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Inclusive Education will lead to an inclusive world

an image of Ms. Sminu Jindal Founder & Chairperson, Svayam

Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder & Chairperson, Svayam

If we are taught from a very young age to understand that disability is not a disease and that it can occur to anyone, then schools, communities and workplaces would become much more inclusive, which can help alter the realities of nations. Broken down to its core, this ‘social divide’ speaks of a fear of differences. Children who grow in diverse communities, which include people with disabilities, playing an active role, will create a society of tomorrow which recognizes that, at heart, we are all the same- human beings with needs, hopes, and dreams.

Data Speaks
According to the World Bank, in India, 1 out of 12 households has a person with disability. Today 65% population of our country is below 35 years of age. Imagine 30 years from now when India will have a substantial percentage of elderly population. With such a prevalence of people with reduced mobility in the country, the need for an inclusive environment cannot be swept aside. Also, as per the 2011 census, 45% of India’s disabled population is illiterate. Such astonishing numbers not only impact the lives of these children but the future of our nation is adversely affected as well. Hence, the education system needs to be made inclusive for all children with special needs, so that they can be an active and contributing part of our society that does it proud.

Breaking Attitudinal Barriers
Here, I am not just talking about accessible infrastructure but a paradigm shift in the attitudes of the people, starting with the kindergartner to the teacher in educational institutions. Generally, schools refrain from taking in students with disabilities because of the stigma attached to it. This has to change; for this, children need to be sensitized towards their schoolmates with disabilities. Educators need to be properly trained to nurture children with disabilities alongside their non-disabled peers in the same classroom. Inclusivity in education not only helps to work towards these goals but to also grow a smart and empathetic generation of tomorrow that breaks down the barriers of differences and start celebrating differences instead of ignoring or staying away..

Often, you will notice a child with disability staying apart from classmates or not taking part in regular school activities as other children tend to refrain from playing with children with disabilities because they lack the understanding that there is no difference in spirit between those who have no disabilities and those who have.. The school environment needs to be welcoming to all students and not make certain individuals feel abnormal. Studying in a regular school not only helped me mingle with other students but also helped them to be able to see me beyond my wheelchair. Our educational books should also include a chapter on civil rights of people with disabilities and it should be taught in the schools, so that students with disabilities may know their rights; it will also help other students in accepting children with disabilities as ‘equals’, and not as ‘different’.

Later, when we enter universities, students with disabilities are often reduced to doing courses online; but can bookish knowledge really replace real-life experiences? The internet is a useful tool but it does not replace real-life interactions needed to experience life fully and important moments that shape youth and sharpen their skills.

Accessibility boosts Economy 
We all together inevitably shape our economy for the better through our daily activities like education, sports, tourism, transport and employment. The economy is not just about job opportunity, but we also need to see how indirectly it affects the income generation. Therefore, it is of absolute urgency that people are not left out from these important aspects of life due to their disabilities or reduced mobility.

It does not take much to make a workplace inclusive if people, despite their challenges, choose to step out and work. Every building should have lifts, ramps and accessible washrooms, so that people with reduced mobility can enjoy uninterrupted mobility. It all starts with the basics; public transport and infrastructure should be accessible to allow people with reduced mobility to access buildings and travel with ease.

Accessible workplaces help all staff
I feel it’s not the people who are disabled; it is the environment which makes them disabled. Accessible infrastructure helps everyone. People with reduced mobility should not be treated as different or inadequate and they should not be made to feel that they are a burden, or an extra responsibility. They should be the proud contributing members of our society to the nation’s GDP. In fact, making workplaces accessible allows all employees to take fewer leaves in case of injuries, sicknesses, and pregnancy etc and their recuperating time will not remain unproductive. Elderly with reduced mobility who are forced to sit at home can also join organizations/schools and contribute their vast wisdom/experiences in nation building and to simply keep them active, if buildings and transportation are accessible.

Accessibility & Entrepreneurship
As the Chairperson of ARUNIM – Association for Rehabilitation under the National Trust Initiative in Marketing, I had worked towards economic empowerment of persons with disabilities and successfully created 6 entrepreneurs, who are today creating their own income and supporting their families. In this growing economy, where India is one of the few countries with considerable growth story, start-ups represent a wonderful opportunity for all. When persons with disabilities are given the same tools to success as the rest of the population, they can too start successful businesses through their holistic education and their own lived and professional experiences. Samuel Mani is a wonderful example of how people are not ready to settle down with less. He has cerebral palsy and had the zest to work, but he was told that he could only work if he came walking. This experience did not stop him, and today he is an inspiring entrepreneur.

New India, Inclusive India
I have met people whose family members consider them as an added responsibility, as they need to arrange additional support for their transportation, or because they are unemployed which very often results from a lack of accessibility in the public transport and infrastructure. We need to understand that an elderly person is also adding to the economy by paying for the conveyance from going from point A to point B, thus inevitably giving back to the economy. It is exactly why things are man-made; so that it helps, assists, and allows them to make changes in transport and infrastructure. Infrastructure is made for the people; hence why change people, let’s change the infrastructure itself if it is not helping all to access places. The new, stronger India that is being designed by people has to be inclusive.

