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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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Svayam Founder’s Interview in Hindi publication ‘Aahar Vihar’ (Sep. 2018)

सुश्री स्मिनू जिन्दल, मैनेजिंग डायरेक्टर, जिन्दल सॉ लिमिटेड, एक दूरदर्शी उद्यमी हैं जिन्होंने ये मिथक तोड़ दिया कि महिलाएं स्टील, तेल और गैस क्षेत्र में बड़ी कंपनियों का नेतृत्व नहीं कर सकती। जिन्दल सॉ लिमिटेड, जिसका मौजूदा टर्नओवर Rs. 8300 करोड़ है, को उचाईयों तक पहुंचाने में सुश्री जिन्दल का अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण योगदान रहा है।

सुश्री जिन्दल, जो खुद व्हीलचेयर यूजर है, वर्ष  2000 में ‘स्वयम’ नाम की एक संस्था की स्थापना किया, जिसका उद्देश्य विश्व को सुगम्य बनाना है ताकि बुज़ुर्गों, बच्चों, बीमारों, और दिव्यांगजनों को जीवन जीने और अपने रोज़ मर्रा के कार्यो के करने में किसी भी तरह की परेशानी न हो और वो स्वाभिमान और सुरक्षा के साथ अपना जीवन जी सकें।

स्वयम की स्थापना से पहले देश में अधिकतर लोग केवल विकलांगता के बारे में जानते थे और इनके अधिकारों की मांग करते थे। स्वयम ने लोगो में सुगम्यता को लेकर जागरूकता फैलाना शुरू किआ और पालिसी और धरातल दोनों लेवल पर कड़ी मेहनत की। एक ऐतिहासिक मौका हमें क़ुतुब मीनार को सुगम्य बनाने को मिला जिसके एक्सेसिबल बनने के बाद 20 मेंबर्स वाली संसदीय समिति, जिसके अध्यक्ष श्री सीताराम येचुरी थे, ने क़ुतुब परिसर का सर्वेक्षण किया  और देखा कि कैसे सुगम्यता हर तरह के टूरिस्ट्स (बुज़ुर्ग, बच्चे, महिलाएं, दिव्यांगजन) को लाभ पहुंचा रही है। इसके बाद भारतीय पुरातत्व सर्वेक्षण (ASI) ने सारी विश्व धरोहर स्थलों को सुगम्य बनाने का निर्णय लिया जिसमे ताज महल भी शामिल है।

इसके बाद पर्यटन मंत्रालय, दिल्ली सरकार और राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर सुगम्यता से होने वाले फायदे के बारे में जागरूकता बढ़ने लगी और सरकार को ये मालूम हो गया कि सुगम्यता देश के लिए ज़रूरी है। जब सरकार ने  ‘सुगम्य भारत अभियान’ की शुरुआत किआ तब बहुत सारी संस्थाओं को रोज़गार से जुड़ने का मौका मिला और पहली बार संस्थाओं ने सुगम्यता के लिए काम करना शुरू किया ।

राष्ट्रीय और अंतर्राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर सुगम्य वातावरण को प्रोत्साहित करने के लिए स्वयम वर्ष 2012 से अलग अलग देशों में अवार्ड्स भी देता रहा है। अगला पड़ाव ताइवान है। 

ऐसा देखा जाता है कि घर में बुज़ुर्ग होने के बावजूद भी लोग अपने घर को सुगम्य नहीं बनाते। क्या ये जागरूकता की कमी की वजह से है या लोगों को ये लगता है की ये काम महंगा होगा?

