accessible travel and tourism

November 15, 2018April 24, 2019

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 15^th 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.

China Times, 15 Nov 2018
Yam News, 15 Nov 2018
Taiwan.net.tw 15 Nov 2018
Epoch Times.com, 15 Nov 2018
News E2.com, 15 Nov 2018
CarNews.com, 15 Nov 2018
tw.lifestyle, 15 Nov 2018
101 News Media, 15 Nov 2018
TRANSED Conferences.com, 15 Nov 2018

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

December 15, 2017

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:

January 11, 2017

Aiming for an accessible future: Navhind Times features Ms. Sminu Jindal

NT, January 11, 2017 in Buzz
SHERAS FERNANDES| NT BUZZ

Question 1: You are now one of India’s leading business leaders, promoting equal accessibility rights movement in India. Tell us something about your journey.

Answer: I was a young child when I met with an accident and the world changed for me which kept me wondering how people lived life. As I grew older I realised that there are many who will benefit with accessible infrastructure. Accessibility enables one with smoother ways to move from one place to another. The idea is to do it safely for all women, children and elderly people to benefit with better ways and routes. People don’t understand how accessibility can affect people who are on the wheelchair. The whole idea is nature has made challenges around us and people are there to help us to overcome them. Human beings should ensure that infrastructure is accessible to live a normal life.

Question 2: Can you throw some light on the current scenario of the lives of people with reduced mobility in India and Goa in particular?

Answer: According to what I have observed in the past few years I have realised that people with reduced mobility in Goa don’t like to go out of their houses, whether it is their choice or the situation. Since Goan culture is about susegad it could be out of choice that people chill. Quoting census 2011, out of 1.5 million people in Goa almost 1 lakh people are directly impacted by accessibility at any given time (including the ones who are temporarily disabled due to accidents and falls).

Question 3: According to you how can accessibility for those with reduced mobility benefit both tourism and economy, especially in a state like Goa?

Answer: We as Indians miss out on a huge amount of opportunities. In terms of economic gain we have not thought if what will happen if we have accessible restaurant. It is to think a little beyond and make it a little bit different.

Question 4: The general debate is that ‘Accessibility is not just about disability’ can you please explain this statement?

Answer: Move around Goa and you will see how accessible or inaccessible Goa is. Do we have accessible ways for a baby in a pram or an old man with a walker? We must have civic sense and be sensitised about the issue of people with reduced mobility. If accessibility is brought into implementation, somewhere down the line when we become older we too will be at an advantage, as we will not have to rely on anyone. Accessibility is not a disability topic it is a developmental topic as it benefits everyone in the society.

Question 5: What are your plans in improving the accessibility scenario in India? Do you have any specific plans for Goa?

Answer: I believe that Goa is a law abiding state and it is a state that wholeheartedly welcomes people from different walks of life. If a few things are kept in mind it will benefit the society as a whole. Three main things are the, size of a ramp, size of the door which should be at least three feet wide and an accessible bathroom – there are clear cut designs available and Svayam website offers them for free. If these three things are kept in mind, from a 100 per cent difficulty, life becomes only 20 per cent difficult for people and particularly for people with reduced mobility. The rest 20 per cent difficulty is transport. If transport is made accessible people with reduced mobility have their ‘me’ time and do not have to rely on anyone. Buses, pathways and proper curb cuts are essentials that will further reduce the difficulties for a person with reduced mobility. There are few things which are complicated but if you understand them you can make roads accessible.

Question 6: Did you encounter any incident in life that made you believe that equal accessibility is not just important, but should also be a right for everyone?

Answer: I encounter so many incidents in different aspects of my day to day life. When I stay in a hotel there is only one accessible room which is not always what one desires. When we talk about a chilled way of life how can we live when someone else around us is in pain. For me sometimes the stairs of a church or temple is like Mount Everest. When God has given a problem why can’t other people help one another to find a solution. Give people the means of livelihood through accessibility. You should give somebody a gift that he remembers for life and accessibility can make a good gift.

Question 7: How has Svayam helped in breaking barriers and making necessities like education and healthcare accessible for people irrespective of their age and physical ability?

Answer: In a country like India people must understand the problems of those with reduced mobility and the need for accessibility for the benefit of the society. So my constant struggle is to talk to people and higher authorities like the education, health or tourism minister to make them aware on the need for accessibility. We are doing it at a central level (Delhi). Whenever I travel, I make it a point that I speak to people about accessibility; I have a greater hope of accessibility coming to Goa soon.