Experiences make you powerful, and what happens when you get out. Abilities or disabilities, we all need exposure to thrive and discover the purpose of our lives. We need to first look at the education system, then businesses, and the workplace environment to transform the current thought surrounding disabilities, reduced mobility and accessibility.

The way forward
The more the infrastructure is enabling, more people can go out, which translates into more employment, more tourism, park visits, museums outings. We have to break the myth with the help of accessibility that older people do not spend. Accessible infrastructure will give the opportunity to all to earn their livelihood with full gusto, increasing the disposable income of households; this will help not only boosting the country’s GDP but also family’s happiness quotient.

The time has come when our leaders and management in schools, workplaces and communities alike shed their biases and make people with reduced mobility and those with disabilities a part of the growing economy that promises so much. With enabling infrastructure, you can study, step out, work and explore opportunities like anyone else. . We have to remember that in this world, everyone has their own role to play. So, let no barriers stop them.

  – Authored by Ms. Sminu Jindal

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Ms. Sminu Jindal confers ‘Svayam Accessibility Awards 2018 (Taiwan Edition)’ on eight institutions for promoting inclusion through accessibility

Founder of a pioneering dream – “To Rethink, Redesign, Rebuild a newer world to empower every soul”, an accessibility crusader, India’s first women leader to have broken the glass ceiling in the Steel, Oil and Energy sector, young and dynamic Managing Director of Jindal SAW Ltd. Ms. Sminu Jindal gave away the ‘Svayam Accessibility Awards 2018 (Taiwan Edition)’ at Taipei on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transportation for the Elderly and Disabled People (TRANSED2018), on 14th November 2018 to leading government and non-government agencies of Taiwan for their wonderful initiatives to promote #Accessibility4All and inclusion.

The Call for Nomination received an overwhelming response from across Taiwan – both from government organisations as well as businesses and social enterprises.

Board of Jury
The Board of Jury for Svayam Accessibility Awards, comprised of International experts and practitioners and included Ms. Ann Frye, Director, Ann Frye Ltd., U.K. and Member, International Activities Sub Committee of TRB ABE 60, Prof. (Ms.) Anabela Simões, Ergonomics Department, Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal and Member, Research Sub Committee of ABE(60) TRB, Mr. Rex CK Luk, Hong Kong Welfare Society, Member, TRB ABE 60 Committee, Mr. Joey Goldman, Independent Consultant/Co-Chair TRB ABE 60, Dr. Geetam Tiwari, Transport Research & Injury Prevention Program (TRIPP), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) New Delhi, Mr. Mohammed Yousuf, US Department of Transport and Member ABE 60, Mr. Anuj Malhotra, Centre for Green Mobility, India, Mr. Amit Bhatt, Director – Integrated Transport, Sustainable Cities, World Resources Institute, India, Prof. M. Balakrishnan, Computer Science Engineering Department, IIT Delhi, and Prof. Sheila Mitra –Sarkar, Founder, Future Trans Consulting and Member, ABE 70 – Women’s Issues in Transportation.

Introductory Film to Svayam Accessibility Awards, its legacy and nominees of 2018 edition.

 

RECIPIENTS OF SVAYAM ACCESSIBILITY AWARDS 2018 (TAIWAN EDITION):

Category: MOST ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC TRANSPORT (POLICY)

Institute of Transportation (IOT), Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), Taiwan

Dr. Chi-Kuo Lin (centre), Director General, Institute of Transportation, MOTC, Taiwan, receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal & Mr. Patrick Yey, Hony. Chairman, TRANSED2018, at Taipei on 14 Nov 2018 on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)

Citation: The Institute of Transportation (IOT) helps the MOTC in accessible public transportation using a promotion cycle with concepts introduction, planning and design demonstration, operation demonstration, and regulation and policy development. IOT has been successfully assisting MOTC to establish a public transportation that is more in line with the needs of diverse groups, from barrier-free to universal design.

Institute of Transportation, Ministry of Transportation and Communications (IOT-MOTC) introduced the concepts of barrier-free environment through a series of researches since 1990. In 1995, IOT performed a series of studies that demonstrated how to plan, design, and operate the barrier-free vehicles and services.

With the help of a series of researches, IOT successfully demonstrated the planning, design, and operation of barrier-free vehicles and services. IOT also drafted the Regulation based on the gradually implemented accessible public transportation. The Regulation draft accomplished the legalization of accessible public transportation in land (road and railway), sea, and air transportation.

IOT helped towards facilitating the “sustainable development of policies for accessible public transportation to establish an inclusive environment.”

Congratulations Institute of Transportation, MOTC!

 

Category: MOST ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC TRANSPORT (PRACTICE)

The Bureau of Transportation, Taichung City Government, Taiwan

Mr. Hui-Sheng, Feng, (Centre) Deputy Director, Transportation Bureau, Taichung City Government, Taiwan, receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal & Mr. Patrick Yey, Hony. Chairman, TRANSED2018, at Taipei on 14 Nov 2018 on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)

Citation: The Bureau of Transportation, Taichung City Government has undertaken inclusion- friendly accessible transport initiatives such as “Adopting Connected Vehicle Technology to Improve Bus Service” and “Accessibility for Blind and Visually Impaired Passengers”. The Bureau’s ‘City All-in-One Service’ is a ‘visually impaired navigation technology’ combined with public transport applications’ services, which is truly a great enabler. The system also works for inclusion as general population and visually impaired passengers can use the bus service together without any barrier.

