We on the Move: Towards Equitable Transport Systems

For more than half a million people in the world, accessible and safe design features in public transport infrastructure and system can mean an education, a job and equal opportunities that would otherwise be denied to them. Thus it is mandatory to make public transport system and pedestrian infrastructure accessible and provide ‘first and last mile’ connectivity for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility.

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Samarthyam Women with Disabilities Forum for Action

We promote, ensure and uphold rights of girls to move towards just and peaceful world, where everyone lives with dignity, respect, and equality.

In these 33 years of our journey towards inclusion, which is hindered with obstacles, we remain persistent as we collectively dismantle systems of stigma and ableism.

Samarthyam advocated for National Urban Transport Policy after the first National Conference on “Mobility for All”, held in New Delhi in 2006, thus resulting in the first transport policy in India with inclusive mobility sections. We have secured significant wins, including the ratification of UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007.

In 2014, the NUTP was amended again to comply with UNCRPD and The PWD Act 1995 and stipulates universal design and universal accessibility in its preamble. Now, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 mandates universal design and accessibility in transport ecosystem.

Samarthyam collaborates with State and Central (federal) Governments, State Transport Authorities, service providers, and public transit agencies:

• to identify mobility challenges and provide innovative solutions for persons with reduced mobility and disabilities
• to create inclusive transit services that could be sustained and replicated across the country, equitably access for all was considered crucial

Some examples are: Delhi Metro, Bus Rapid Transit Systems, Delhi low floor buses, bus shelters, as non-engineering member have co-authored several codes for the Indian Roads Congress- such as IRC -103, Guidelines for pedestrian facilities, etc., which are used as national standards by road and transport engineers, professionals, policy makers, implementers, etc.

Image ©Samarthyam

As the active members for the Accessible India Campaign, 2015 the flagship campaign by Government of India and the passing of the National Act on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2016, there is significant awareness amongst policy makers on accessibility mandate.

We worked for 2 years to develop the strategies and goals for implementation and added transportation ecosystem as one of the verticals. Samarthyam resourced cross-movement collaboration between the disability rights and mainstream feminist movement and provided technical assistance to the sector and service providers.

Samarthyam, promoted key policy elements, institutional mechanisms and capacity development that can be adapted to national contexts to accelerate progress in disability-inclusive and Equitable Transport Systems.

Building unity and solidarity and a collective vision for advocacy has resulted in getting forward from papers to policy to implementation, though we have been just able to achieve 10-15% of inclusive design, practices, and services.

With our research and work with the grass root women with disabilities, we have found that they have the solutions, lived experiences, and expertise to drive meaningful shifts and lead our communities towards a more accessible, inclusive and equitable world. Still, alike all women, women with disabilities continue to face inequality and discrimination and are ‘‘transport disadvantaged”.

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Rethink the Language of Accessibility

I am a wheelchair-user in perpetual pursuit of a barrier-free life. I have been advocating for accessibility on a global scale for over three decades now. And what has become apparent to me over the years is that when advocates like I talk about accessibility, we are actually talking about something far more profound than what the word itself suggests and something far more transformative than how the word is used. 

 

Accessibility should be a catalytic force for something more. What make a space accessible are the empathy, connection, freedom and possibility it engenders for people of all abilities and identities to come together.

Image ©Samarthyam

 

Accessibility is a slippery, deceptive word that belies its own emancipatory meaning.

 

To move beyond the ramp, the sign-language interpreter, the Braille pad, and reclaim accessibility to mean more than the bureaucratic administration of disabled bodies, we must move beyond the logic of compliance. Audio and video support, Textbooks That Talk, Apps and website with accessibility features including alternate text for images and accessible pdfs are some of the examples.