Source: Navhindtimes

June 15, 2015

Register for 14th International Conference on Mobility & Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED 2015) at Lisbon

Dear Colleagues,

The 14th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, from 28 to 31 July 2015.

The 14th TRANSED conference will be hosted by Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) at Universidade de Lisboa.

TRANSED 2015 will gather scholars, decision-makers, industry, and citizens with an interest in accessibility issues and how to improve it. TRANSED 2015 International Conference received the formal endorsement of representatives of all stakeholders, namely: Government, Public Administration, Foundation for Science and Technology, Universities, and Transport and Infrastructure Operators, who will support the conference in several aspects.

The conference is organized under the theme “Aim and manage to implement inclusive access for all”. Please visit the web site for the selection of topics.

TRANSED 2015 will be an excellent opportunity to gather and share knowledge on any sort of mobility restrictions/accessibility

Website: http://www.transed2015.com/

Registration:

https://pco.abreu.pt/CLIENTES/abreu/formularios/form_4731902542.php

Follow the TRANSED2015 on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/TRANSED-2015/487026641398455

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TRANSED2015

Download the mobile App:

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.xtourmaker.transed

IOS: https://itunes.apple.com/pt/app/transed2015/id993138260?mt=8

CONFERENCE VENUE

TRANSED 2015 will be held at Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.
http://www.gulbenkian.pt

ABOUT LISBON

Lisbon is a melting pot of cultures, flavours and spices. Lisbon is built on hills looking over the River Tagus. Modern and cosmopolitan, it is a great centre of culture and tourism, and a pleasure to discover on foot. Add to that its cultural diversity, laid-back feel and architectural time warp, and you have one of the most enjoyable cities in Europe.

Clean skies and the softness of its light are an integral part of the charm of this city. Seen from the river – one of the city’s many great viewpoints – Lisbon is an impressionist picture of low-rise ochre and pastel, punctuated by church towers and domes.

Several neighbourhoods offer interesting shopping areas of local flavour. Large, modern shopping malls with wide opening hours and easy access by public transport are also very popular.

One of the traditional centres of Lisbon’s nightlife is Bairro Alto, with its fado houses, restaurants and dozens of bars and clubs. After the riverside area was remodelled for Expo98, night life in Lisbon gained a new dimension both on east and west fronts.

People who want to get away from the city centre, however, can go with modern railways to Sintra or to Estoril and Cascais, about 30km away, with beautiful landscapes, urban settings and nice restaurants and bars.

Lisbon is a city that receives yearly a large number of visitors, both in business and leisure. Its offer of hotels is very strong, in all price categories, including some charming traditional units as well as large ones from most international chains.

Public Transport in Lisbon has recently undergone great improvements and includes underground, suburban trains and ferries, low floor buses and light rail, while maintaining in operation a small set of old tramway lines, among which the famous line 28, one of the icons of the city.

Day and Multi-day passes are available to enjoy the full public transport network without hassle.

For more information about Lisbon and tips on what to see, please visit the Tourism Bureau website: http://www.visitlisboa.com/

TOPIC AREAS

Conference theme:

“Aim and manage to implement inclusive access for all”

STREAMS:

The conference is organized in two streams of intervention, being:

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Practice and Experience:

All conference topics are very open and can be approached from any of the two referred streams. For each topic a number of sub-topics are open from the outset but others can be created. In addition, special sessions can also be envisaged and participants interested in organizing it should contact the Conference Chair for that purpose.

Topic A: Policy approaches for mobility needs and solutions for the ageing and disabled population
The demographic evolution of Society enables to foresee next decades with a substantial increase of ageing population with different degrees of disabilities. In addition, changes in patterns of living and more monoparental families are formed which represent users of temporary restrictions. Cities and regions must reflect in these changes and adjust their policies accordingly so that user needs are satisfied
Subtopics:
      A1 – Meeting the needs of people with disabilities in light of changing demographics;
      A2- The economic and social implications of living and coping with disabilities;
      A3– Cases in policy actions: turning legislation into action.

Topic B: Restricted accessibility as an integrated part of mobility management.
Restricted accessibility or reduced mobility (different parts of the world use different designations) should not be managed as an isolated segment. This approach has led to exclusion of these groups of users despite providing them with increase quality of service. This approach must be changed towards a full integration of restricted accessibility in mobility management enabling citizens with temporary or permanent mobility to benefit from a complete inclusion in society. Mobility and accessibility are instruments for that inclusion.
Subtopics:
B1 – Defining and measuring accessibility;
B2 – Creating accessible urban environments;
B3 – Restricted accessibility in urban transport: success stories;
B4 – Rural accessibility issues;
B5 – Transport contribution for inclusive tourism;
B6 – Ensuring joined approach to planning and delivery for door to door mobility;
B7 – Designing and delivering accessibility for major events (e.g. Olympics etc.).