In the last two years, the Bureau had started to develop Smart Transportation IOV Service, which includes Continuous promotion of Accessibility for Blind and Visually Impaired Passengers services, Bus shelter flow, and traffic detection. The buses are equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) & driving recorders (MDVR).

Congratulations Bureau of Transportation, Taichung City Government!

 

Category: MOST ACCESSIBLE TOURIST ATTRACTION

North Coast & Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau, MOTC, Taiwan

Mr. Shi-Ching, Chang (Second from Left), Dy Director General, Tourism Bureau MOTC Taiwan and Mr. Jenn-Chyan Chang (second from right), Director of North Coast & Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau, MOTC, Taiwan, receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal & Mr. Patrick Yey, Hony. Chairman, TRANSED2018, at Taipei on 14 Nov 2018 on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)

Citation: In order to a create disabled- friendly environment, the North Coast & Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau, MOTC, Taiwan, has included accessibility as one of its main focus areas toward “Building a Barrier-Free and Accessible Environment at the Keelung Heping Island Park” and North Cost Accessibility Route”, and allocated a dedicated budget to develop accessible facilities.

North Coast offers nursery room, accessible toilet and accessible parking lot, accessible route, while also offering wheelchairs and baby stroller on rent. As North Coast owns one of the most unique geomorphic and incredible beaches in the world, it made the entire facilities accessible so that tourists with disabilities can also enjoy cruise tourism.

Congratulations North Coast & Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau, MOTC, Taiwan!

 

Category: BEST PRACTICE AWARDS

1. Best Practice (Accessible Transport) : Bureau of Transportation, Tainan City Government, Taiwan 

Mr. Wu Yu-Chiu, Section Chief of Transportation Management Section, Tainan City Government, Taiwan, receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal at Taipei on 14 Nov. 2018 on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)

Citation: The Bureau of Transportation, Tainan City Government’s “Bus Rapid Transit” system helps in creating a barrier-free environment of bus service. There are 149 low-floor buses now in Tainan with wheelchair zones, specific seats for guide dogs, and companion seats. In addition to 40% low-floor buses ratio, there are 607 new type bus shelters which have been built with LED dynamic information display systems, and 62 of them were selected to be equipped with “blind information dots” and “bus to the station voice broadcast” equipment.

“Rapid Public Transportation System” by the Bureau includes Bus Rapid Transit, Railway Rapid Transit, Inter-modal Stations Development, Demand Responsive Transportation Service (DRTS), Integration of Electronic Tickets and Information, and Advanced Public Transportation System.

Congratulations Bureau of Transportation, Tainan City Government!

 

2. Best Practice (Accessible Hospitality) : – OurCityLove Social Enterprise Co., Ltd., Taiwan

Prof. Dr. Chong Wey Lin (second from left), Founder and CEO,  along with Mr. Jack Chen, Vice CEO, OurCityLove Social Enterprise Co. Ltd., Taiwan, receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal & Mr. Patrick Yey (extreme right), Hony. Chairman, TRANSED2018, at Taipei on 14 Nov 2018 on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)

Citation: OurCityLove Social Enterprise Taiwan combines innovative technology and passionate social entrepreneurs to raise awareness, increase inclusivity and improve accessibility for the elderly, mobility impaired, and people with disabilities.

It is now the leading smart city accessibility information service partner for 15 city governments, 3000+ companies in public service category and 77 NGOs in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. Many famous museums, shopping malls, hospitals, schools, transportation stations and government agencies have adopted OurCityLove’s advanced ICT solution to offer inclusive services to all.

Congratulations OurCityLove Social Enterprise!

 

3. Best Practice (Comprehensive rehabilitation & accessibility services for Persons with Disabilities)- Eden Social Welfare Foundation, Taiwan

Mr. Juo-Sung HUANG, CEO, Eden Social Welfare Foundation, Taiwan, receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal at Taipei on 14 Nov 2018 on the sidelines of 15thInternational Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)

Citation: Eden Social Welfare Foundation has undertaken brilliant steps towards accessible para-transit systems, rehab bus transportation provisions, vocational training for persons with disabilities, job counselling, emotional therapy, as well as early intervention services for children with delayed development and residential care for seniors.

Eden has more than 100 service centres in Taiwan and overseas and serves nearly 200,000 people every year. Through a series of activities, such as “Love without Borders – Assistive Devices Donation Project”, Eden has successfully been promoting the cause of disabilities and accessibility in Taiwan and beyond.

Congratulations Eden Social Welfare Foundation!