While we all align to find the new normal amidst COVID 19 pandemic, today on #GAAD, we are all impacted – especially from a digital consumption angle. It’s very challenging as digital world is not accessible to cross disability people. The digital divide has led to discrimination and made us feel ‘dependent’, while it should be the other way round. In the Coivid-19 lockdown, people with disabilities (PwDs) are more dependent upon smart phones and laptops. A great example is what’s app, which has connected PwDs with essential services. My another favorite example is devise like Alexa Echo, which has helped me to undertake small but independent steps like operating the light switches, AC, TV, living a digitally relaxed life....

 

For those who fear that implementing digital accessibility is a daunting effort, here are some tips or experiences that may be helpful. Will especially direct this to the product practitioners to touch on both document and web accessibility including mobile to start with. I strongly feel that we should work towards larger goal of building an accessible eco-system. The outreach should be extended beyond the software programmers, also to cover the ecosystems such as policy, research and allied fields. Now in India, accessibility is legal and the deadline also is set, the need for us to talk and walk digital accessibility is the only best thing for businesses and society.

 

There has always been a fear that incorporating for accessibility may impact other elements of a web application, such as the look and feel, the overall performance etc. COVID has shown us that there is room for a lot of innovation for and by the PwDs that benefit non disabled users too. Similarly, there is also a lot of innovation and new technology that needs to embrace accessibility – for example, Apple and Google have partnered to work on contract tracing technology.

 

Looking ahead, it is evident that the need for accessibility is real – both physical and digital. In the digital world, it is imperative for websites and mobile apps to be accessible both for carrying on our regular work from home as well as operational services including telemedicine, banking, shopping and such essentials. This is important not just for PwDs but also for other users.

With the world turning to accessible modes of staying connected in the age of social distancing, modes such as video conferencing, which disabled people were previously shamed for wanting in the workplace, society is now presented with an opportunity to unleash the transformative potential of accessibility in how we build back better from the rubble of the pandemic.

People with disabilities have always known that one can work from home and still be productive. Taking cue from this resourceful and tenacious segment of society, there is no reason why we all can’t embrace more flexible arrangements and fluid working conditions. Perhaps it’s time to accord employees the freedom to determine their own working hours, while maintaining a commitment to results. Perhaps it’s time to match our appreciation for essential workers with better pay. The economic fallout of lockdown has revealed not just the stark reality of financial precariousness but also the extent of financial exclusion. 

Beyond Zero, a term I coined to describe a new way of thinking about accessibility, means going beyond the notion that inclusion can somehow be drip fed to people who need it, one tick-box exercise at a time. If we are committed to leaving no one behind then we must stop thinking that ticking boxes leads to accessibility and inclusion. 

Human resources and human beings in general, need to get over the idea that equality means sameness. It doesn’t! Equality means our individual and collective differences are not deal-breakers, at work, at the grocery store, and when we seek medical care. Perhaps a renewed commitment to accessibility – that confusing, strange and vital word – may help us see this more clearly.

Author:

Dr. Anjlee Agarwal
Universal Accessibility & Sustainable Mobility Specialist
Samarthyam, Centre for Universal Accessibility 
www.samarthyam.com

Samarthyam's 33 years of journey: Accessible, Scalable, Replicable and Sustainable Projects

 

Our Milestones: Accessible, Scalable, Replicable and Sustainable Projects

Samarthyam is celebrating 33 years of our efforts to make #India #accessible and #inclusive! Thanks to all our partners in change for their continued patronage!!

In this Decade for Action, we aim at the following:

• Address issues of inequality and promote the social inclusion of youth, persons with disabilities, older persons and other vulnerable social groups;
• Promote gender equality and women’s empowerment; and
• Strengthen social protection and health systems.

Our efforts to achieve the above are seen in our activities, in every year, as follows:

2021-2024 and counting....... 