Topic C – Finding solutions through innovation

Innovation is a wide encompassing concept with an extensive meaning that can go from organization of processes to invention of new technology. Today a major challenge in mobility management is to bridge from mass transit to the capillary needs of the different segments of users. Innovation is required to create new and flexible services that can complement the regular public transport and provide an effective seamless mobility chains for all users, with and without disabilities.

Subtopics
        C1 – New technologies and tools;
       C2 – Engaging with users for flexible mobility solutions;
        C3 – Case studies of innovative approaches to restricted accessibility;
        C4 – New impairment realities (e.g. young families, monoparental families, ageing impairment, etc)

June 8, 2015

Know your Rights and Duties during Air Travel from and within India

Dear Colleagues,

If you are a person with reduced mobility or a person living with disabilities, you are entitled to certain rights that you should be aware of. Svayam occasionally come across incidents where people with reduced mobility, suffer at the hands of airliners and the aerodrome operators merely because of their ignorance about their rights and duties.

This post is an attempt to orient them and empower them with the information that they may need, to undertake a hassle free air-travel from and within India. The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights & Full Participation) Act 1995 & The Constitution of India provides equal rights to those living with disabilities or with reduced mobility while travelling – be it travel by road, rail or air and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of disabilities.

The Civil Aviation Requirements on Carriage of Persons with Disabilities & persons with reduced mobility by Air (DGCA’ s CAR) on which Svayam along with several other stakeholders had worked so hard, is an important document for all flyers with disabilities. Therefore, you should always carry a copy, may be few extra sets to waive at those who try to discriminate with you out of ignorance or just negative attitude. The CAR guidelines apply to all Indian operators – for both domestic & international carriage, to all foreign carriers operating to and from India and all airport operators within India. You can download a copy of the CAR from the link below:

DGCA’s CAR on Carriage by Air of Persons with Disabilities and/or Persons with Reduced Mobility dated 28 February 2014

Your Rights while traveling by Air

(a) No airline can refuse to carry you and your assistive aids/devices, escorts, guide dogs in cabin etc if you inform them at the time of booking. Assistive aids/devices (up to 15 kg) are allowed free as additional baggage.

(b) Airlines & their travel agents can not discriminate against you in providing their services such as internet ticket, special/discounted fare, reservation on telephone or time limit for holding the booking etc.

(c) You can seek assistance to meet your particular needs to ensure seamless travel from terminal departure gate up to aircraft and from aircraft to arrival terminal gate without any additional expense.

(d) If your wheelchair conforms to DPTAC UK specifications (Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee), you can user your wheelchair in the entire journey and can’t be forced to use their wheelchair.

(e) Airline can not insist on medical certificate or any special forms/ indemnity bonds etc even if you wish to travel without escort and only need assistance for embarking/disembarking & reasonable accommodation in flight.

(f) You have equal choice of seat allocation subject to safety requirements.

(g) You can ask for onboard narrow aisle chairs for internal transfer or to use lavatory at no extra cost.

Your Duties while traveling by Air

(a) Inform/ Notify the Airlines at the time of booking or at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure about your specific needs.

(b) Always carry your disability certificate/ ID Card.

(d) Ask for your rights, until you ask, the airline staff may not know about your requirements.

(e) Be courteous as the staff may be serving many other passengers at the same time.

(f) Speak up, if any discrimination happens with you and report it to concerned authorities viz. Grievance Redressal authority within Airlines, DGCA, Chief Commissioner-Disability and if required share the experiences also to the media/ advocacy organization like Svayam.

Post your experiences to Svayam

We encourage you to kindly post a copy of your grievances also with Svayam as it helps us take it forward with the concerned authorities. More the complaints brought to the notice of authorities, more the impact we can make on them. This will not only help them understand that it affects many more people but also find appropriate solutions. You may write to us at Editor@svayam.com / svayam.india@gmail.com and post the information also on our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/svayam.india

After you have posted to us, it may be seem that we are taking little longer, but trust us, we are working on the issue flagged by you. We will update the progress here on the blog for your information.

Inclusive and Barrier free infrastructure & services is important for equal participation of all and when you write to us, our endeavor is to make sure authorities sit up and take notice.

