Shri Thawarchand Gehlot, Honourable Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India (GOI), and Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder, Svayam, jointly unveiled “Guidelines for Making Religious Places Accessible” in New Delhi on 25 January 2019.
In photo (From Left to Right) – Dr. Kamlesh Pandey (Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities), Mr. Thawarchand Gehlot (Union Minister, Govt of India) & Ms. Sminu Jindal (Founder-Svayam), and Sh. SK Prasad, Dy. CCPD, jointly unveiling the Svayam authored booklet: “Guidelines for Making Religious Places Accessible” on 25 Jan 2019 in New Delhi.
Prepared by Svayam, the Guidelines were jointly published by Svayam and the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD).
Cover page of the Guideline on Making Religious Places Accessible
As accessibility helps not only the devotees with disabilities, but also the elderly, women, sick and injured believers/worshipers, this Booklet can help set new benchmarks of accessible and inclusive religious places. The Guidelines can help management committees overseeing religious sites in providing minimum accessibility features at their shrines/ place of worship.
While unveiling the guidelines, Shri Gehlot said, “The Guidelines is a big step towards honouring the tenets of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act 2016, and may also add strength to the ongoing Accessible India Campaign.”
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder – Svayam, said, “Every religion teaches us that all humans have equal rights to seek God and pray at their chosen places. I hope the management committees of various religious places take advantage of the recommendations/tips given in this first-of-its-kind booklet in the country to achieve universal accessibility standards to make their shrines accessible, so that no one is left behind in their pursuit of spirituality.”
Dr. Kamlesh Kumar Pandey, Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, said: “Considering the mandate of the Office of CCPD and provisions of the RPwD Act 2016, we are happy to join hands with ‘Svayam’. Based on the National Standards, the present guidelines are in short, crisp and easy-to-implement format.”
Mr. Pandey added that, he would urge all the State Commissioners for Persons with Disabilities to ensure accessibility at religious places in their respective states based on these guidelines.
केंद्रीय मंत्री ने स्वयम की पुस्तिका “धार्मिक स्थानों को सुगम्य बनाने के लिए दिशानिर्देश” का अनावरण किया
नई दिल्ली | 25 जनवरी 2019
25 जनवरी 2019 को, श्री थावरचंद गहलोत, माननीय केंद्रीय मंत्री, सामाजिक न्याय एवं अधिकारिता मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार, एवं सुश्री स्मिनू जिन्दल, संस्थापक, स्वयम, ने संयुक्त रूप से “धार्मिक स्थलों को सुगम्य बनाने के लिए दिशानिर्देश” पुस्तिका का अनावरण नई दिल्ली में किया।
स्वयम ने ऑफिस ऑफ़ चीफ कमिश्नर फॉर पर्सन्स विद डिसैबिलिटीज (सी.सी.पी.डी.) के साथ साझेदारी करते हुए इस पुस्तिका का प्रकाशन किया।
पुस्तिका का विमोचन करते हुए केंद्रीय मंत्री श्री गहलोत जी ने कहा, “यह दिशानिर्देश ‘दिव्यांग अधिकार अधिनियम 2016 (RPWD Act)’ के नियमों एवं सिद्धांतों को ज़मीन पर उतारने की ओर एक बड़ा और सही कदम है। इस पुस्तिका का लेखन एवं प्रकाशन करके ‘स्वयम’ ने भारत सरकार द्वारा चलाये जा रहे ‘सुगम्य भारत अभियान’ को भी गति देने का एक सराहनीय कार्य किया है।”
सुश्री स्मिनू जिन्दल ने टिप्पणी करते हुए कहा: “ सभी मनुष्यों को उनके द्वारा चुने हुए स्थानों पर ईश्वर की तलाश करने और प्रार्थना करने का समान अधिकार है। मुझे उम्मीद है कि विभिन्न धार्मिक स्थानों की प्रबंधन समितियां अपने धार्मिक स्थलों को सुगम्य बनाने के लिए इस पुस्तिका में दी गई मानकों का इस्तेमाल करेंगे, ताकि कोई भी अध्यात्म की खोज में पीछे न रह जाए।”
