will bring together experts from the arts, as well as the broader development sector to highlight and demystify the complexities of inclusion within the arts.

The day-long conference will feature conversations on the status of inclusion in cultural organisations, the built environment, fostering a meaningful audience engagement, representation within the workforce, and the need for a strategic effort by funders to move towards a more inclusive art sector.

The day will also feature an introductory session on Indian Sign Language and will conclude with a networking reception.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

The event is free, but registration is mandatory.  

Register for the Conference in Person: [Weblink to Register]

Download Programme Schedule of the Conference : [PDF 146KB]

Date and Venue: 01 July 2023, Mazumdar - Shaw Auditorium, Ist Floor, 22, Kasturba Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001 (Location PIN)

Require support  or have Questions : access@map-india.org  or visit MAP-India dot org

Capacity Building Workshop at Chandigarh on 'Inclusive Library-A digital and Accessible Library for All'

Access to Libraries is an important area of intervention especially in this age of technology where STEM education is increasingly being chosen by blind and visually impaired students among others. Physical access to schools and libraries too is equally crucial for children with disabilities and convenient for other students. We need more sensitization among schools and educational institutions.

We contributed to this crucial two day Capacity Building Workshop on "Inclusive Library-A digital and Accessible Library for All" on 28 April 2023 at Sri Guru Govind Singh Public School Sector 35B Chandigarh as resource. The school, the GIEN (Global Inclusive Education Network), Centre for Disability Studies and Action, School of Social Work, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai (TISS, Mumbai), DAISY Forum of India (DFI), National Associated for the Blind, Delhi (NAB), and Brotherhood, Delhi, collaborated together to organise a two-day capacity-building workshop for the librarians, special educators, counsellors and IT professionals of schools (Primary, Middle, Secondary and Senior Secondary), special schools and universities.

Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth conducted two sessions during the workshop - one each on - Legal framework on Obligations of educational institutions & libraries towards persons with disabilities, Access to ICT products & services and on How to ensure Physcial Accessibility in Schools & Libraries. Attendees were Teachers, Special Educators, Librarians, Counsellors and IT Staff from various schools, Universities and Special schools from North India. Interesting take aways from the exercise. 

Fig. Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth conducting the training session.

We thank Global Inclusive Education Network; Centre for Disability Studies and Action, School of Social Work, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai (TISS, Mumbai); DAISY Forum of India (DFI); National Associated for the Blind, Delhi (NAB), and Brotherhood, for this importnat collaboration!, 

Udaipur to host next 2-Day National Workshop on National Building Code of India 2016 on 15-16 March 2018

Dear Colleagues,

This is in continuation of our earlier post dated 14 Feb 18. The next Awareness Raising Workshop on recently revised National Building Code 2016 is schedule during 15-16 March 2018 at Udaipur City of Rajasthan, India. 

Bureau of Indian Standards jointly with Institutional of Engineers (India) Udaipur Local Centre is organizing this 2-day Workshop  Delhi, India at College of Technology and Engineering (CTAE), University Road, Ganapati Nagar, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001.

It is reiterated that the speakers indicated in the workshop program below are Conveners/Expert members of the relevant chapters of the Code who have contributed in the revision of NBC.

Session IV is dedicated to Building Services: Lighting and Natural Ventilation which would be presented by a senior member of  our CABE Team. Here is the tentative program: 

2-day National Workshop on  National Building Code of India 2016 Tentative Program:
(15 & 16 March 2018 @ CTAE, MPUAC, Udaipur)

Thursday, 15 March 2018
0900h – 1000h	Registration
1000h – 1100h	Inaugural Session
1100h – 1130h	High Tea
1130h – 1330h	Session I Overview of NBC 2016 including Administration, Development                  Control Rules & General Building Requirements Speaker:   Shri Sanjay Pant, Director & Head (Civil Engg), BIS
1330h – 1430h	Lunch
1430h – 1515h	Session II  Building Services - Electrical Installations Speaker: Smt Shruti Goel (Member, Panel for Electrical Installations of NBC 2016)
1515h – 1615h	Session III   Fire and Life Safety Speaker:      Shri S.K. Dheri (Convener, Panel for Fire Protection of NBC 2016)
1615h – 1630h	Tea
1630h – 1730h	Session IV  Building Services – Lighting and Natural Ventilation Speaker:      Shri Amor Kool (Member, Panel for Lighting and Natural Ventilation of NBC 2016)
Friday, 16 March 2018
0900h – 1100h	Session V    Structural Design Including Disaster Resistant Design of                      Structures Speaker:       Shri V.V. Arora (Convener, Panel for Masonry of NBC 2016)
1100h – 1130h	Tea
1130h – 1230h	Session VI   Approach to Sustainability Speaker:       Dr. Prem C. Jain (Convener, Panel for Sustainability of NBC 2016)  - TBC
1230h – 1330h	Session VII  Provisions on Accessibility Speaker:       Smt Madhurima Madhav, Scientist C (Civil Engg), BIS
1330h – 1430h	Lunch
1430h – 1545h	Session VIII  Construction Management, Practices and Safety Speaker:       Shri Jose Kurian (Convener, Panel for Concrete of NBC 2016)
1545h – 1600h	Tea
1600h – 1700h	Session IX   Plumbing Services Speaker:       To be confirmed
1700h – 1730h	Concluding Session
1730h	High Tea