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February 7, 2014

Join us at Destinations for All 2014, Montreal 19-22 Oct 2014

You are coordially invited for the 1st ever World Summit Destinations for All. The issue of accessible tourism has never been more relevant: 15% of the world’s population faces some degree of limited physical mobility, and with a greater aging demographic, this number will only increase. It is time to think of tourism no longer solely as a luxury, but as a need that is shared by everyone. By making tourism accessible to all, destinations are also:

Responding to the reality of an aging population
Providing a more inclusive focus on all customer requirements
Winning the loyalty of travellers
Distinguishing themselves from the competition
Contributing to their destinations’ civic pride

The World Summit Destinations for All promises to take the current dialogue on accessible tourism to a new and exciting level. By bringing together key players in tourism, culture, and transportation, the Summit aims to identify and implement the necessary measures to establish international tourism that is inclusive and accessible.

Organized by Kéroul, Québec’s leading authority on accessible tourism, and supported by numerous prestigious international organizations, the World Summit Destinations for All promises to chart a new and exciting course towards universal accessible tourism.

Svayam – National Centre for Inclusive Environments, Delhi, India proudly supports this event. We hope you join us on the journey.

Help us spread the word by being an Ambassador Ambassador Kit – Destinations for All 2014.

To keep updated, watch out the Press Release Page of the Conference Website.

See you Montréal October 19-22, 2014!

January 23, 2013

Making homes accessible and Adaptable for Guests with Disabilities

Dear Colleagues,

How to be a good host and make a guest with disabilities or an elderly guest ‘feel at home’ at your home / guest house so that every one can enjoy the holidays together?

Inviting family and friends over for the holidays generally brings up thoughts about the menu, decor, and how to keep everyone occupied and everything spotless. Once a host figures those things out, everything should run smoothly. However, some will be faced with the challenge of how to make special accommodations for loved ones this holiday season. Read here to learn how a few adjustments, accommodations and adaptations that can help everyone feel welcomed and happy:

For Mobility Challenged

Remove all throw rugs and low-lying clutter that could result in falls.
Create a floor plan that allows for maneuverability from serving areas to seating areas, any lounging areas and restrooms. *Rule of thumb: Wheelchairs are usually 24-27 inches wide – Walk with one arm extended throughout aisles to ensure enough space.
Have hand sanitizer available, most bathroom counters also do not allow for easy wheelchair access.
Extended stays? Pick up a shower seat and install a removable shower head for easy bathing.
Consider a folding ramp to negotiate few steps or level changes in the house. The suitcase ramp is the most versatile of products and can serve as a threshold over indoor or outdoor steps.

Alzheimer’s or Dementia

Engage them! Answer their questions in a positive way; don’t make anyone feel bad for not remembering.
Names and recent events may not be easily recalled or remembered at all. This may mean recapping a milestone event that the person was even there to witness.
Speak with the caregiver to learn what their emotional triggers or stressors may be. If someone with dementia becomes upset, distraction with a fun activity can be a lifesaver.
Lock doors and block off staircases. Put up a sign to direct people to bathrooms.
Try to have a bedroom or quiet space prepared, people with dementia may get restless and decide to take a nap.

Developmental Delays

Resist the temptation to offer unsolicited advice to parents.
Do not undermine the child by addressing the parent with questions like, “Is Deepak excited for dinner?” Instead ask Deepak.
Understand that parents need to stick to their child’s routines as closely as possible; prepare a place suitable for quiet times.

Visually Impaired

When introducing yourself, give a standard hug or handshake or a verbal greeting like “Namaste” with folded hands but be sure to say your name as you do so.
While introducing someone else, mention what direction they are in, “This is Anju Auntie to my left”.
If dashing out of a conversation to grab a pie out of the oven, remember to say so!
Provide detailed verbal fore-warnings of any inclines or steps that the guest may incur.
When showing a blind guest to the table, placing their hand on the chair and allowing them to take it from there is often enough.
If there is food on the table for serving, explain the location of the food by clock measurements, “Chapati’s at your 12 o’ clock.”
Speaking louder is unnecessary unless the person is also hard of hearing.

Deaf or Hard of Hearing

No need to yell or make dramatic mouth movements while speaking.
Keep eye contact with the hearing impaired guest during conversation, NOT their interpreter/translator.
Keep a text-ready cell phone or note pad and pen handy for when the interpreter isn’t around.
Learn a few things in Sign Language, like “Welcome”, “Eat”, “Enjoy”.
Make name cards explaining what each dish is and key ingredients.