 

4. Best Practice [Accessible Transport (Taxi service)] – Joint Award to The Yulon Group, Taiwan and the OurCityLove Social Enterprise, Taiwan

Mr. Vincent Tsao (extreme right) Vice President Luxgen Motor Co. Ltd, Yulon Group & Prof. Dr. Chong Wey Lin (extreme left), Founder and CEO, OurCityLove Social Enterprise Co. Ltd., Taiwan jointly receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal at Taipei on 14 Nov 2018 on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)

Citation: The Yulon Group and the OurCityLove Social Enterprise have together redefined access to hotels with its inspiring accessible transport (Taxi service).

Their cooperation inspires social innovation and boosts accessible tourism services in Taiwan. “Luxgen V7 Eco‐Hyper” is the result of their joint design with the inputs from the people with disabilities, and is Taiwan’s first accessible vehicle.

With these breakthrough models, they have successfully tried to address a common frustration among the elderly and people with disabilities and their families — travelling far tourism.

Congratulations Yulon Group and the OurCityLove Social Enterprise!

 

5. Best Practice (Rehabilitation of People with Intellectual Disabilities) – Children Are Us Social Welfare Foundation, Taiwan

Ms. Sunny Hu, Director, Public Affairs, Children Are Us Social Welfare Foundation, Taiwan, receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal at Taipei on 14 Nov 2018 on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)

Citation: Children Are Us Social Welfare Foundation (CAREUS) has constructed a safe working environment for children with intellectual disabilities and has demonstrated the Best Practice in their Rehabilitation. With assistance of social workers and industrial mentors, they teach children with ID professional skills, and have simplified the operational procedures through individualized and differentiated practical training and the design of assistive devices.

Children with ID are engaged in job matching and license acquisition to transform them from “service receivers” into “service providers.” Also, positive values are also being instilled into them for equal participation in the society.

Congratulations Children Are Us Social Welfare Foundation!

 

Media Coverage

Coverage of Svayam Accessibility Awards 2018, Taiwan Edition held on 14 Nov 2018 at Taipei.

See you in the next edition of Svayam Accessibility Awards 2021!

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Svayam Accessibility Awards 2018 Update- 10 entries shortlisted for finals!!

We are encouraged by an overwhelming response to the ‘Call for Nomination for Svayam Accessibility Awards 2018 (Taiwan)’. The Jury consisting of national and international experts have shortlisted 10 applications for final review.

Each of these applicants have proven record of mobility, transportation and accessibility related projects implemented in the territory of Taiwan on the thematic areas. The award ceremony will coincide with the 15th International conference on Mobility and Transport for the Elderly and the Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018, Taipei), scheduled to be held during 12-15 November 2018 at Taipei, Taiwan.

We thank our jury members for shortlisting the top 10 agencies/organizations. The names of finalist organizations with their respective categories are as below:

S.No. Names of Organization Category/categories
1 Children Are Us Social Welfare Foundation (CAREUS) Best Practice Project
2 The Bureau of Transportation, Taichung City Government Accessible Public Transport
3 Eden Social Welfare Foundation Best Practice Project
4 Yulon Group & OurCityLove Social Enterprise Taiwan Best Practice Project (Transport)
5 OurCityLove Social Enterprise Co., Ltd., Taiwan Best Practice Project (Hospitality)
6 Bureau of Transportation, Tainan City Government, Taiwan Accessible Public Transport
7 Institute of Transportation, MOTC Accessible Public Transport
8 Chiayi City Government Accessible Tourist Attraction/ Heritage Site
9 National Taiwan Museum Accessible Tourist Attraction/ Heritage Site
10 North Coast & Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau, MOTC, Taiwan Accessible Tourist Attraction/ Heritage Site

We congratulate all ‘Finalists’ who made it to this prestigious and coveted list. Keep your fingers crossed and watch this space for the final results to be declared on 14 Nov. 2018!!

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Svayam led delegation meets DG, BCAS to discuss SoP to address problems faced by Persons with Disabilities during Security Screening at Airports

06 April, 2018, New Delhi

Svayam led delegation discussing the issues with the Director General, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)
Svayam led delegation discussing changes in SoPs with DG, BCAS

A team of stakeholders led by Svayam met Shri Kumar Rajesh Chandra, Director General, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and his team of senior officials to discuss the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and those with reduced mobility during security screening at the Indian Airports. This was pursuant to the National Meeting of Stakeholders organised by Svayam to discuss issues faced during air travel by persons with disabilities and those with reduced mobility, on 22 November 2017, at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi, and consequent submission of our collated recommendations to the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment & Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The meeting took place on 06th April 2018 at the BCAS HQ at Janpath Bhawan, New Delhi. The meeting offered yet another chance to stakeholders to actively participate in the process and negotiate for their demands for accessible, dignified air travel.

The stakeholders were represented at the meeting by Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth (Director, Svayam), Mr. Nipun Malhotra (CEO, Nipman Foundation) and Ms. Smitha Sadasivan (Member, Disability Rights Alliance).

Svayam led delegation discussing SoPs with the senior officials of the BCAS
Svayam led delegation discussing changes in SoPs with senior officials of BCAS

The DG, BCAS, at the outset, gave a brief background of the steps taken by the BCAS and assured the stakeholders that the BCAS would take the right steps in this direction to address the issues faced by disabled flyers. He also clarified that while BCAS deals with the issue of security related protocols, DGCA deals with issue of safety & passenger conveniences.