डॉ. कमलेश कुमार पाण्डेय, सी.सी.पी.डी., सामाजिक न्याय एवं अधिकारिता मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार, ने कहा: “ऑफिस ऑफ़ सी.सी.पी.डी. ‘दिव्यांग अधिकार अधिनियम 2016 (RPWD Act)’ के प्रावधानों को ध्यान में रखते हुए ‘स्वयम’ के साथ हाथ मिलाया है। राष्ट्रीय मानकों के आधार के साथ, यह पुस्तिका संक्षिप्त है और इसमें आसानी से लागू होने वाले प्रारूप/मानक दिए हुए हैं। हमें उम्मीद है कि विभिन्न धर्मों से संबंधित लोग अपने धार्मिक स्थलों को सभी के लिए सुगम्य बनाने के लिए इसकी मदद लेंगे और इसके बारे में प्रचार-प्रसार भी करेंगें।”
श्री पांडे ने कहा कि, वे सभी राज्य आयुक्तों (दिव्यांगजन) से आग्रह करेंगे कि वे इन दिशानिर्देशों के आधार पर अपने-अपने राज्यों में धार्मिक स्थानों पर सुगम्यता सुनिश्चित करें|
Founder of a pioneering dream – “To Rethink, Redesign, Rebuild a newer world to empower every soul”, an accessibility crusader, India’s first women leader to have broken the glass ceiling in the Steel, Oil and Energy sector, young and dynamic Managing Director of Jindal SAW Ltd. Ms. Sminu Jindal gave away the ‘Svayam Accessibility Awards 2018 (Taiwan Edition)’ at Taipei on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transportation for the Elderly and Disabled People (TRANSED2018), on 14th November 2018 to leading government and non-government agencies of Taiwan for their wonderful initiatives to promote #Accessibility4All and inclusion.
The Call for Nomination received an overwhelming response from across Taiwan – both from government organisations as well as businesses and social enterprises.
Board of Jury
The Board of Jury for Svayam Accessibility Awards, comprised of International experts and practitioners and included Ms. Ann Frye, Director, Ann Frye Ltd., U.K. and Member, International Activities Sub Committee of TRB ABE 60, Prof. (Ms.) Anabela Simões, Ergonomics Department, Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal and Member, Research Sub Committee of ABE(60) TRB, Mr. Rex CK Luk, Hong Kong Welfare Society, Member, TRB ABE 60 Committee, Mr. Joey Goldman, Independent Consultant/Co-Chair TRB ABE 60, Dr. Geetam Tiwari, Transport Research & Injury Prevention Program (TRIPP), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) New Delhi, Mr. Mohammed Yousuf, US Department of Transport and Member ABE 60, Mr. Anuj Malhotra, Centre for Green Mobility, India, Mr. Amit Bhatt, Director – Integrated Transport, Sustainable Cities, World Resources Institute, India, Prof. M. Balakrishnan, Computer Science Engineering Department, IIT Delhi, and Prof. Sheila Mitra –Sarkar, Founder, Future Trans Consulting and Member, ABE 70 – Women’s Issues in Transportation.
Introductory Film to Svayam Accessibility Awards, its legacy and nominees of 2018 edition.
RECIPIENTS OF SVAYAM ACCESSIBILITY AWARDS 2018 (TAIWAN EDITION):
Category: MOST ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC TRANSPORT (POLICY)
Institute of Transportation (IOT), Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), Taiwan
Dr. Chi-Kuo Lin (centre), Director General, Institute of Transportation, MOTC, Taiwan, receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal & Mr. Patrick Yey, Hony. Chairman, TRANSED2018, at Taipei on 14 Nov 2018 on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)
Citation: The Institute of Transportation (IOT) helps the MOTC in accessible public transportation using a promotion cycle with concepts introduction, planning and design demonstration, operation demonstration, and regulation and policy development. IOT has been successfully assisting MOTC to establish a public transportation that is more in line with the needs of diverse groups, from barrier-free to universal design.
