Accessibility
ADP has been a leading force in advocating for accessibility for the past 14 years. Our commitment is demonstrated through numerous Access Audits undertaken in various cities and districts, all aimed at promoting accessibility and inclusivity. ADP has conducted Access Audit including buildings and built environments, community spaces, heritage sites. And public space service.
What is Accessibility?
An access audit is a specialized inspection used to assess the ease of access and usability of an environment (such as a building or landscape), a service, or a facility for people with a range of access impairments. Its purpose is to establish how well a particular building or environment performs in terms of access and ease of use by a wide range of potential users, including persons with disabilities, and to recommend essential access improvements.
Purpose of an Access Audit:
The primary goals of an access audit and its follow-up are to:
• Identify the extent of access problems in public buildings and recommend necessary changes to create a barrier-free environment.
• Create widespread awareness regarding the crucial concept of barrier-free environments for persons with disabilities.
• Enforce the inclusion of accessibility for persons with disabilities in the official agendas of both government and private agencies.
ADP’s Work in Accessibility:
• Accessible India Campaign (AIC): Empanelled by DoEPD, MSJE GOI in 2016 under the Accessible India Campaign, ADP successfully conducted Access Audits in the first and second phases for 137 buildings across cities like Kanpur, Nagpur, Surat, Vadodara, Visakhapatnam, and Ahmedabad.
• Regional Expansion: Extending our efforts beyond regional borders, ADP audited 79 buildings in Vellore, Krishnapuri, and Dharmapuri districts of Tamil Nadu, further promoting accessibility and inclusivity in the region.
• Rashtrapati Bhawan Mughal Garden: In 2020, ADP audited the Rashtrapati Bhawan Mughal Garden, contributing significantly to its successful restructuring. In 2022, the building proudly commemorated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, showcasing the positive impact of ADP’s work.
• Heritage Site Audits: In 2017-18, ADP collaborated with the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPDEP) to conduct audits of five heritage sites in Udaipur, Rajasthan, as part of the Smart City Mission.
Through its integral involvement in the Accessible India Campaign and strategic partnerships with relevant government authorities, ADP continues to make significant strides in promoting accessibility, inclusivity, and empowerment for persons with disabilities across the nation.
The Legal Framework: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016
Sections 40, 41, 45, and 46 of The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 categorically provide for non-discrimination in education, transport, roads, built environments, and information and technology. The Act mandates the laying down of accessibility standards for the physical environment, different modes of transport, public/private buildings, and areas, which are to be observed compulsorily. A five-year time limit is provided to make existing public buildings accessible, and access to information and communication technology is to be ensured. Contraventions of the Act’s provisions are punishable by a fine of up to ten thousand for the first contravention and fifty thousand, extendable up to five lakhs, for subsequent contraventions. Atrocities against PwDs are punishable with imprisonment of 6 months, extendable to 5 years, and with a fine. Fraudulently availing benefits meant for PwDs has also been made punishable.