Registration:-

Please note that the registration shall be done on first come first serve basis and registration is mandatory for entry to the workshop. For further details, enquiry and registration, please contact :

Shri Y.K. Bolia ,

Hony. Secretary, IEI-ULC

Institution of Engineers (India),

Udaipur Local Centre,

1285, Hiran Magri, Sector 11

Udaipur- 313 002

Phone: 0294-2583702

Mobile: 9414254531

Email: ieiulc@gmail.com, 

ykbolia@gmail.com

CABE contributed to the Universal Design Conclave & Accessibility Conclave at IIMA on 27 Aug 2016

Conclave Welcome Banner

Dear Colleagues,

The Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIMA) organised a Conclave titled "National Conclave on Universal Design and Accessibility, Smart Cities & Digital India" on August 27, 2016 at PP Gupta Auditorium, IMDC, New Campus, Indian Institute of Management(IIMA), Vastrapur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.

This conclave was an initiative to generate awareness about the concept of "Accessibility or Design for All" which focuses on designing buildings, products and environments that are inherently accessible to people with disabilities, older people and also people without disabilities. It was organised in co-operation with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, and with Blind People’s Association (BPA), as research partners. The Conclave was very well moderated by Prof. Ashis Jalote Parmar, an information architect & design thinker, one of the dynamic  & able professors that IIMA has on its rolls.

Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth, Advocate & Founder - CABE was also invited among other expert speakers in this august conclave to share his experiences & speak on "How universal design in smart cities/ habitat can address disability rights?" Visit here for programme schedule on IIMA website and here for the  UD Conclave Brochure in PDF. 

Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth with Dr. Ashis Jalote Parmar

Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth speaking at the Conclave

During his talk, Mr. Vashishth stressed that he personally preferred the term 'smart habitat' to 'smart cities' as habitat is all inclusive term including all forms of human habitation and not just cities. He shared with examples how concept of smart habitat was necessary  to realise the disability rights. Indicating the systemic lacunae in the "smart cities" concept, he emphasised  how vulnerable persons with disabilities, elders & those with other diversity would be rendered as the smart cities was a data driven project. The indicators of a smart cities that most cities will follow are based on the data available while there is no virtual data available on accessibility of built environment or services as of now. Thus it was most likely that accessibility requirements do not form part of smart city indicators. The Govt. of India even doesn't have a clear and specific picture of the number of persons with disabilities in the country. 

Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth taking questions of participants

Mr. Vashishth also shared that while Accessible India Campaign was a very good initiative of Hon'ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Bhai Modi and that it has brought focus back to the basic accessibility challenges facing the nation, its reach is still limited to cities that too only a certain number of public buildings. Rural India is still beyond reach of the campaign and we all know over 65% of population resides in villages which includes a significant population of elders & those with disabilities. 

He also expressed that with over-emphasis on the technology in the smart cities, the "compassion" has taken a back seat. He advocated "Smart & Compassionate Habitats" instead of "Smart Cities" as Cities left out so many Indians from reaping the fruits of development  and it was also a cause of lop-sided development & reason for mass exodus of rural population to cities & suburbs leading to socioeconomic, psychological & medical complexities.

"Accessibility is actually still not on the agenda of smart cities, that’s what we have seen in our experience. It’s on automation, on getting smart technology — but not planning the environment keeping the last link — the weakest and most vulnerable person in mind. Unless that happens, it will not be sustainable and we may have to end up redoing it in the future in form of retrofitting. So far we have been looking at accessibility as a charity, add-ons and talking in terms of percentages, but we have not been bench-marking it.” he said.

He raised concern on the huge gap between the legal requirements & actual compliance when it came to accessibility of buildings, transport infrastructure, services, websites & ICT infrastructure. He stressed that systemic changes were needed to capture the data on accessibility so that it could be reflected in the budgetary plans & schemes and in the 100 smart cities that India is poised to achieve. He added that new revisions brought out by the Bureau of Indian Standards in the National Building Code 2016- wherein he authored the entire chapter on accessibility provisions- contain comprehensive requirements on Accessibility based on Universal Design.

Other important speakers included Senior representatives from Accessible India Campaign (Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment), Skill India, Digital India (Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology), Municipal Commissioner Ahmadabad, Mastek India, Centre for Internet & Society- Bangalore, Saksham- New Delhi, Samarthyam- New Delhi, School of Planning & Architecture, Bhopal etc. The participants included design professionals, architects, engineers, academicians from National Institute of Design, DPOs, Govt. Officials from ULBs & Smart City Project & other stakeholders.

Here are some more pictures from the Conclave.

Mr. Deepinder Singh, Head Strategy Digital India, Speaking

Mr. Sanjay Singh, Under Secy, Accessible India, speaking

Dr. Parmar introducing Dr. Rachna Khare, SPA Bhopal

Municipal Commissioner Ahmadabad speaking

Mr. Vashishth with other speakers

Mr. Kumar Manish, Founder Urban Voices, raising a query

Conclave Hall at IIMA full of participants