Institute of Transportation, Ministry of Transportation and Communications (IOT-MOTC) introduced the concepts of barrier-free environment through a series of researches since 1990. In 1995, IOT performed a series of studies that demonstrated how to plan, design, and operate the barrier-free vehicles and services.
With the help of a series of researches, IOT successfully demonstrated the planning, design, and operation of barrier-free vehicles and services. IOT also drafted the Regulation based on the gradually implemented accessible public transportation. The Regulation draft accomplished the legalization of accessible public transportation in land (road and railway), sea, and air transportation.
IOT helped towards facilitating the “sustainable development of policies for accessible public transportation to establish an inclusive environment.”
Congratulations Institute of Transportation, MOTC!
Category: MOST ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC TRANSPORT (PRACTICE)
The Bureau of Transportation, Taichung City Government, Taiwan
Mr. Hui-Sheng, Feng, (Centre) Deputy Director, Transportation Bureau, Taichung City Government, Taiwan, receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal & Mr. Patrick Yey, Hony. Chairman, TRANSED2018, at Taipei on 14 Nov 2018 on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)
Citation: The Bureau of Transportation, Taichung City Government has undertaken inclusion- friendly accessible transport initiatives such as “Adopting Connected Vehicle Technology to Improve Bus Service” and “Accessibility for Blind and Visually Impaired Passengers”. The Bureau’s ‘City All-in-One Service’ is a ‘visually impaired navigation technology’ combined with public transport applications’ services, which is truly a great enabler. The system also works for inclusion as general population and visually impaired passengers can use the bus service together without any barrier.
In the last two years, the Bureau had started to develop Smart Transportation IOV Service, which includes Continuous promotion of Accessibility for Blind and Visually Impaired Passengers services, Bus shelter flow, and traffic detection. The buses are equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) & driving recorders (MDVR).
Congratulations Bureau of Transportation, Taichung City Government!
Category: MOST ACCESSIBLE TOURIST ATTRACTION
North Coast & Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau, MOTC, Taiwan
Mr. Shi-Ching, Chang (Second from Left), Dy Director General, Tourism Bureau MOTC Taiwan and Mr. Jenn-Chyan Chang (second from right), Director of North Coast & Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau, MOTC, Taiwan, receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal & Mr. Patrick Yey, Hony. Chairman, TRANSED2018, at Taipei on 14 Nov 2018 on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)
Citation: In order to a create disabled- friendly environment, the North Coast & Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau, MOTC, Taiwan, has included accessibility as one of its main focus areas toward “Building a Barrier-Free and Accessible Environment at the Keelung Heping Island Park” and North Cost Accessibility Route”, and allocated a dedicated budget to develop accessible facilities.
North Coast offers nursery room, accessible toilet and accessible parking lot, accessible route, while also offering wheelchairs and baby stroller on rent. As North Coast owns one of the most unique geomorphic and incredible beaches in the world, it made the entire facilities accessible so that tourists with disabilities can also enjoy cruise tourism.
Congratulations North Coast & Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau, MOTC, Taiwan!
Category: BEST PRACTICE AWARDS
1. Best Practice (Accessible Transport) : Bureau of Transportation, Tainan City Government, Taiwan
Mr. Wu Yu-Chiu, Section Chief of Transportation Management Section, Tainan City Government, Taiwan, receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal at Taipei on 14 Nov. 2018 on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)
Citation: The Bureau of Transportation, Tainan City Government’s “Bus Rapid Transit” system helps in creating a barrier-free environment of bus service. There are 149 low-floor buses now in Tainan with wheelchair zones, specific seats for guide dogs, and companion seats. In addition to 40% low-floor buses ratio, there are 607 new type bus shelters which have been built with LED dynamic information display systems, and 62 of them were selected to be equipped with “blind information dots” and “bus to the station voice broadcast” equipment.