हाँ, जागरूकता की कमी है। हमें लगता है की हमारे बुज़ुर्गों ने अपनी ज़िन्दगी जी ली और वो अब ‘एडजस्ट’ कर लेगें। हम उनकी दिक्कतों को नहीं समझ पाते और उन्हें ‘एडजस्ट’ करने के लिए बोल देते हैं।

लोग 60 वर्ष की आयु में सेवानिवृत हो जाते हैं परन्तु बेहतर स्वास्थ्य सेवाओं की वजह से रिटायरमेंट के बाद भी उनके  पास जीने के लिए लम्बी आयु बची होती है। हमें सोचना चाहिए की 60 से 80 के बीच इस लम्बी उम्र को भला एक बुज़ुर्ग कैसे एडजस्ट कर लेगा। सुगम्य व सुलभ बुनियादी वातावरण और सुविधाओं की कमी के कारण बुज़ुर्ग सोने के पिंजरों में क़ैद हो जाते हैं जिसे वो कभी घर कहा करते थे!

और फिर बुज़ुर्ग ही क्यूँ? सुगम्यता की ज़रूरत आप को है, सब को है। महिलाओं, बीमार, बच्चों, घायल – इन सबको सुगम्य इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर की ज़रूरत पड़ती है। सुगम्यता आपके घर को ‘सुरक्षित’ बनाती है। इसलिए सुगम्य बिल्डिंग, सुगम्य यातायात और सुगम्य सर्विसेज का होना बेहद ज़रूरी है।

ये काम लगता महंगा है किन्तु ऐसा नहीं है। आज के इंटरनेट के ज़माने में सुगम्य घर बनाने के लिए हर इन्फॉर्मेशन आसानी से हासिल की जा सकती है। अगर आप नया घर बना रहें हैं तो इसे सुगम्य बनाने में कोई अलग खर्च नहीं होगा। पहले से बने हुए टॉयलेट को सुगम्य बनाने  (रेट्रोफिटिंग) में भी ज़्यादा खर्च नहीं होता, पर ये तो आपको घर बनाते समय सोचना चाहिए था कि चिकनी टाइल्स या संगमरमर न लगाए जबकि बाजार में स्किड-फ्री टाइल्स और ग्रैब बार्स आसानी से मिल जाते हैं। ये तो आपको मालूम होगा की अगर दरवाज़ा चौड़ा होगा तो जहाँ लकड़ी ज़्यादा लगेगी वहां ईट, सीमेंट कम भी तो हो जाएगी।

ये काम महंगा नहीं, डिफरेंट ज़रूर है। या ये कहिये कि ये दूसरी तरह से सोचने की चीज़ है।

पब्लिक इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर को सुगम्य बनाने में मुख्य चुनौतियां क्या हैं?

तीन चुनौतियां हैं। पहली चुनौती जागरूकता की कमी हैं। इसकी वजह से हम ये नहीं जान पाते कि ‘सुगम्यता’ हम सब का विषय है और हमें इससे कभी न कभी तो जूझना ही पड़ेगा। चूँकि हम जागरूक नहीं इसलिए हम अपनी ज़िम्मेदारियों को भी नज़रअंदाज़ कर देते हैं। हम रैम्प का रखरखाव नहीं करते, वहां कूड़ा दाल देते है, ट्रैफिक से बचने केलिए कर्ब-कट से अपनी बाइक निकाल ले जाते हैं, लिफ्ट में बुज़ुर्गों को पहले नहीं चढ़ने देते।

दूसरी बात, मान लो अगर एक बस या बस स्टॉप ख़राब हो जाये तो क्या हम उसे इस्तेमाल करना छोड़ देते है? नहीं, बल्कि हम उसे मेन्टेन करते रहते है। इसी तरह रैंप व सुगम्यता के अन्य साधनों का रखरखाव भी ज़रूरी है।

लोगों के नज़रियें को बदलना दूसरी बड़ी चुनौती है। जैसे हम पानी का इंतज़ाम करते हैं (न कि ये इंतज़ार करें की पहले प्यास लगे फिर कुआँ खोदें), वैसे ही घर को अभी सुगम्य बनाना ज़्यादा ज़रूरी है या फिर पहले चोट लग जाये, विकलांगता और बुढ़ापा आ जाये तब सोचें कि आओ अब घर को सुगम्य बनाते है? तबतक शायद बहुत देर हो चुकी होगी। उम्र के उस पड़ाव में शायद आपके पास आर्थिक निर्णय लेने की क्षमता भी न हो।