Accessibility audits of prestigious public buildings and corporate offices:
Max Mueller Bhawan, New Delhi,
Center For Development Of Advanced Computing, Bangalore- Supercomputers developers 
GE, Corporate offices, Noida, UP
Airport Terminals, Navi Mumbai, Mumbai 
Uber, HQ, Bangalore

We got new Memberships:

Member, Committee on review of UGC Guidelines, University Grants Commission, Government of NCT, Delhi 

2018-2024, Samarthyam with European Union and Sightsavers is leading the process to define need, build OPD capacity, advocate for accountability in SDG implementation in systematic & institutionalized manner. Samarthyam is focusing on disability inclusion in education, health, employment, livable habitat, smart cities, in the spirit to implement UNCRPD and making cities more inclusive in the context of the UN SDGs #11, the UN Habitat III New Urban Agenda.

2004-24, Access Audits of Delhi Metro Infrastructure
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has set an example of being the most accessible public transportation system in India. Based on the accessibility standards recommended by Samarthyam, similar design standards are being replicated in other parts of the country. Samarthyam is advisor to all the Metro Rail Corporation projects in India such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Agra, Kanpur, and Jaipur.

2004-2024, Indian Railways
Samarthyam is working on Accessible Railway Coaches with toilets and transit/ boarding devices to bridge the gap between rail coach and platform. Partnership with Research Design Standards Organization (RDSO), Rail Coach Factory (RCF) and Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Ministry of Railways, Government of India is helping to conduct R&D projects to make Indian Railways accessible.

2003- 2024, Pedestrian Infrastructure

To provide seamless journey and last mile connectivity between the transit facilities, and to other services, Samarthyam revised the pedestrian guidelines and codes of the Indian Roads Congress with inclusive design standards for pedestrians and commuters. Connaught Place, CommonWealth Games streetscape (New Delhi), Badshahpur eco-corridor (Gurgaon), Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation roads and streetscape (Hyderabad),  Eco-world 5kms corridor (Bangalore), Chennai, Ahmedabad, etc. are some of our prime projects on inclusive pedestrian facilities. 

1993-2024, access audits of buildings, corporate offices, theme parks, Tech offices, etc. have been undertaken that include our partners-in-change.

2023

Major Accessibility Audits undertaken:

• New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)25 prime buildings and offices in Delhi

• Panjab University, Panjab

• 2 Pilgrimage sites access audit under PRASAD scheme of PMO, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India

• Tech Parks, Malls and Resorts, Factories & Manufacturing Units, Corporate Offices, etc.

Airports for ALL

Three major airports are access audited and plans of new /upcoming airports are vetted to ensure Mobility for All. These include:

• Delhi International Airports- Terminal 2 and 3

• Bangalore International Airport- Terminal 1 and 2

• Mumbai International Airport- Terminal 1, 2 and 3

• Navi Mumbai International Airport- Terminal 1

Schools for All

Samarthyam with the World Health Organization (WHO) conducted a Special Accessibility Audit for Children with Disabilities in 33 Government Schools in NCT Delhi. Outcome: The intervention has resulted in making all the government schools in Delhi NCR accessible and inclusive for children and teachers with disabilities and opening up avenues for further replication in other states of India.

2021-23 

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) 

With the aim of improving the standard of living for persons with disabilities in India’s Rajasthan State, ESCAP and Samarthyam have designed a project to strengthen the capacities of persons with disabilities, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), mainstream community networks and government agencies.

1. Protecting and empowering persons with disabilities in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021-22

2. Towards the Incheon Strategy to Ensure the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific (Phase II), 2022-23

2022

2012-2022, With UNICEF, Samarthyam has been associated since 2012 and has partnered in 5 states to ensure education and inclusion for all children with disabilities. 

• Accessibility audit in schools and Anganwadis, development of module and capacity building on home based education of children with severe and multiple disabilities

• 2022, Capacity building and supportive supervision on accessibility audit of schools & anganwadis and home based education, UP

• Accessibility audit in schools and Anganwadis, development of module and capacity building on home based education of children with severe and multiple disabilities, UP

• Barrier Free and Accessible Built Environment in Schools of Gujarat 

• Capacity Building Workshops for Making Schools Accessible, Rayagada, Odisha

• Capacity Building Workshops for Making Schools Accessible, Odisha, Assam, UP, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu

