National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) is a cross-disability,non-profit organization, working as an interface between the government, industry, international agencies,and the voluntary sector towards empowerment of persons with disabilities.
NCPEDP has a pan India presence through the National Disability Network (NDN). Formed in 1999, NDN hasmembers from the majority of States and Union Territories of the country.
Mr Arman Ali is the Executive Director of NCPEDP. A wheelchair user himself, Ali has spent over two decades advocating for disability rights and policies and is known as an expert in this field. Serving in advisory roles with the Election Commission of India, National Human Rights Commission, Ministry of Social Justice of Empowerment, Mr Ali is on the mission to create an inclusive society where no one is left behind.
In this interview with TheCSRUniverse, Mr Ali speaks on various initiatives of NCPEDP towards creating an enabling environment for persons with disabilities and creating convenient access for them to all public spaces, products, services, and technologies. He also talks about the key challenges for social sector organisation working for disabled people and the improvement in policy framework that can help the cause in much better way.
Scroll down to read the full interview:
Q: Can you provide an overview of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) and its mission in promoting equality for people with disabilities?
A: At NCPEDP, we campaign for the rights of persons with disabilities. We advocate for employment by raising public awareness and developing and spreading knowledge, information, and opportunities for them. Our vision is of a society in which persons with disabilities are equal participants leading dignified lives with economic independence.
Furthermore, we advocate for convenient access to all public spaces, products, services, and technologies.
We firmly uphold the notion that education is an indispensable prerequisite for meaningful employment. Furthermore, we acknowledge that both education and employment cannot materialize without adequate accessibility. The crucial intersection of employment, education, and accessibility necessitates the implementation of suitable legislation and policy support. To realize any progress in this regard, it becomes imperative to raise awareness and foster a collective understanding of these interconnected elements. Above all, we firmly place our trust in the power of youth as the primary catalysts for driving these transformative initiatives.
Our mission is to promote equality for individuals with disabilities in all aspects of life through policy interventions and advocacy in the areas of Employment, Education, Accessibility, Legislation/Policy, Awareness/Communication, & Youth.
Q:What are the key initiatives and achievements of NCPEDP in advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities?
A: NCPEDP's advocacy and stakeholder engagement led to changes in the Public Procurement Policy, Draft Guidelines for Accessibility Standard for ICT, and National Education Policy. Following NCPEDP's engagement with the Ministry of Finance, the Public Procurement Policy was revised to include accessibility for people with disabilities in all procurement operations under Chapter 1.
NCPEDP created the foundation document for the Draft Guidelines for Accessibility Standards for ICT. After receiving input and comments from the disability sector, the Draught is now at the LITD 35 Committee.
Initiatives, such as the Missing Million Campaign, Mphasis Foundation Project, and JavedAbidi Fellowship on Disability, aims to promote accessibility for persons with disabilities in procurement procedures and create a more inclusive society.
We have to keep moving away from the welfare based approach and look at disability as a development issue. That’s why our efforts encourage investment in the disability sector, because it enables the provision of essential support services, assistive technologies, and accessible infrastructure. This empowers individuals with disabilities to lead independent lives, enhancing their ability to pursue education, employment, and other opportunities.
Q: NCPEDP has been working towards empowering people with disabilities through appropriate legislation, employment opportunities, and awareness on disability issues. Could you share some examples of successful policies or campaigns that have positively impacted the lives of people with disabilities?
A: NCPEDP has been at the forefront of empowering people with disabilities through various impactful policies and campaigns. Our collaboration with the Indian government and disability welfare organizations has yielded significant results, bringing about tangible changes in the lives of disabled individuals. One notable achievement was our partnership with the Human Rights Law Network, which has successfully raised awareness of disability issues within the legal community.
A pivotal moment in our journey was when the government recognized the importance of disability data by including it as a category in the 2001 Population Census. This marked a significant milestone in comprehensive data collection efforts for the first time in India, enabling better understanding and targeted interventions.
Through the National Advocacy Workshop on the Disability Act, we developed the 'Call for Action' document. This influential document outlined actionable steps for various sectors to effectively support the implementation of the Disability Act, ensuring its meaningful impact on the lives of disabled individuals.
In the field of education, our advocacy efforts resulted in the University Grants Commission launching schemes that support teacher training courses and the development of disability-friendly facilities in educational institutions. Additionally, in 2001, we successfully advocated for accessible civil services examinations conducted by the Service Commission, enabling greater inclusion of disabled individuals in public service roles.
Among others, NCPEDP's advocacy also played a significant role in shaping the proposed National Education Policy, securing due recognition for children and individuals with disabilities.
Q: What are some of the key challenges you face while implementing your projects for education and livelihood projects?
A:While implementing education and livelihood projects, we face several key challenges that impact their effectiveness and reach. Some of these challenges include:
Limited Awareness and Sensitization: One major challenge is the lack of awareness and sensitivity regarding the needs and capabilities of people with disabilities. This hampers the acceptance and inclusion of disabled individuals in education and employment sectors.
Inadequate Accessibility: Many educational institutions and workplaces lack adequate accessibility infrastructure, such as ramps, accessible transportation, assistive technologies, and inclusive learning materials. This poses barriers for disabled individuals to access quality education and suitable employment opportunities.
Discrimination and Stigma: Deep-rooted social discrimination and stigma against people with disabilities persist, leading to exclusion and limited opportunities. Negative attitudes and stereotypes hinder their integration into mainstream education and the job market.
Policy Implementation and Enforcement: Despite the presence of inclusive policies and laws, the effective implementation and enforcement at various levels remain a challenge. This can hinder the smooth execution of projects aimed at promoting education and livelihood opportunities for people with disabilities.