There was a point-wise discussion on the existing Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) and recommendations by the stakeholders as compiled by Svayam and submitted to the Ministry of Civil Aviation in December 2017. The BCAS officials informed that the Bureau had issued an Addendum dated 03rd October 2017 to the Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) dated 31st March 2014   for screening passengers with special needs and medical conditions. But they agreed that these passengers still face difficulties and embarrassment, and hence more changes are required.  A copy of this Addendum can be accessed here and copy of SOPs here.

Some of the major issues which were discussed included; use of full body scanners, scanning orthosis and prosthesis without invading privacy or causing avoidable discomfort; screening of battery operated wheelchairs, poor quality of airport wheelchairs, allowing airport passes for non-travelling passenger/companion for persons with disabilities, relieving areas for service animals etc.

BCAS officials explained that while “Millimeter wave scanners” though considered safe, require persons to stand in a certain posture, hence it is not suitable for wheelchair users. Other forms of X-ray technologies are not considered due to privacy and radiation issues. Therefore, a mix of multiple security protocols (such as visual profiling, ETD, physical frisking) have to be deployed to scan the wheelchairs in addition to the scanners.

While the issue of prosthesis screening has been largely resolved for cases where the steel rod is discernible, the orthosis has remained a challenge as it uses foam padding to prevent injuries. Presence of foam raises suspicion, requiring deployment of intensive screening procedures to ensure there are no hidden weapons.

On the issue of oxygen cylinders and special medical equipment, the BCAS officials said that they would like to know the best practices from the stakeholders to improve on the screening procedures.

Protocols for screening of service animals is relevantly a new area and challenges were mainly in the areas of soft training of screening staff.  The officials promised to address this issue. It was felt that the availability of “relieving areas” for service animals at the airports was an issue in the domain of DGCA hence this would be taken up with relevant authorities in our next meet.

The stakeholders are requested to send their feedback/ comments, if any on the above issues or any additional issues related to security screening to editor@svayam.com.

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Ms. Sminu Jindal exhorts Young Indians to work for accessibility at CII- Yi Summit TakePride-2018, Mumbai

10 March 2018, Mumbai

Svayam’s Founder-Chairperson Ms. Sminu Jindal today addressed the CII-Yi: Annual Youth Summit – TakePride 2018, held at the historic Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in Mumbai, along with several visionary speakers fromMs. Sminu Jindal, Founder Svayam addressing CII-Yi: Annual Youth Summit – TakePride 2018, Mumbai across the sectors who spoke during the two-day annual event during 09-10 March 2018. These included Kamal Haasan (actor), Ajeet Khurana (Head – Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Committee of India), Anand Piramal (Founder – Piramal Realty), Arnav Ghosh (CEO – India, Blippar), Ashish Chauhan, (MD & CEO Bombay Stock Exchange), Balki R, (Filmmaker), Boman Irani (actor), Chandrajit Banerjee (Director General CII), Dia Mirza (actor), Dr. R. Mashelkar (renowned Scientist – Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan & Padma Vibhushan Honouree), Gauri Shinde (filmmaker), Krishnakumar T (President – Coca Cola India & Southwest Asia), Lavanya Nalli (Chairperson – Nalli Group), Madhukeshwar Desai (Vice President – Youth Wing Of BJP), Mickey Mehta (Celebrity Fitness Guru & Coach To Femina Miss India Pageant), Radhanath Swami (Spiritual Teacher), Suresh Narayanan (CMD – Nestle India).

The Young Indians (Yi), the annual flagship leadership Summit by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) is known to celebrate the achievements of entrepreneurs, inspire young entrepreneurs, and mull over the future roadmap. TakePride offers a platform to both sung and unsung heroes/champions who share an inspiring story and leave food for thought for the young leaders of CII-Yi eventually both in the interest of the organization as well as their personal- professional trajectory.

Ms. Jindal spoke at length on the subject close to her heart – accessibility. Around 600 Young Indians (Yi) from 40 Chapters across 27 states listened to her address that touched on her early years after car accident, her struggles in the men-dominated steel and gas industry, and her initiative Svayam and its numerous achievements in making India accessible.

Talking about her accident, she said: “I met with a car accident at the age of 11 as my driver was drunk; I became a wheelchair user for the rest of my life due to severe spinal injury. Initially, I could not cope with what had happened with me at that tender age. I was gloomy as I could not dance anymore, though my parents ensured I lived a normal life and got best education. They got ramps and lifts built at home and school and the college. I was born in an affluent family, but then I thought what about others who do not have resources. That is how accessibility became my passion as I wanted to see everyone with reduced mobility to live his/her life in safe, dignified and productive way.”

She told the highly attentive audience that accessibility benefits everyone and not just persons with disabilities. “Think about an elderly, a pregnant woman, and an injured. We have to accept the reality and be ready for it. Think about arthritis and accidents. Also, India’s 65 per cent population is below 35; think about 30 years from now. Will they not need accessible infrastructure and services? We have to be ready now before it hits us,” she said.Ms. Sminu Jindal's address to Young Indians at Bombay Stock Exchange

Ms. Jindal added: “People retire at 60, but thanks to the improved healthcare, we have longer years post retirement. Due to lack of accessible infrastructure, people tend to remain in the golden cages called homes. So, this is not about only 2 per cent population (persons with disabilities). It is a much larger issue. If older adults get accessible homes and public infrastructure, they will, of course, come out and shop, visit places which not only increases their own happiness quotient, but also boosts our GDP. This is how we can make them feel useful, else they may feel redundant. We are all social animals & can’t live in silos.”