• Capacity Building Workshop for Making Schools Accessible, Pan Odisha

• Development of Guidelines on Barrier Free and Accessible Built Environment in Schools

2005-2022, Access audits of Educational Institutions

• Access audits of prime Universities of India:

• Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) campus, New Delhi

• University of Delhi

• University of Punjab

• University of Rajasthan

• University of Garhwal at Tehri, Pauri, Garhwal and Srinagar, Uttrakhand

• University of Hyderabad, EFLU

• SLIET, Engineering University Punjab 

• Bharathiar university, Coimbatore 

• Other prime access audits include: 

• Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Complete Tiger Reserve access audited along with tree houses

• Ayodhya Station- Accessibility and Mobility Audit as per the RPWD ACT

• Bangalore International Airport - domestic and international airport 

2021

• Access audits of more than 1400 schools in 22 states of India with funding support of UNICEF, Government of India, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (Odisha and West Bengal, VSO and DFID) and CBM

• Access audits of Centre of Excellence, which led to evidence based advocacy on making IITs and IIMs accessible for persons with disabilities. The institutes access audited are as follows:

• Indian Institute of Technology, Jammu

• Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur

• Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur

• Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar

• Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi

• Indian Institute of Management, Ahmadabad

• Indian Institute of Management, Jammu

• BITS MESRA, Ranchi

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2020- 2011

2020

Much needed partnership with developers and corporate organizations were established in this year with access audits as follows:

• DLF 30 Commercial buildings and Retail outlets in Delhi NCR and Gurgaon 

• Public Works Department, Rewari- 5 buildings and Mini Secretariat transport terminus and roads

• Central Public Works Department buildings in Delhi, Bhubaneswar, Jaipur, Kolkata, Chennai  

                   - 45 prime & high visibility government buildings

2010-2020 

Samarthyam has been proactively engaged in access auditing the sports and games complexes in the country to ensure stadiums and sports complexes are universally accessible for all. 

• With Delhi Development Authority (DDA), 18 stadiums and golf courses were access audited by Samarthyam which are retrofitted by DDA to have accessibility elements to include para sports persons. 

• With Sports Authority of India, Govt. of India, 13 stadiums and sports complexes are audited by Samarthyam, while implementation is undertaken by CPWD on fast track.

• During the Commonwealth Games, 2010 in Delhi, as Advisor to the CWG Organizing Committee on accessibility for para-athletes, Samarthyam access audited all stadium complexes and residential apartments to ensure that these are fully accessible for all.

Other prominent built-up environment access audits include:

• Bhikaji Cama Place- walkability audit of roads and streetscape

• Mass Rapid Transit Systems, UPMRCL- Kanpur and Agra stations

• 23 public buildings in Trivandrum, Department of Social Justice, Kerala

2019

• Under the Accessible India Campaign with ASI in Delhi, 19 heritage monument e.g. Red Fort, Purana Quila (Old Fort), Safdarjung Tomb, Jantar Mantar, Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb, etc. were access audited by Samarthyam. All these ticketed monuments have been made accessible for persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility (senior citizens, pregnant women, families with young children and persons with temporary ailments).

• 2006- 2019, Inclusive Design in Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS)

Samarthyam provides planning, design and implementation of BRT systems to emphasize the need for platform-bus interface for level boarding; BQS with ramps, tactile paving, Braille route and information signage. Samarthyam’s collaboration with BRT designers and service providers have resulted in state of art accessible and safe pedestrian infrastructure and bus stations in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Indore, New Raipur (Atal Nagar) and many other cities.

• Other access audits and training include partnering with the following:

• Delhi Metro Rail Corporation- 53 metro stations

• Mumbai International Airport Limited

• Prime Minister’s Office and Rashtrapati Bhawan 

• Central Public Works Department- 18 buildings in Bhubaneswar 

• Delhi Department Authority -18 Stadiums and Golf Course and Nehru Place- walkability audit of roads and streetscape

2017-2018

Samarthyam has been partnering with the Indian Railways- RDSO and ICF wings – to make the railway coaches accessible for all. Design of  prototype accessible railways coaches were provided by Samarthyam in consultation with IR engineers and currently all coaches have “Coach for the Disabled” with internal access for wheelchair users also. 