ऐसा मानना कि ये तो केवल २% (दिव्यांगजन) लोगों की प्रॉब्लम है फिर भला हम क्यूँ इस विषय पर बात करें, न सिर्फ ग़लत है बल्कि अपने आप को धोखा देने जैसा है। क्या आप बूढ़े नहीं होंगे? क्या आप के घर पर बुज़र्ग नहीं है? क्या आपके घर पर कभी कोई महिला प्रेगनंट नहीं होगी? क्या आपके घर में बच्चे नहीं रहते? क्या किसी को कभी भी चोट नहीं लगेगी? क्या कभी कोई बीमार नहीं पड़ेगा? ये सब हर घर में होता है, इसलिए नज़रिया बदलिए, नज़ारा अपने आप बदल जायेगा।

जागरूकता डिमांड्स को बढ़ाएगी और जब डिमांड्स बढ़ेगी तो सुगम्य घर बनाने वालों और इसमें इस्तेमाल होने वाली चीज़ो की उपलब्धता अपने आप ही बढ़ जाएगी।

तीसरी बड़ी चुनौती आवाज़ न उठाना है। उदाहरण के तौर पर रेलवेज में सुगम्यता को लेकर तो काम हो रहा है पर विमानों में में एक भी सुगम्य टॉयलेट नहीं होता जबकि इसमें प्रथम श्रेणी का कक्ष व विशिष्ट स्नानगृह का प्रावधान होता है। अब जरा कल्पना कीजिये कि आप लम्बी दूरी की हवाई यात्रा पर जा रहे हैं और आपको केवल इसलिए अपने आपको रोकना पड़े कि विमान में एक भी सुगम्य शौचालय नहीं है!  क्या ये मानवाधिकार का उल्लंघन नहीं? लेकिन ये हक़ तो तभी मिलेगा जब सारे लोग एक साथ आवाज़ उठाएगें।

दिव्यांग लोगों को हमारे देश में चैरिटी की नज़र से देखा जाता है, जबकि उन्हें सामान अधिकार मिलना चाहिए। इस पर आपके क्या विचार है?

आपने बिलकुल सही कहा। दिव्यांगजनों को सामान अधिकार मिलना ही चाहिए। जन सामान्य ये समझती है कि दिव्यांगजन केवल चैरिटी के पात्र है। स्कूल और कॉलेज सुगम्य नहीं, बच्चो के माता-पिता चाहते नहीं कि उनके बच्चे के साथ कोई दिव्यांगजन पढ़े, कंपनी इन्हे जॉब देना नहीं चाहती क्यूंकि फिर उन्हें अपने ऑफिसेस को सुगम्य बनाना पड़ेगा, इसलिए अधिकतर लोग दिखावे, पुण्य प्राप्त करने या एक अच्छी अनुभूति हेतु थोड़ी देर के लिए दिव्यांगजनों के प्रति सहानुभूति तो दिखा देंगें पर कोई ऐसा काम नहीं करेंगे जिससे एक दिव्यांगजन स्वाभिमान के साथ अपनी रोज़ी कमा सके। दिव्यांगजन को ‘बेचारा’ दिखाने में कुछ संस्थाओं का भी काफी योगदान है। यहाँ तक कि माता -पिता भी अपने दिव्यांग बच्चे को ‘स्पैशल ट्रीट’ करते है, जो गलत है। उनको पूरी तरह दूसरों पर निर्भर बना देते हैं और इस तरह वो बच्चे असली दुनिया और इसकी प्रोब्लेम्स को नहीं समझ पाते और न ही झेल सकते हैं। इसलिए माता-पिता को चाहिए कि दिव्यांग बच्चों को भी आत्मनिर्भर बनाये और उन्हें गिरने और उठने का मौका दे।