“Rapid Public Transportation System” by the Bureau includes Bus Rapid Transit, Railway Rapid Transit, Inter-modal Stations Development, Demand Responsive Transportation Service (DRTS), Integration of Electronic Tickets and Information, and Advanced Public Transportation System.
Congratulations Bureau of Transportation, Tainan City Government!
2. Best Practice (Accessible Hospitality) : – OurCityLove Social Enterprise Co., Ltd., Taiwan
Prof. Dr. Chong Wey Lin (second from left), Founder and CEO, along with Mr. Jack Chen, Vice CEO, OurCityLove Social Enterprise Co. Ltd., Taiwan, receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal & Mr. Patrick Yey (extreme right), Hony. Chairman, TRANSED2018, at Taipei on 14 Nov 2018 on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)
Citation: OurCityLove Social Enterprise Taiwan combines innovative technology and passionate social entrepreneurs to raise awareness, increase inclusivity and improve accessibility for the elderly, mobility impaired, and people with disabilities.
It is now the leading smart city accessibility information service partner for 15 city governments, 3000+ companies in public service category and 77 NGOs in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. Many famous museums, shopping malls, hospitals, schools, transportation stations and government agencies have adopted OurCityLove’s advanced ICT solution to offer inclusive services to all.
Congratulations OurCityLove Social Enterprise!
3. Best Practice (Comprehensive rehabilitation & accessibility services for Persons with Disabilities)- Eden Social Welfare Foundation, Taiwan
Mr. Juo-Sung HUANG, CEO, Eden Social Welfare Foundation, Taiwan, receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal at Taipei on 14 Nov 2018 on the sidelines of 15thInternational Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)
Citation: Eden Social Welfare Foundation has undertaken brilliant steps towards accessible para-transit systems, rehab bus transportation provisions, vocational training for persons with disabilities, job counselling, emotional therapy, as well as early intervention services for children with delayed development and residential care for seniors.
Eden has more than 100 service centres in Taiwan and overseas and serves nearly 200,000 people every year. Through a series of activities, such as “Love without Borders – Assistive Devices Donation Project”, Eden has successfully been promoting the cause of disabilities and accessibility in Taiwan and beyond.
Congratulations Eden Social Welfare Foundation!
4. Best Practice [Accessible Transport (Taxi service)] – Joint Award to The Yulon Group, Taiwan and the OurCityLove Social Enterprise, Taiwan
Mr. Vincent Tsao (extreme right) Vice President Luxgen Motor Co. Ltd, Yulon Group & Prof. Dr. Chong Wey Lin (extreme left), Founder and CEO, OurCityLove Social Enterprise Co. Ltd., Taiwan jointly receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal at Taipei on 14 Nov 2018 on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)
Citation: The Yulon Group and the OurCityLove Social Enterprise have together redefined access to hotels with its inspiring accessible transport (Taxi service).
Their cooperation inspires social innovation and boosts accessible tourism services in Taiwan. “Luxgen V7 Eco‐Hyper” is the result of their joint design with the inputs from the people with disabilities, and is Taiwan’s first accessible vehicle.
With these breakthrough models, they have successfully tried to address a common frustration among the elderly and people with disabilities and their families — travelling far tourism.
Congratulations Yulon Group and the OurCityLove Social Enterprise!
5. Best Practice (Rehabilitation of People with Intellectual Disabilities) – Children Are Us Social Welfare Foundation, Taiwan
Ms. Sunny Hu, Director, Public Affairs, Children Are Us Social Welfare Foundation, Taiwan, receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal at Taipei on 14 Nov 2018 on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)
Citation: Children Are Us Social Welfare Foundation (CAREUS) has constructed a safe working environment for children with intellectual disabilities and has demonstrated the Best Practice in their Rehabilitation. With assistance of social workers and industrial mentors, they teach children with ID professional skills, and have simplified the operational procedures through individualized and differentiated practical training and the design of assistive devices.