Source: PRWeb

May 14, 2012

Svayam will conduct Access Audit of Heritage sites under Aurangabad Circle of ASI

Dear Colleagues,

Below is the feature from Times of India, Pune by Ms. Neha Madaan, a well known feature writer who has been closely following such issues.

After audit, Ajanta, Ellora caves may become more accessible

Neha Madaan, TNN | May 14, 2012, 12.56AM IST

PUNE: Svayam, a Delhi-based NGO, that works to make public places accessible for the elderly and the disabled, plans to undertake an audit of Ajanta and Ellora caves, as well as other ticketed monuments in the Aurangabad circle including Bibi ka Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort, Aurangabad Group of caves and Padavlena caves in Nashik. Svayam, which had earlier signed a memorandum with ASI to help them make their sites in Delhi, Agra and Goa accessible, will gradually move to other sites in Maharashtra. Qutub Minar, the first monument that Svayam audited, became the first heritage monument to be made accessible by ASI. Red Fort, Taj Mahal and Lal Quila, among others, have also been audited by the Svayam team.

Abha Negi, director of Svayam, an initiative of the SJ Charitable Trust, said, “We have been working with ASI as consultants for six years and are currently undertaking the incorporation of accessibility features in a phased manner. We started with trainings of those involved in maintaining the world heritage sites- engineers as well as contractors- before undertaking interventions at different sites.”

“It showed that the disabled and elderly have a right to expect dignified and comfortable access to and within these heritage sites and buildings,” she added. In the past, Svayam has also participated whereever possible in audits of Agra fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Taj Mahal.

Svayam had also conducted a series of trainings with ASI engineers and contractors. “These trainings ensured appreciation of user requirements, as opposed to theoretical design prescriptions and guidelines, thereby eliciting an appropriate response followed by required desired action. A host of issues need to be kept in mind while making a heritage site accessible, right from arrival and site access, entrance and entrance gates, change in levels, thresholds, steps, incline of steps, to steep inclines, kissing gates and stiles, historic ground surfaces, surface finishes and other physical features. Staff awareness is also important,” Negi said.

An audit said, “An access audit process involves observing the building/ heritage site complex from the perspective of its usability by children, disabled, elderly and women. A team of professionals, user groups and trained volunteers form the audit team. They take photographs, measurements and audit the property from the perspective of not only a physically disabled person, but also blind visitors, those with low vision or with hearing impairment or with psycho-social disabilities,” Sminu Jindal, chairperson of Svayam, said.

The team audits each area of the complex which includes the monument’s website, parking, ticket counters/ information kiosks, toilets/amenities (drinking water facilities etc), approach ways and access route to and around the monument and to major attractions within the monument, canteens/eating joints or refreshment areas/ souvenir shop/counter, and museum/interpretation centre/ libraries.

Other aspects audited include level differences that create barriers for smooth mobility and safety of visitors, directional and informational signages at the entrance, parking and all other areas frequented or likely to be frequented by visitors, mobility equipment (if available) and topography/level changes in the complex.

Access features are suggested with the archaeological norms in mind. “We ensure that the intervention gels with the overall aesthetics of the monument and does not stand out like a sore thumb. Also the whole objective is to make the site ‘visitable’ by a wide range of people without interfering with the nature and architecture of the monument. Thirdly, we also ensure that there is no damage to the monument while implementing the suggestions for improving accessibility. Ramps and other features supplementing the accessibility are temporary structures and not grouted,” she added.

When it becomes essential, the team suggests minimum grouting required for the safety and proper securing of the equipment/lift wherever needed. “However, it is difficult to generalize the access solutions at all heritage sites since each differ in its characteristics, topography, architecture, usage and climatic conditions. If the area is too big, we suggest mobility solutions such as wheelchairs, carts that are run on battery and are non-polluting,” she said.

An official from ASI’s headquarters in Delhi said, “Barrier-free features in monuments across the country is a continuous process. Toilets at major monuments across the country will be made barrier-free with easy wheelchair maneuvering. The barrier-free initiative will also be applied to monuments in Maharashtra.”

Inclusive heritage sites world over

Edinburgh Castle in Scotland has a stair lift alongside a temporary ramp that is in use in the castle’s Great Hall

Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland has a permanent ramp

The Caves of Jerusalem have been made accessible by installing platform lifts

King Ludwig’s fairytale castle, Neuschwanstein, in Germany, has an elevator for people with disabilities to access all the towers and different levels of the castle