दिव्यांगजन को आगे बढ़ने के लिए चैरिटी नहीं, अपॉर्चुनिटी चाहिए। इसीलिए हमें सुगम्य शिक्षा और शिक्षा का सामान अधिकार की मांग करना चाहिए। अगर दिव्यांग बच्चो को चैरिटी के बजाये सुगम्य शिक्षा मिलेगी तो वो अपनी राह तलाशने में खुद सक्षम होंगें।

सम्मिलित समाज तभी बनेगा जब पब्लिक इंफ़्रास्ट्रक्टर, ट्रांसपोर्ट एवं टेक्नोलॉजीज सुगम्य होंगी। जब लोग पालिसी बदलने की बात करेंगे तब अधिकार मिलेगा। ‘स्वयम’ इसी मिशन को लेकर आगे बढ़ रहा है।

सरकार का कितना सहयोग रहा है आपके मिशन में?

सरकार का सहयोग स्वयम के लिए बहुत ज़रूरी है क्यूँकि इतने विशाल देश के आधारभूत ढाँचे को सुगम्य बनाना किसी एक व्यक्ति या संस्था के बस की बात नही। वर्तमान सरकार ‘सुगम्य भारत अभियान’ को लांच करके हमें जागरूकता फ़ैलाने का मौका दिया। अगर हम सब अपनी शारीरिक परिस्थितियों के बावजूद एक साथ विकास के लिए चल पड़े तो वो दिन दूर नहीं जब हमारा देश फिर से ‘सोने की चिड़िया’ कहलाएगा।

जब आपकी सरकार ‘सबका साथ सबका विकास’ की बात करती है तो वो तभी होगा जब सही मायनों में सम्मिलित सर्व शिक्षा अभियान, स्वच्छ भारत, सुगम्य भारत के अन्तर्गत साफ़ और सुगम्य टॉयलेट और इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर और यातायात होगा।

‘स्वयम’ का आगे का क्या प्लान है?

स्वयम सरकार के साथ मिलकर देश को सुगम्य बनाने के लिए पूरी तरह समर्पित और कार्यरत है। हम नेशनल बिल्डिंग कोड (NBC) के अलावा ब्यूरो ऑफ़ इंडियन स्टैंडर्ड्स (BIS) द्वारा स्मार्ट सिटीज मिशन के लिए बनायीं गयी समिति के भी मेंबर हैं। हम केंद्रीय लोक निर्माण विभाग (CPWD) साथ भी हमारे कई प्रोजेक्ट्स चल रहे हैं। पहले भी हम सरकारी डिपार्टमेंट्स जैसे लोक निर्माण विभाग (PWD) और नई दिल्ली नगर निगम (NDMC) के साथ कई बड़े प्रोजेक्ट्स कर चुके हैं।

हवाई यात्रा सुगम्य बनाने के लिए नागरिक उड्डयन मंत्रालय एवं सामाजिक न्याय और अधिकारिता मंत्रालय को हमने CAR (हवाई नियम) को बदलने के लिए कई रेकमेंडेशन्स दिए हैं, और उम्मीद करते हैं की उन्हें जल्द नए CAR में शामिल किया जायेगा।

अभी हमने दिल्ली मेट्रो के अमान्तरण पर उनके 10 मेट्रो स्टेशन को बुज़ुर्गों, महिलाओं, बच्चो, बीमारों एवं दिव्यांगों के लिए सुगम्य बनाने के लिए एक्सेस ऑडिट किया है, जिसका रेकमेंडेशन्स तैयार किया जा रहा है।

इसके अलावा वाराणसी के घाटों को सुगम्य बनाए के लिए हमें आमंत्रित किआ गया था। इन घाटों का एक्सेस ऑडिट संपन्न हो चूका है और रेकमेंडेशन्स भी सबमिट करने के कगार पर हैं।

आहार विहार के पाठकों को सुगम्यता के बारे में आप क्या सलाह देना चाहेंगीं?