Children with ID are engaged in job matching and license acquisition to transform them from “service receivers” into “service providers.” Also, positive values are also being instilled into them for equal participation in the society.
Congratulations Children Are Us Social Welfare Foundation!
Media Coverage
Coverage of Svayam Accessibility Awards 2018, Taiwan Edition held on 14 Nov 2018 at Taipei.
We are extremely happy to share that on the basis of recommendations of the Board of Jury, following organisations are being selected for bestowing the “Svayam Accessibility Awards 2018 (Taiwan Edition)” in different categories.
Category: MOST ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Institute of Transportation, Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), Taiwan
The Bureau of Transportation, Taichung City Government, Taiwan
Category: MOST ACCESSIBLE TOURIST ATTRACTION
North Coast & Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau, MOTC, Taiwan
Category: BEST PRACTICE AWARDS
Best Practice (Accessible Transport) : Bureau of Transportation, Tainan City Government, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Best Practice (Accessible Hospitality) : – OurCityLove Social Enterprise Co., Ltd., Taiwan
Best Practice (Comprehensive rehabilitation & accessibility services for Persons with Disabilities)- Eden Social Welfare Foundation, Taiwan
Best Practice [Accessible Transport (Taxi service)]– Joint Award to The Yulon Group, Taiwan and the OurCityLove Social Enterprise, Taiwan
Best Practice (Rehabilitation of People with Intellectual Disabilities) – Children Are Us Social Welfare Foundation, Taiwan
Details of the Award Ceremony
The award ceremony will be held on the sidelines of the 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for the Elderly and the Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018, Taipei), as per the following details:
Venue: Banquet Hall, Taipei International Convention Centre (TICC), 1 Hsin-Yi Road, Section 5, Taipei 11049, Taiwan (ROC)
Date & Time: 14th November, 6 PM – 8 PM
Heartiest congratulations to all the Winners and we hope this award becomes another milestone to renew our commitments to achieve a better, liveable, sustainable and inclusive world for all of us!
We are encouraged by an overwhelming response to the ‘Call for Nomination for Svayam Accessibility Awards 2018 (Taiwan)’. The Jury consisting of national and international experts have shortlisted 10 applications for final review.
Each of these applicants have proven record of mobility, transportation and accessibility related projects implemented in the territory of Taiwan on the thematic areas. The award ceremony will coincide with the 15th International conference on Mobility and Transport for the Elderly and the Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018, Taipei), scheduled to be held during 12-15 November 2018 at Taipei, Taiwan.
We thank our jury members for shortlisting the top 10 agencies/organizations. The names of finalist organizations with their respective categories are as below:
S.No.
Names of Organization
Category/categories
1
Children Are Us Social Welfare Foundation (CAREUS)
Best Practice Project
2
The Bureau of Transportation, Taichung City Government
Accessible Public Transport
3
Eden Social Welfare Foundation
Best Practice Project
4
Yulon Group & OurCityLove Social Enterprise Taiwan
Best Practice Project (Transport)
5
OurCityLove Social Enterprise Co., Ltd., Taiwan
Best Practice Project (Hospitality)
6
Bureau of Transportation, Tainan City Government, Taiwan
Accessible Public Transport
7
Institute of Transportation, MOTC
Accessible Public Transport
8
Chiayi City Government
Accessible Tourist Attraction/ Heritage Site
9
National Taiwan Museum
Accessible Tourist Attraction/ Heritage Site
10
North Coast & Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau, MOTC, Taiwan
Accessible Tourist Attraction/ Heritage Site
We congratulate all ‘Finalists’ who made it to this prestigious and coveted list. Keep your fingers crossed and watch this space for the final results to be declared on 14 Nov. 2018!!
