Individuals and organisations doing exemplary work towards the cause of accessibility for people with disabilities will be honoured
New Delhi, May 28, 2015— NCPEDP, in association with Mphasis, today announced The NCPEDP – Mphasis Universal Design Awards. These Awards will be given away to those who have been doing exemplary work towards the cause of accessibility and thus ensuring a life of equality and dignity for people with disabilities.Access symbolizes the true spirit of freedom as far as persons with disabilities are concerned. These Awards will be therefore given away on 14th August, 2015 the eve of India’s Independence Day.The annual NCPEDP – Mphasis Universal Design Awards were instituted in 2010.
Conservative estimates put the population of persons with disabilities in India at 70-100 million. Yet, it is only a minuscule percentage of the population that has been seen in the mainstream of any aspect of life in the country; be it the workforce, education or anything else.
“Any study undertaken to determine the reason for this would point to one direction and that would be the lack of access. Therefore, it is very important to honour the ones who are making a contribution in this area,” says Mr.JavedAbidi, Honorary Director, NCPEDP
The Awards will cover accessibility in the following fields a) Built Environment, b) Transport, c) Information and Communication Technology, d) Services, and e) Aids and Appliances. Both individuals and organisations are being invited to nominate for the Awards. These will be given under the following three categories.
CATEGORY A : PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES-Awards in this category are given to people with disabilities who have created an impact in Accessibility and Universal Design in any of the areas such as built environment, transport infrastructure, service provision, information and communication technology (ICT), universally designed consumer products, mobility & independent living aids, or assistive technology in their personal/professional capacity. Every year, Awards in this category are given out to 3 people across the country.
CATEGORY B: WORKING PROFESSIONALS- Awards in this category are given to people who work for the cause of Accessibility and Universal Design in any of the areas such as built environment, transport infrastructure, service provision, information and communication technology (ICT), universally designed consumer products, mobility & independent living aids, or assistive technology. She/he may be an employee of an education institute / NGO / corporate / government body that has taken up the cause, or may be a consultant or freelancer who has devoted her/his time for the cause. Her/his individual contribution to the cause is a major reason for the success achieved by the organisation/firm/movement. Every year, Awards in this category are given out to 3 people across the country.
CATEGORY C: COMPANIES/ORGANISATIONS- Awards in this category are given to those companies or organisations who have taken up the cause of Accessibility and Universal Design in any of the areas such as built environment, transport infrastructure, service provision, information and communication technology (ICT), universally designed consumer products, mobility & independent living aids, or assistive technology.
Companies/organisations that have implemented either/all of these within their organisations, which has led to them recruiting or serving people with disabilities and providing them equal opportunities to participate to the best of their abilities. The selection criteria will not only be for adopting accessibility policies, but also for implementing them at the workplace. Every year, Awards in this category are given out to 4 companies/organisations across the country.
The application forms for the awards are available on http://www.dnis.org/awards.php
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