जब लोग विकलांग हो जाते हैं या बुढ़ापे की वजह से चल फिर नहीं सकते, तो उनके पास दो विकल्प होते हैं – आप क्या कर सकते हैं, और आप क्या नहीं कर सकते हैं। आप जो नहीं कर सकते हैं उसे पछतावा करने के बजाय, महत्वपूर्ण यह है कि आप अपनी मौजूदा क्षमताओं पर ध्यान केंद्रित करें और देखें कि आप उन क्षमताओं के साथ क्या कर सकते हैं। इसके लिए सुगम्यता के बारे में बोध होना और उसके प्रति कार्यरत होना और आवाज़ उठाना ज़रूरी है।

हम सभी को वास्तविकता को स्वीकार करना होगा और इसके लिए पूर्ण रूप से तैयार भी रहना होगा। हमें सोचना होगा कि भारतवर्ष में 65 प्रतिशत जनसंख्या 35 वर्ष से कम आयु वाले लोगों की है। जब वो बुज़ुर्ग हो जायेंगें तो क्या उन्हें सुगम्य इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर नहीं चाहिए?

अगर एक  समावेशी समाज हमें बनाना है तो ‘सुगम्यता’ हमारे लिए “रोटी, कपडा और मकान” की तरह बेहद ज़रूरी होना चाहिए। आपकी मैगज़ीन का नाम भी ‘आहार विहार’ है। उम्मीद है इसके ज़रिये काफी लोगों तक मेरी बात पहुंचेगी और सुगम्य विहार के कैंपेन को  बल मिलेगा।

इस नेक काम में हर इंसान की मदद चाहिए तभी ये एक ‘क्रांति’ बन पायेगा और मुझे पूरा विश्वास है कि जिस तरह ‘हरित क्रांति’ एवं ‘श्वेत क्रांति’ आई, उसी तरह  अब हम सब मिलकर ‘सुगम्य क्रांति’ लेकर आएगें।

Link for full magazine:  Aahar Vihar Magazine Sep 2018

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

Aiming for an accessible future
Svayam  is amongst the most active accessibility rights organisation in India working in various spheres of society to ensure dignity for people with reduced mobility. Founder of Svayam, Sminu Jindal on her recent trip to Goa spoke to NT BUZZ about how accessibility is not just about disability

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

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GOI seeks partnership with Corporate sector for Accessible India Campaign

Government of India reaches out to the Corporate Sector seeking partnership in realising the dream of #AccessibleIndia. The corporates can take up a public buildings & spaces. The mobile app to give wings to this programme is likely to be launched towards the end of August 2015.

Here is the coverage in Economic Times:

Accessible India: Let’s make public buildings disabled friendly says government to India Inc
By NIDHI SHARMA, ET Bureau | 8 Aug, 2015, 04.00AM IST

NEW DELHI: Adopt a public building and make it disabled-friendly – this is what the government is telling companies. As part of its Sugamya Bharat or Accessible India initiative, the Centre is roping in big corporates and asking them to take up a school, hospital, park, mall or other public building in their city for this purpose.

The initiative will begin with the identification of public places that are inaccessible to the differently abled and need minor structural changes, including ramps for wheelchairs or tactile strips and braille signage for the visually challenged. The department of disability affairs in the ministry of social justice and empowerment is developing a mobile app in connection with this initiative. Using this, anyone can take a photograph of a public building and upload it, flagging how it’s not disabled friendly.

The department of disability affairs will draw up a list of buildings that need to be upgraded and send it to the states.

“The ministry or the states would not have the funds to make all these corrections,” a senior ministry official told ET. “But corporate players and private firms would have money under their corporate social responsibility schemes to undertake such initiatives.”

Even before the launch of the mobile app or the initiative, the disability division has started getting queries from the corporate sector. “A Bangalore-based firm has asked us how can they be of some help in this initiative,” the official said.