For external access to the coaches, ‘portable whee-lift’ was tested at New Delhi railway station to be replicated and provided at all stations in the country.

2016

Under the Accessible India Campaign launch year, 5 cities access audits were undertaken:

• Chennai- 25 Metro, suburban station and Chennai Central station

• Raipur- 59 public buildings and Raipur station

• Trivandrum- 51 public buildings and Trivandrum station

• Pune- 49 public buildings and Pune station

• Bhubaneswar- 49 public buildings and BBSR station 

Alongside other access audits covered are as follows:

• CPWD-35 public buildings, , Odisha- Bhubaneswar

• Bus Rapid Transit System, Indore, 2016

2015

• Anjlee Agarwal was invited as Country Representative at United Nations HQ, Geneva for training on CEDAW and advocacy with CEDAW Committee Members

• Access audits undertaken are as follows:

• UNESCO, Accessibility and Safety Audit of Bandra Station, Mumbai

• UTTIPEC, Delhi NCR- walkability Audit of Connaught Place, Lodi Road, Sarai Kale Khan, ISBT terminus

2014

Key transport terminuses and Mass Raid System access audits include:

• Ahmedabad Bus Rapid Transit System with CEPT, 2014

• Hyderabad Metro Rapid Transit System

• Chennai Metro Rapid Transit System

• Bangalore Metro Rapid Transit System: BMRC-Namma 

• Delhi  International Airport, GMR Delhi T3 airport

2013-2011

• Access audits undertaken are as follows:

• Public Works Department- Walkability Audit- 2.2 km roads to Delhi University, North Campus

• H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar, Garhwal, Uttarakhand

• More than 25 Capacity Building workshops for staff of IGNOU; Garhwal and other Universities; CPWD, PWD, Chief Secretaries, etc. were undertaken

• Accessible Goa

In association with Chief Architect, PWD, Goa a one year project was taken up to ensure accessibility in the entire Panjim City and outskirts including the beaches, factores, open spaces, fardens, tourism spots and public buildings. Capacity building training and sensitization for mass awareness was undertaken.

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2010-2001

2010

• 50 prime buildings of Ministry of Urban Development 

Further impetus from the UNCRPD has led to access audits and retrofits of 50 public buildings of CPWD in New Delhi in partnership with the Ministry of Urban Development (now known as Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs), Government of India. These 50 buildings and prime government buildings and campuses such as Prime Minister Office (PMO), President House (Rashtrapati Bhawan), Supreme Court, North and South Block, including museums like the National Museum, NGMA, National Archives, etc.

• Connaught Place inner circle and 1 km radius in New Delhi was made accessible with NDMC before the Commonwealth Games. The project showcased that access audits implementation enables refurbishment with access features in external environments also. This is one example.

2009

Access audits undertaken are as follows:

• Parliament of India

• CWG Organizing Committee and Government of NCT Delhi 

• Walkability Audits- of CWG stadiums and roads infrastructure, 

• Nehru Memorial, Planetarium and Museum

• Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering & Technology (SLIET), Longowal, Punjab

2008

Access audits undertaken are as follows:

• World Health Organization, Regional Office for South- East Asia, New Delhi

• IGNOU campus

• North Delhi Power Limited, Corporate office

• Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Corporate Office

• Postal Staff College India and Hostel building, Ghaziabad

2007

Access audits undertaken are as follows:

• University of Delhi- 147 colleges covering North and South Campus

• Accessible Delhi Project in partnership with Rajiv Gandhi Foundation - 20 public buildings including transport sites

• IIT, Kanpur Campus

• Andaman Islands- Hadoo Jetty and Transport terminuses (Bus stands)

• Accessible Plazas at Emporia Complex, Connaught Place, New Delhi: Pradeep Sachdeva Design Associates (PSDA) was commissioned to design the space in front of the Emporia Complex buildings near Connaught Place by the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC). Samarthyam conducted access audits of the Emporia complex and provided recommendations to make the site universally accessible.