She wondered why accessibility is treated as a sub topic under disability. She narrated the infamous Jet Airways incidence of December 2007 when she was asked to sign an indemnity bond. The signing would have absolved the airliner from all the responsibilities. She had refused to sign the bond and later the airliner had to issue a public apology to her.
Ms. Jindal also strongly raised the issue of lack of accessible toilet in the aircrafts. “These airlines can have first class cabin and luxurious showering room, but not an accessible toilet! Imagine holding your bladder for 6-10 hours in a long-haul flight,” she wondered.

Svayam’s Founder told the young audience how Svayam helped the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to make the first ever World Heritage Site of Qutub Minar accessible, followed by other WHS such as the Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri Group of Monuments. “The footprints increased phenomenally after these monuments were made accessible,” she said.

She also talked about Svayam’s contribution in 2011 Census’ campaign – “Stand Up and Be Counted”. It was the clarion call for persons with disabilities to have themselves enumerated in the final round of the 2011 Census. Svayam raised awareness, so that families did remember to answer question No. 9 – the question framed to gather information about number and categories of disabilities. During the campaign, Ms. Jindal had said that by hiding, person with disabilities deny themselves the right to be citizens and deny the government an opportunity to plan for their empowerment.

Ms. Jindal said, “There is no shame in having a disability. You may have a disability; still, you can be glamourous and pursue your passion as usual.”

She also said that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 has increased number of disabilities from 7 to 21. “This increases the importance of accessibility in built environment.”

Ms. Jindal also talked about Svayam’s international presence. In 2012, the Transport Research Board’s (TRB) Standing Committee on Accessible Transportation and Mobility (ABE60) agreed to establish the Permanent Secretariat of the Triennial TRANSED Series of conferences to be run by Svayam as its sole contribution to the promotion of mobility and transportation for the elderly and the disabled people.

She also talked about small little changes which can make big differences in the lives of people with reduced mobility, such as a proper ramp gradient, wider doors, ‘but most importantly an open heart!’

“If I can, you can, and together, we can,” Ms. Sminu Jindal exhorted the young audience to work for accessibility now for their own better tomorrow.

Young Indians (Yi) Tweeted:

 

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Svayam Founder featured on AXSChat

Dear Colleagues,

#AXSChat is an open online community of individuals on Twitter, dedicated to creating an inclusive world who believe that accessibility is for everyone. Every week, #AXSChat features a different guest who is contributing to making the world a more inclusive place through technology or innovating to enable wider participation in society for people with disabilities.

In this series, on 24 February 2018, our Founder-Chairperson Ms. Sminu Jindal was invited by AXSChat team for an online interview.  The live interview conducted by Mr. Neil Milliken (England), Mr. Antonio Santos (Ireland) and Ms. Debra Ruh (United States) focused on a number of issues around accessibility, sustainability, ICT, Smart Cities and Svayam’s contribution towards an inclusive world.

Ms. Jindal spoke at length on importance of raising awareness about accessibility and how it benefits everyone and not merely the persons with disabilities. She highlighted the grey areas in transport sector especially the aviation sector where long haul flights still did not consider accessible toilets as a necessity and why the stakeholders across the world continue to suffer in silence without making a hue and cry about it! She emphasized that on-board accessible toilet isn’t a luxury but a basic human right for persons with reduced mobility!

She also said that youth need to be sensitized as they can become change makers for a more sustainable and accessible world. Ms. Jindal emphasized on the importance of accessible toilet at every school in rural areas, so that the people still not exposed to the benefits of the accessibility are able to experience the benefits and be inspired to make their own toilets accessible. This would also enable the persons with reduced mobility such as older adults to contribute to national building.

Watch the full interview here and continue to support #Accessibility4All

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Svayam organizes ‘National Consultation Meeting of Stakeholders’ on Dignified Air Travel for Persons with Disabilities and those with Reduced Mobility

Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder Svayam, addressing the National Meet
Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder- Svayam, addressing the Consultation Meet

On 22 November 2017, Svayam organized a ‘National Meeting of Stakeholders’ in New Delhi to seek ideas and suggestions for improving air travel experiences of persons with disabilities & those with reduced mobility.  The meet was inaugurated by Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder, Svayam, in the presence of stakeholders, usergroups, disability rights activists and representatives of the DPOs, Parent’s Groups and NGOs working with Persons with disabilities.

Mr. Rajive Raturi, Director, DRI, HRLN speaking
Mr. Rajive Raturi, a stakeholder with disability and Director at HRLN making his point.

All stakeholders, particularly diverse user groups from across the nation, raised their concerns, shared experiences – both positive and those requiring action for betterment, and made suggestions to improve the policy framework and its implementation as well as a consensus for a robust grievance redressal system. While stakeholders in Delhi NCR were present at the event, those from outstation participated through skype and email to share their grievances, ideas and comments.