Even before the launch of the mobile app or the initiative, the disability division has started getting queries from the corporate sector. “A Bangalore-based firm has asked us how can they be of some help in this initiative,” the official said.

“A few other queries have come. As we formally launch the programme by the end of this month, we are confident the corporate players would come forward and adopt public buildings.”

Source: Economic Times 

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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

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The Hindu covers Svayam’s audit report findings

The Hindu

Published: November 12, 2012 11:09 IST | Updated: November 12, 2012 11:15 IST

Bhikaji Cama Place a symbol of ‘utter disdain for public property’: Accessibility audit

Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar

Roads in the complex are overflowing with sewer water making walking next to impossible.

In some parts of the complex, the ramps have been blocked by parked cars and converted into garbage dumps.

can be seen blocking passages, ramps and almost all pathways.
A recently conducted walkability and accessibility audit of the District Centre Complex at Bhikaji Cama Place has revealed that within seven years of a major renovation at the place by Delhi Development Authority, this commercial complex has again returned to a state of neglect and filth.

The survey conducted by Svayam – National Centre for Inclusive Environments – has taken a close look at the infrastructure or the lack of it in the complex which had come up in 1980 on the basis of the Master Plan of Delhi 1960.

Spread over an area of 35 acres, it comprises commercial and government offices, small and mid-sized retailers, hotels and other allied functions. The complex has high to mid-rise building blocks developed around large plazas and courts.

As per the survey, today the complex has become a symbol of “utter disdain for public property and lack of maintenance” and is in shambles. Though it stands in the heart of South Delhi, the complex today exposes the “apathy of the administration”.

Pedestrians forced to walk on roads

“Pedestrian pathways on arterial roads do not provide safe uniform access from Ring Road; from Bhikaji bus shelter near GAIL Building, there is no kerb cut and pedestrian pathway is too high,” the survey notes adding that “due to kerb height the elderly are forced to walk on road endangering their lives.”

The condition of the pedestrian pathways is also not encouraging. They “have level differences and are unusually high with no kerb cuts” which makes it difficult to access them.

Apart from the entire area being not pedestrian friendly, the survey has also revealed that with buses stopping anywhere and Rural Transport Vehicles ferrying office goers also stopping where they feel like, the chaotic picture gets complete.

The area also provides a picture postcard for a parking mess. Here cars can be seen blocking passages, ramps and almost all pathways. “Arbitrary placement of signage and encroachment by the parking mafia renders the pedestrian pathways inaccessible to all,” the report said.

A one-foot pathway

It also notes with concern that commercial expediency has led to a situation where the pedestrian pathways have been reduced to a mere “300 mm” or “one foot” at certain points “which doesn’t even allow one person to pass thorough easily”.

“Often”, due to this, the survey said, the pedestrians “get discouraged and are forced to come on to the road coming in conflict with moving vehicles”.

Overflowing sewer water

The survey also found “roads overflowing with sewer water making walking next to impossible” as near a ramp close to Ansal Chamber I. It also noted that several ramps that were provided during the 2005 re-designing exercise have been rendered useless for various reasons.

These reasons range from there being no signs to indicate the access to the ramp; approach to the ramp being unpaved, dirty and or encroached by parked cars; to bollards being placed to block the entry of cars on the ramp actually blocking the ramp.

At many places, it was also revealed that the “ramps have become garbage dumping places due to blockage” (as near HP showroom on August Kranti Marg side). Worse still, in some parts of the complex the ramps have been blocked and converted into garbage dumps.

Entrance to accessible parking encroached

The barrier-free environment of the complex has also been compromised by the manner in which the accessible parking which was made at the ramped entrance from Ansal Chamber – I side has been encroached, the survey said.

Further, it noted that “there was no aisle space for the wheelchair users to disembark and walk/wheel through the parked vehicles to the ramp. The entry to the ramp is blocked by parked cars. One would otherwise get discouraged by the unhygienic passage leading to ramp.”