2006

• Access audits of 3 Govt. Hospitals, Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities

• Following the success of Dilli Haat, INA with the addition of accessible elements post-occupancy, the Government of NCT Delhi got a much needed impetus to promote barrier free environments. In partnership with Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC) and Architect Mr. Pradeep Sachdeva, Samarthyam promoted inclusive design in the Garden of Five Senses and Plazas at Emporia Complex, Connaught Place in Delhi. Many Haats were built throughout the country to celebrate “Accessibility and Inclusive” marketplace.

 

• “Mobility for All”: First Conference on Accessible Transportation

In academic collaboration with the Transportation Research & Injury Prevention Programme (TRIPP) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, 17-19 March 2006. The very purpose of this Conference was to bring the Government, service providers, stakeholders and user groups on one platform and Draft Implementation Policies and Guidelines on “National Policy on Accessible Transportation” addressing the concerns of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and senior citizens. This National Conference was the first endeavor of its kind in the country, supported by the Union Tourism Ministry, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India and the Corporate Sector.

• Policy Advocacy on Accessible Public Transport Systems

Samarthyam advocated for National Urban Transport Policy after the first National Conference on “Mobility for All”, held in New Delhi, thus resulting in the first transport policy in India with inclusive mobility sections. In 2014, the NUTP was amended again to comply with UNCRPD and the RPWD Act 2016 and stipulates universal design and universal accessibility in its preamble.

• Bus-Queue-Shelters (BQS)

Samarthyam’s advocacy and sustained implementation strategies have resulted in universal accessibility in public transport infrastructure. Samarthyam provides universal design elements to make the buses and bus shelters accessible for people with disabilities, elderly, children and women. Our collaboration with State and Central (federal) Governments, State Transport Authorities, service providers, and public transit agencies have paved the way for implementation of accessible bus shelters and low floor buses in the country.

2005

Access audits undertaken are as follows:

• India Habitat Centre 

• India International Centre

• Indian Institute of Public Administration

• VSO, India office

2004

2004-2019, Indian Railways- RDSO and ICF – Design of  prototype accessible railways coaches 

2004-2015, Dilli Haat (INA, Pitampura & Janakpuri) vibrant urban space in the heart of Delhi provides a rich cultural and interactive tourist experience for people of all ages. Accessible features including ramps, railings, even flooring and accessible toilets were added in 2004-06 that have made it inclusive for all visitors and artisans.

2004-2010, BRTS, Delhi with IIT Delhi and design of low floor buses.

Low Floor Buses

To create an accessible bus, Samarthyam in association with Transport Research & Injury Prevention Programme (TRIPP), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, worked with the bus manufacturer, TATA Motors. The design of the buses consisted of wide doors, transit ramps, designated wheelchair space, public information systems with audio & digital display, colour contrast handrails and stanchions, illuminated destination and route signs. LFB is now the in-demand public transportation system and Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai and many other cities are having accessible LFB due to Samarthyam’s advocacy with State Transport Authorities.

A year which saw the light of the ‘Accessible & Inclusive India' through the formation of the first Indian Access Auditors Committee “Access for All” by the O/o the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of India. Two Samarthyam’s team members were nominated as the Empanelled Access Auditors for the built environment. Several training workshops of decision makers, service providers and audits were undertaken in this year followed by development of “India National Accessibility Standards”. 

In Feb. 2004, two Samarthyam’s team members were also trained by JICA and APCD

Non Handicapping Workshop for National Trainers and Policy Makers facilitated by UN ESCAP at Bangkok, Thailand.

2003

Access audits undertaken are as follows:

• New Delhi Railway Station 

• Kirti Nagar Reservation Centre

• Nizamuddin Railway Station

• Sarai Kale Khan Station

2002

Graduation in Non-Handicapping Environment by United States

This year was a golden year for Samarthyam Team to be trained by UN ESCAP on “Training of Trainers Non-Handicapping Environment”. The Graduation Course aimed at training on access audits, national international accessibility codes and advocacy with the Government on promotion of accessible environments.