Stakeholders sharing their air travel experiences
Mr. Faisal Nawaz, a participant with physical disability, sharing his travel experiences

Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot, Hon’ble Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, blessed the event with his message due to his last minute official engagement.  Shri Gehlot expresed that the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is committed to help the Divyangjans lead a productive and respectable life, and travelling with dignity and safety is a fundamental right of every human being.  He assured that the Govt. will consider the recommendations coming out of the consultation meeting as it is committed to improve the air travel experience for all.

Mr. Pankaj Sinha, a participant with visual disability sharing his ideas on how to improve air travel experience for persons with disabilities

Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder, Svayam, said: “Over the time, the CAR seem to have been amended without involving the disability sector and also certain laxities have been observed on the part of airlines and BCAS that has led to a strong resentment in the passengers with disabilities.”

She added that this year has been remarkable for the disability sector for the Govt. of India notified the new Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2017, raising the number of disabilities from 7 to 21. “This presents an opportunity for all of us to revise the existing framework of civil aviation requirements for carriage of persons with reduced mobility by air to address their issues as well.” 

Picture of stakeholders at the meeting
Stakeholders deliberating on the issues of air travel

“Just imagine the pride we will have as a nation if we achieve our objectives in making our airports and airlines accessible; it will really put India on global map as one of the best air travel countries for persons with disabilities and those having reduced mobility,” Svayam Founder said.

picture of Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth moderating a session
Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth, Director Svayam,  moderating a session

Subhash Chandra Vashishth, Director, Svayam, who moderated the sessions, said, “The stakeholders feel that the Asok Kumar Committee recommendations have also not been fully incorporated in the present DGCA’s CAR on carriage of persons with disabilities by air as well as in the SOPs published by BCAS. So, we hope this meeting will work like an eye-opener, and the recommendations arising from it will bring the desired changes in existing rules, infrastructure and airport and airline & security staff behaviour.”

The discussions and feedback went beyond the Consultation Meet and continued for several days via emails towards preparations of the final recommendations. We deeply appreciate the contribution made by the participants not just during the consultation meet but mulling it over subsequently to arrive at a more balanced draft covering needs of maximum diversity.

Issues discussed:

Picture of Dr. Satendra Singh speaking
Dr. Satendra Singh, a stakeholder with disability discussing the challenges in SOPs for security screening at airports

The stakeholders discussed key issues which still create difficulties for persons with disabilities while travelling by air, and also suggested solutions and global best practices. The list of issues raised included ease of ticket booking and collection of information about specific needs, helpline, info on website, accessible taxi service, knowing the aircraft & its facilities & limitations, 21 disabilities & their special needs, Check-in, Security & screening, Airport Assistance, Prosthetic & orthotics screening, training & sensitization of staff, Dry cell & wet battery operated wheelchairs, ambulift/shoots, on-board assistance & briefing, wheelchair/mobility equipment in cargo, interline transfer, issues with smaller aircraft, safety & emergency mechanism, disembarking, wheelchair/mobility equipment retrieval, baggage collection, Wheelchair/mobility equipment damage claim/repair or alternative, data maintenance of travelers with disabilities, use of right terminology  and grievance.

Supporting Organisations/ Stakeholders:

1. Ms. Jeeja Ghosh, IICP, Kolkata
2. Mr. Rajive Raturi, Adv Ms. Tanya, Human Rights Law Network
3. Mr. Muralidharan, National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled
4. Mr. Deepak Krishna Sharma, Sense International India
5. Ms. Suvarna Raj and Mr. Pradeep Raj (Para athletes)
6. Dr. Satendra Singh, University College of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
7. Mr. Lalit Narayan, PDDUIPH
8. Mr. George Abraham, Eyeway
9. Ms. Shalini Khanna, Ms. Amarjeet Kaur & Ms. Karuna Kumar, NAB India-Centre for Blind Women, Delhi
10. Mr. Nekram Upadhyay, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre
11. Mr. Hector Ravinder Dutt, Association of Spinal Educators & Allied Professionals
12. Mr. Piyush Chanana & Mr. Vikas Upadhyay, Assistive Technologies Lab, IIT Delhi
13. Ms. Smriti Shankar, Muskaan, Delhi
14. Ms. Vaishnavi Jayakumar, The Banyan
15. Prof. V.S. Sunder, Disability Rights Alliance
16. Mr. Jignesh Shah, Freedom Wheels Enterprises, Gujarat
17. Mr. Mohammad Faisal Nawaz, Disability Activist
18. Ms. Sminu Jindal, Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth, Mr. Navin Nayan, Mr. Anwar Huda, (Svayam)
19. Mr. Samuel Mani, Disability Activist & Entrepreneur
20. Mr. Pankaj Sinha, Pace4India
21. Ms. Ruma Roka, Noida Deaf Society
22. Prof. Anil Kumar Aneja, All India Confederation of the Blind (AICB)
23. Ms. Amba Salelkar, Equals Centre for Promotion of Social Justice
24. Mr. Rajesh Bhatia & Ms. Smiti Bhatia, Activist for Dignified Security Procedures for Persons with Disabilities
25. Mr. TMN Deepak Nathan, D3M
26. Mr. Nilesh Singit, Consultant & Disability Rights Activist, Mumbai
27. Ms. Smitha Sadasivan, Disability Rights Alliance
28. Ms. Merry Barua, Action for Autism, Delhi