Even when it came to accessing the office complexes and buildings, the survey found that the approaches were in a horrendous shape. “The steps are damaged at several places due to lack of maintenance; have no handrail to assist persons with reduced mobility; and even the approach to these steps is found encroached by parked cars,” it said.

Toilet that was never used

Even with respect to the lone free public toilet in the complex which has an accessible unit, the survey found that “the steep ramp and small door makes it inaccessible, though it displays an accessibility sign”. Further, the study had also found this accessible toilet unit locked and on opening it found that it was never put to use for which it was intended.

Keywords: Bhikaji Cama Place, public property, maintenance issues, infrastructure facilities

Source: Printable version | Nov 30, 2012 12:24:52 PM | http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/bhikaji-cama-place-a-symbol-of-utter-disdain-for-public-property-accessibility-audit/article4089948.ece

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Students protest against inaccessible Delhi University Campus

Dear Colleagues,

Delhi University is sitting over several access audit reports conducted by independent agencies for which the University has paid a fee while the students with disabilities continue to suffer! One of such reports was shared by Svayam with the Delhi University to improve upon the signage and pedestrian access in the North Campus of Delhi University. However, there seems no action on the report till date and it is over two years. The situation is no better in even the South Campus of Delhi University.

The main roads connecting and passing through the Campus are not within the control of Delhi University and we have learnt that due to lack of coordination among multiple agencies manning the roads, the accessibility project has suffered badly. During Commonwealth Games, road were laid with spaces for motor and non-motorised transport, however it did not provide proper access to pedestrians. There are wrongly placed tactile pavers and abrupt level changes. On top of it, the access points always remain choked with the parked vehicles in front of gates. The pedestrian crossings are a nightmare and given the traffic sense on the roads, the disabled users are always prone to accidents. However, there is no initiative from any quarter to streamline the issue.

Recently a student with disability met with a serious accident. Students have thus decided to raise their voice which is very right and we strongly support this.

Here is the news items from Deccan Herald:

DU students bat for disabled-friendly campus

Apr 4, 2012
NEW DELHI: Students with disabilities will hold a protest on Wednesday demanding a more accessible campus from Delhi University authorities.

A month back they had submitted an application to university authorities regarding safety on roads, said a member of DU cross disabilities association (DUCDA). “A week ago another reminder was sent but to no effect,” added the member.

The members also carried out a signature campaign where around 700 students showed their solidarity.

“Student with disability met with a major accident recently in north campus. We are demanding safety on the roads. Although there are tactile paths in north campus for students who are blind, most of them are badly planned,” said Kapil Kumar, a blind postgraduate sociology student from Delhi School of Economics.

“Half the time while walking on these paths we bump into poles and trees. Incidents of blind students falling into pits have also come to light,” he added.

The students complain that they are being ignored.

“Though there is an equal opportunity cell (EOC) in the university to guide students with disabilities, it is always over burdened. Everywhere we go, we are directed to EOC which has limited resources and capacity. The proctor is handling EOC, but it should have an independent incharge to address our problems more effectively. Our issues have always been sidelined,” he said.

The students are also demanding to make accessible hostels and toilets.

“Very few colleges, not even the prominent ones, have toilets specially constructed for students with disabilities. Khalsa College may have one as one of the teaching faculty is disabled,” said Shakti Kumar Agarwal adding in hostels like Gwyer Hall, it is impossible to move in a wheelchair.

“Its entrance has steps. There is a boys’ hostel for disabled students that too is under Delhi government. There are no hostels for disabled women students,” said Agarwal.

The students are demanding a separate elected body on the lines of Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) to better represent them.

“There is a stray dog problem in every hostel. Once a blind girl fell into a pit where a dog was lying and got bitten. The students with disabilities are terrorised to walk on the footpaths, so they walk on the sides of the roads. That’s equally dangerous,” added Agarwal.

While DU has around 1,500 students with disabilities, many of them blind.