Advocacy with Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation, Government of NCT, Delhi and Delhi Metro Corporation Limited to make the Dilli Haat and Metro Stations accessible was carried out after the training. 

2001

• Samarthyam got registered under the Trust Act of India as not-for-profit (charitable) Trust

• Samarthyam in partnership with the French Architects of Auroville worked for two years to make the entire Auroville accessible. The project aimed at access audits of Matri Mandir and other tourist places, solar kitchen, guest houses, auditoriums and external paths, etc. Team “Accessible Auroville'' also supported ‘sensitization and awareness raising’ workshops facilitated by Samarthyam team. An accessibility code was developed to ensure accessibility continuum in all new constructions. 

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2000- 1991

2000

Accessible Tourism - Course and Training Workshop by UNESCAP + Bali Conference on Accessible Tourism  

The first "Asia-Pacific Conference on Tourism for People with Disability" was held in September 2000. Samarthyam team, Anjlee Agarwal and Sanjeev Sachdeva presented the case study of Dilli Haat and Delhi Metro and highlighted common barriers faced by people with disabilities when traveling for tourism purposes in the Asia-Pacific region. 

At the end of the Conference the delegates (over 250 from 15 countries) presented e with a draft "Bali Declaration" for consideration by the United Nations relating to the needs and rights of travelers with disabilities. This was a good example of advocacy making full use of opportunities whenever they arise. This Declaration, is a powerful tool in disability advocacy in the Asia-Pacific region including garnering better governmental support.

1999-1998

• UNESCAP selected Delhi as one of the pilot projects (beside Bangkok and Beijing) for making 1 km radius accessible for all.

The New Delhi site consisted, primarily, of fourteen government buildings with large numbers of employees and visitors. Samarthyam advocacy and partnership with government and non-government organizations resulted in impact in both the on-going improvements in physical access to other government buildings and in terms of legislative developments (new guidelines, model by-laws, and strengthening of enforcement on access issues).

• Samarthyam team was part of the access audits, training workshops and development of 1998, Space Standards for persons with disabilities and elderly for CPWD. 

1997-1993

• Access Audits of Gol Dak Khana, RML Hospital and several schools in Delhi were undertaken.

• Awareness and Excursion Tours

Continuum of visiting tourism destinations and advocating for tourism packages, tourism sites,packages, transportation systems and hotels to be accessible continued for all these years. Some of the places visited include Agra, Mathura, Bharatpur, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mt. Abu, Ahmedabad, Vadodra, Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Dalhousie, Chamba, Amritsar, Shimla, Kurushetra, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Nainital, Lucknow, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mysore, Chennai, Tirupati, Goa, Port Blair, Bangalore, Guwahati and Shillong etc.

1992

Advocacy on Accessibility Standards and Implementation with Government, Corporates and Service providers was the aim of Samarthyam to ensure that all people with and without disabilities get “accessibility as a human right”. The Taj Mahal and the Red Fort were visited to find out how heritage monuments can be made accessible for all. Teaming up with architects, planners and engineers was pursued for technical knowhow. 

1991

The journey of thousand miles, begin with a single step:

Three people with disabilities (with Muscular Dystrophy) decided to form an Organization of Persons with Disabilities to make ‘the World Accessible’. SAMARTHYAM was born this year!!

Awareness and Excursion Tours

This year marked 11 awareness and excursion tours by road to tourism destinations of India. Since 1991- 2002, Samarthyam has organized more than 88 tours for persons with severe disabilities to places of historical, cultural, religious and tourist interests’, promoting the concept of Accessible Tourism.

Author: 
Dr. Anjlee Agarwal
Universal Accessibility & Sustainable Mobility Specialist
Samarthyam, Centre for Accessible Environments
www.samarthyam.com