Picture of Svayam Team submitting the Final Recommendation to Hon'ble Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. of India
Svayam Team submitting the Final Recommendations to Sh. TC Gehlot, Hon’ble Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. of India

A final set of recommendations for issuing a fresh/revised CAR (Civil Aviation Requirements) by the DGCA (Director General of Civil Aviation) and SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) by the BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security of India)  was finally submitted by Svayam Team on behalf of all the contributing stakeholders to Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot, Hon’ble Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment on 14 December 2018 in presence of Ms. Dolly Chakrabarty, Joint Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities for their further action.

The Hon’ble Minister reassured that his Ministry is conscious of the problems faced by person with disabilities during flying and they would take this up with the concerned ministry for resolving the issues.

Here is a coverage by The NewsWorld of the event:

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HRD Minister unveils ‘कड़ी जोड़ने का एक प्रयास’ – Hindi Version of “Bridging the Gap”

Press Release:

New Delhi, 16 Nov 2017

Shri Prakash Javadekar, Hon’ble Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Govt. of India, and Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder Chairperson- Svayam and Managing Director- Jindal SAW Ltd., jointly unveiled “कड़ी जोड़ने का एक प्रयास  – विकासशील देशों में विकलांग (दिव्यांग) बालकों के लिए स्कूल तक का सफर आसान बनाने में आपकी भूमिका ”, the Hindi Version of an international research “Bridging the Gap: Your Role in Transporting Children with Disabilities to School in Developing Countries” by the Access Exchange International (AEI), USA.

Image of Union HRD Minister and Founder - Svayam jointly unveiling the book
Hon’ble HRD Minister & Founder- Svayam jointly unveiling the Hindi version of book ‘Bridging the Gap”

As part of its ongoing campaign to promote accessible transportation for children with reduced mobility, Svayam, an initiative of the S. J. Charitable Trust, translated and released the Hindi Version.

While releasing the Hindi Version, Shri Javadekar said, “Kadi Jodne Ka Ek Prayas” holds great hope in developing countries like India; it has case studies and examples taken from many countries which can help stakeholders in providing economically feasible, easy and safe accessible school transportation to children with disabilities.”

Mr. Javadekar added, “The book is a big help to strengthen the government’s “Accessible India Campaign” (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), and I am sure this Hindi Version will surely help in making school transportation “fully accessible” in coming years, and will make the PM’s slogan of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ a reality.”

“Kadi Jodne Ka Ek Prayas” is surely an ambitious step by Sminu Jindal Ji and her Svayam Team towards enabling children with disabilities and reduced mobility to gain universal access, equal opportunity for development, and participation in all aspects of life in an inclusive society,” Mr. Javadekar added in his message which finds place in the Hindi version.

He also assured that his Ministry will facilitate the implementation of the examples given in the book, and invited every stakeholder in education system to come forward and make India fully accessible for the children with reduced mobility.

Ms. Sminu Jindal hoped that “Kadi Jodne Ka Ek Prayas” will help us ensure that no child is left without education merely due to lack of accessible transport and schools.  “Together, we can bridge the gap between where students with disabilities live and the schools they need to attend. We also have to ensure that children with disabilities grow up to become citizens as productive as you and I am, and that is possible only when we put them in schools. This book will help us achieve our shard objectives of Inclusive Education.” added Ms. Jindal.

Svayam had helped the AEI in researches, ground studies and liaising with schools and other stakeholders in India for the preparation of this research. The AEI representative Mr. Pete Meslin (also the Director of Transportation, Newport Mesa Unified School District, California, USA, and one of the authors of this Research Book) visited India to attend events aimed to spread awareness about the Hindi Version of the book.

Image of Mr. Pete Meslin speaking
Mr. Pete Meslin, Representative of AEI speaking at an event to raise awareness on accessible transport to schools

Mr. Meslin appreciated Svayam’s efforts and said: “Accessible transportation can help address the long-standing problem of millions of children with disabilities failing to attend school in developing countries including India. Education and transport ministries, transportation providers, schools and local communities including parents, caregivers and disability NGOs can play their roles to make this global mission a big success.”

Svayam and the AEI have been partnering for projects of mutual interest for many years; notable among them are: the development of the World Bank’s Transit Access Training Toolkit for bus drivers and conductors to ensure safe and dignified transport to the elderly and the people with reduced mobility. Svayam had help in the research and prepared the case study for the Toolkit. Also, Svayam publicized the message of the World Bank to reach a larger audience and magnify awareness amongst the bus drivers and conductors. Svayam also helped the AEI in para-transit transport research on auto-rickshaws and carried out modification experiments and User Testing at the Piaggio facility.

To obtain a copy of the book, click here for Hindi version and click here [External website of AEI] for English version. If you are unable to download, drop an email to svayam.india@gmail.com or editor@svayam.com