Svayam led delegation discussing changes in SoPs with DG, BCAS
A team of stakeholders led by Svayam met Shri Kumar Rajesh Chandra, Director General, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and his team of senior officials to discuss the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and those with reduced mobility during security screening at the Indian Airports. This was pursuant to the National Meeting of Stakeholders organised by Svayam to discuss issues faced during air travel by persons with disabilities and those with reduced mobility, on 22 November 2017, at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi, and consequent submission of our collated recommendations to the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment & Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The meeting took place on 06th April 2018 at the BCAS HQ at Janpath Bhawan, New Delhi. The meeting offered yet another chance to stakeholders to actively participate in the process and negotiate for their demands for accessible, dignified air travel.
The stakeholders were represented at the meeting by Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth (Director, Svayam), Mr. Nipun Malhotra (CEO, Nipman Foundation) and Ms. Smitha Sadasivan (Member, Disability Rights Alliance).
Svayam led delegation discussing changes in SoPs with senior officials of BCAS
The DG, BCAS, at the outset, gave a brief background of the steps taken by the BCAS and assured the stakeholders that the BCAS would take the right steps in this direction to address the issues faced by disabled flyers. He also clarified that while BCAS deals with the issue of security related protocols, DGCA deals with issue of safety & passenger conveniences.
There was a point-wise discussion on the existing Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) and recommendations by the stakeholders as compiled by Svayam and submitted to the Ministry of Civil Aviation in December 2017. The BCAS officials informed that the Bureau had issued an Addendum dated 03rd October 2017 to the Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) dated 31st March 2014 for screening passengers with special needs and medical conditions. But they agreed that these passengers still face difficulties and embarrassment, and hence more changes are required. A copy of this Addendum can be accessed here and copy of SOPs here.
Some of the major issues which were discussed included; use of full body scanners, scanning orthosis and prosthesis without invading privacy or causing avoidable discomfort; screening of battery operated wheelchairs, poor quality of airport wheelchairs, allowing airport passes for non-travelling passenger/companion for persons with disabilities, relieving areas for service animals etc.
BCAS officials explained that while “Millimeter wave scanners” though considered safe, require persons to stand in a certain posture, hence it is not suitable for wheelchair users. Other forms of X-ray technologies are not considered due to privacy and radiation issues. Therefore, a mix of multiple security protocols (such as visual profiling, ETD, physical frisking) have to be deployed to scan the wheelchairs in addition to the scanners.
While the issue of prosthesis screening has been largely resolved for cases where the steel rod is discernible, the orthosis has remained a challenge as it uses foam padding to prevent injuries. Presence of foam raises suspicion, requiring deployment of intensive screening procedures to ensure there are no hidden weapons.
On the issue of oxygen cylinders and special medical equipment, the BCAS officials said that they would like to know the best practices from the stakeholders to improve on the screening procedures.
Protocols for screening of service animals is relevantly a new area and challenges were mainly in the areas of soft training of screening staff. The officials promised to address this issue. It was felt that the availability of “relieving areas” for service animals at the airports was an issue in the domain of DGCA hence this would be taken up with relevant authorities in our next meet.
The stakeholders are requested to send their feedback/ comments, if any on the above issues or any additional issues related to security screening to editor@svayam.com.
Shri Prakash Javadekar, Hon’ble Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Govt. of India, and Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder Chairperson- Svayam and Managing Director- Jindal SAW Ltd., jointly unveiled “कड़ी जोड़ने का एक प्रयास – विकासशील देशों में विकलांग (दिव्यांग) बालकों के लिए स्कूल तक का सफर आसान बनाने में आपकी भूमिका ”, the Hindi Version of an international research “Bridging the Gap: Your Role in Transporting Children with Disabilities to School in Developing Countries” by the Access Exchange International (AEI), USA.
Hon’ble HRD Minister & Founder- Svayam jointly unveiling the Hindi version of book ‘Bridging the Gap”
As part of its ongoing campaign to promote accessible transportation for children with reduced mobility, Svayam, an initiative of the S. J. Charitable Trust, translated and released the Hindi Version.
