India, a land of diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, aspires to be equally welcoming for everyone. Yet, for People with Disabilities (PwDs), navigating this vibrant tapestry can be a challenge. Public spaces lacking ramps, inaccessible transportation, and a general lack of awareness create significant barriers to their equal participation in society.
Recognizing this disparity, the Accessible India Campaign (AIC), launched in 2015, is a national initiative striving to transform India into a truly inclusive nation. This ambitious campaign tackles accessibility issues on multiple fronts, aiming to empower people with disabilities and unlock their full potential.
The Accessible India Campaign goes beyond a single solution. It focuses on:
Built Environment Accessibility
The Accessible India Campaign aims to provide an accessible physical environment to everyone. To achieve this, undertaking measures to eliminate obstacles and barriers to indoor and outdoor facilities including schools, medical facilities, and workplaces is a must. The built-in environment not only covers buildings, but also steps and ramps, corridors, footpaths, curb cuts, parking, entry gate, emergency exits, toilets and obstacles that block the flow of pedestrian traffic.
Transportation System Accessibility
Transportation is a vital component for independent and dignified living. The term transportation covers several areas including air travel, buses, taxis, and trains. Inaccessible transportation reduces mobility, denies freedom of movement and active participation, for much of the population who may need accessible transportation. The Accessible India Campaign focuses on providing persons with disabilities an equal right to travel and use public and private transportation infrastructure with dignity and independence.
Information and Communication Eco-System Accessibility
Access to information creates opportunities for everyone in society. Access to information refers to all information. This can range from actions such as being able to read price tags, to physically enter a hall, to participate in an event, to read a pamphlet with healthcare information, to understand a train timetable, or to view webpages.
The Ripple Effect of Accessibility
- The Accessible India Campaign, with its multi-pronged approach, is making a significant impact on the lives of countless people with reduced mobility including people with disabilities. Increased awareness leads to a more inclusive society, while policy changes ensure long-term accessibility measures. Accessibility audits and solutions translate these policies into tangible improvements in public spaces. Sensitization trainings ensure a more empathetic and supportive environment.
- The ultimate goal? To empower people with disabilities to lead fulfilling and independent lives, removing barriers that hinder their access to education, employment, healthcare, and social interactions.
Svayam on the Frontlines of Accessibility
Since 2000, Svayam has been a leading force in advocating for accessibility and driving positive change. Svayam came forward to support the objective of the Accessible India Campaign launched in 2015. Their contributions span various sectors, making a real difference in the lives of not only People with Disabilities but People with Reduced Mobility including senior citizens, children, pregnant women, people with temporary injury, etc.
Svayam’s Accessibility Audits:
Public Buildings: Svayam has played a crucial role in assessing accessibility in government offices. Their audits of 138 Public Administration buildings have identified areas for improvement, ensuring these vital spaces are accessible to everyone.
- Healthcare Facilities: Recognising the importance of accessible healthcare, Svayam has audited 66 Hospitals. Their audits help ensure people with reduced mobility can receive proper medical attention without facing physical barriers.
- Safety and Security: Accessibility in police stations is essential. Svayam’s audits of 39 Police Stations contribute to a more inclusive justice system, where people with reduced mobility can easily report crimes and access support.
Beyond Audits: Railway Stations
- Svayam’s work goes beyond audits. Their involvement in over 8 railway stations has resulted in tangible improvements. By advocating for ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets, they’ve helped make train travel a more inclusive experience for people with reduced mobility.
Widespread Impact:
Svayam’s commitment to accessibility extends to various public spaces:
- Bus Stands: Audits of 13 Bus stands ensure people with reduced mobility can navigate public transportation with greater ease.
- Courthouses: Accessibility in courts is paramount. Svayam’s audits of 13 Courts contribute to a fairer legal system where people with reduced mobility can participate fully.
- City Infrastructure: Svayam’s audits of 13 city infrastructure projects, including pathways and sidewalks, are crucial for ensuring people with reduced mobility can move freely within their communities.
Additional Contributions:
- Svayam’s dedication extends beyond the numbers listed above. They have audited over 335 public buildings in total, demonstrating their comprehensive approach. Their work has also encompassed critical infrastructure like airport terminals, national highway stress pass segments, and regional administrative offices, ensuring a wider impact on accessibility across India.
- By combining audits, advocacy, and collaboration, Svayam is a driving force in terms of ensuring that India is accessible for not only people with disabilities but for people with reduced mobility. Their efforts are helping to create a more inclusive and accessible India for everyone, which in turn contributes to the goal of the Accessible India Campaign.