While releasing the Hindi Version, Shri Javadekar said, “Kadi Jodne Ka Ek Prayas” holds great hope in developing countries like India; it has case studies and examples taken from many countries which can help stakeholders in providing economically feasible, easy and safe accessible school transportation to children with disabilities.”
Mr. Javadekar added, “The book is a big help to strengthen the government’s “Accessible India Campaign” (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), and I am sure this Hindi Version will surely help in making school transportation “fully accessible” in coming years, and will make the PM’s slogan of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ a reality.”
“Kadi Jodne Ka Ek Prayas” is surely an ambitious step by Sminu Jindal Ji and her Svayam Team towards enabling children with disabilities and reduced mobility to gain universal access, equal opportunity for development, and participation in all aspects of life in an inclusive society,” Mr. Javadekar added in his message which finds place in the Hindi version.
He also assured that his Ministry will facilitate the implementation of the examples given in the book, and invited every stakeholder in education system to come forward and make India fully accessible for the children with reduced mobility.
Ms. Sminu Jindal hoped that “Kadi Jodne Ka Ek Prayas” will help us ensure that no child is left without education merely due to lack of accessible transport and schools. “Together, we can bridge the gap between where students with disabilities live and the schools they need to attend. We also have to ensure that children with disabilities grow up to become citizens as productive as you and I am, and that is possible only when we put them in schools. This book will help us achieve our shard objectives of Inclusive Education.” added Ms. Jindal.
Svayam had helped the AEI in researches, ground studies and liaising with schools and other stakeholders in India for the preparation of this research. The AEI representative Mr. Pete Meslin (also the Director of Transportation, Newport Mesa Unified School District, California, USA, and one of the authors of this Research Book) visited India to attend events aimed to spread awareness about the Hindi Version of the book.
Mr. Pete Meslin, Representative of AEI speaking at an event to raise awareness on accessible transport to schools
Mr. Meslin appreciated Svayam’s efforts and said: “Accessible transportation can help address the long-standing problem of millions of children with disabilities failing to attend school in developing countries including India. Education and transport ministries, transportation providers, schools and local communities including parents, caregivers and disability NGOs can play their roles to make this global mission a big success.”
Svayam and the AEI have been partnering for projects of mutual interest for many years; notable among them are: the development of the World Bank’s Transit Access Training Toolkit for bus drivers and conductors to ensure safe and dignified transport to the elderly and the people with reduced mobility. Svayam had help in the research and prepared the case study for the Toolkit. Also, Svayam publicized the message of the World Bank to reach a larger audience and magnify awareness amongst the bus drivers and conductors. Svayam also helped the AEI in para-transit transport research on auto-rickshaws and carried out modification experiments and User Testing at the Piaggio facility.
To obtain a copy of the book, click here for Hindi version and click here[External website of AEI] for English version. If you are unable to download, drop an email to svayam.india@gmail.com or editor@svayam.com
Though a small step towards helping the disabled people reap the benefits of Internet, a non-governmental portal was launched by the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr. Digvijay Singh, at a function here today.
Providing an interactive platform for the disabled to voice their opinion, concerns and hopes, the website svayam.com claims to act as a bridge between the disabled and over 2,500 institutions working for the cause to improve quality of life of physically and mentally challenged people. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Singh hoped that the website would go a long way in helping the cause of the disabled.
“The aim is to provide information regarding education, rehabilitation, vocational training, employment, legal and other such issues to the disabled and their families to enable them to be aware of the avenues available to them,” said Ms. Sminu Jindal, the brain behind the website. Physically challenged, Ms. Jindal is the director of the Saw Pipes.
According to Mr. Indresh Batra who has developed the site, svayam.com would soon have large text option for people with low vision and voice enabled sections. The portal would soon be available in different languages such as Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Oriya, Marathi, Gujarati and Malayalam.
“In the next phase the portal would also offer services like on-line shopping centre, on-line bookings and e-payment,” he said.