Q: How has NCPEDP contributed to the implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and the National Education Policy, 2020?
A: NCPEDP has played a pivotal role in the passing of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and contributed significantly towards the National Education Policy, 2020.
NCPEDP was one of the key organizations that submitted its recommendations and input for the draft of the RPWD Act. We persistently advocated for the passing of the bill and bringing about a landmark policy intervention for the empowerment of disabled people.
In reference to the National Education Policy, 2020, the first draft of the policy was not inclusive and disabled-friendly. In light of which, NCPEDP shared a set of recommendations which were later incorporated into the final draft of the policy.
Q: Could you highlight NCPEDP's efforts in promoting inclusive education and ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the UPSC examinations?
A: NCPEDP’s relentless advocacy efforts were instrumental in bringing about a landmark achievement in 2001 when the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted civil service tests in an accessible and disabled-friendly environment for the first time. This breakthrough initiative ensured that individuals with disabilities were provided equal opportunities to participate in the civil service selection process. NCPEDP's tireless efforts have not only transformed the testing environment but also contributed to the broader cause of promoting inclusivity and breaking barriers for disabled individuals in various spheres of life.
Q: NCPEDP has been actively involved in advocating for accessibility standards in various sectors, such as information and communication technology, public procurement, elections, and the built environment. Can you discuss some of the key milestones achieved in these areas?
A: NCPEDP actively advocated with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to enforce accessibility standards across TV channels and extend them to OTT platforms, while also emphasizing the importance of incorporating visual impairment features. As a result of our efforts, revised Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) were introduced, incorporating accessibility standards for mobile applications. Additionally, NCPEDP's ongoing efforts include advocating for inclusive disaster management in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, with a focus on disability risk reduction and comprehensive guidelines for protection and safety during the pandemic. Their collaboration with the Human Rights Law Network has successfully raised awareness of disability concerns within the legal community, fostering greater understanding and support for disability rights.
Q: The NCPEDP-Mphasis Foundation Project on Awareness, Accessibility, and Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 has made significant progress. What are the major accomplishments and long- term implications of this project?
A: The ultimate goal of NCPEDP-Mphasis Foundation Project on Awareness, Accessibility, and Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 is to raise awareness among various stakeholders about the RPwD and ensure its timely and effective implementation through issue-based campaigns, providing legal aid to people with disabilities, organising sensitization seminars/workshops, lobbying policymakers, and increasing public awareness about disability via the DNIS portal.
Through the NCPEDP-Mphasis Universal Design Awards, the programme also aims to promote good practises in accessibility and raise awareness of the Universal Design concept.
NCPEDP has established the National Core Group on Inclusive Disaster Management. This group comprises disability activists from various regions in India, including a person with disability who is also a State Disability Commissioner. The primary objective of this collective is to engage in strategic collaboration with key stakeholders to guarantee Disability Inclusive Risk Reduction and Recovery measures in disaster management.
Q: Could you provide an overview of the NCPEDP-JavedAbidi Youth Fellowship on Disability and its role in developing leadership for the Indian disability movement?
A: NCPEDP-JavedAbidi Youth Fellowship on Disability is a three-year fellowship programme which has been meticulously tailored to address the specific requirements of the chosen fellows, equipping them with a diverse range of experiences necessary to generate viable ideas with the potential for tangible impact in the Disability sector. This comprehensive programme is designed to nurture fellows through training, capacity building, networking opportunities, and hands-on field experience alongside policymakers and relevant stakeholders. By providing mentorship and leveraging the resources of the National Disability Network, the programme aims to elevate the fellows' ideas to their fullest potential.
Our fellowship programme fosters social entrepreneurship among 25 fellows, guiding them to contribute to the cause of disability through evidence-based advocacy and a pluralistic approach.
Q: The NCPEDP-Mindtree Helen Keller Awards and NCPEDP-Mphasis Universal Design Awards are prestigious recognitions. Can you elaborate on the criteria and impact of these awards in promoting employment opportunities and accessibility?
A:The NCPEDP-LTIMindtree Helen Keller Awards strive to champion equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The award honours exceptional individuals and organizations that embrace inclusivity and serve as role models in creating equal employment opportunities.
The NCPEDP-Mphasis Universal Design Awards recognize individuals and organizations in four categories for their impactful contributions to accessibility and Universal Design, both personally and professionally. These awards play a crucial role in spreading awareness and promoting the concept of accessibility and Universal Design, particularly in developing countries like India where it has yet to gain widespread recognition.
These prestigious awards have carved a remarkable legacy over two decades, setting the gold standard in India for acknowledging those who tirelessly work towards enhancing job prospects for people with disabilities.
Q: How does NCPEDP collaborate with the National Disability Network (NDN) and the National Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (NCRPD) to address on- going issues concerning people with disabilities?
A: Disability, for far too long, has been confined to the realm of charity and welfare, rather than being recognized as a fundamental human rights issue in our nation. NCPEDP firmly believes that individuals with disabilities, disability groups, and Disabled People's Organizations (DPOs) should be empowered to lead the charge in this transformative movement.
This is where our National Disability Network (NDN) and the National Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (NCRPD) comes into play. With representation from every State and Union Territory, the primary objectives of the Networks have been to foster local advocacy groups, nurture leadership within the disability sector, and facilitate collaboration between grassroots organizations to form a robust national network. Through collective strength, we aim to exert significant influence on policies at every level - from the grassroots to the national stage - and pave the way for meaningful change.
Q: What are your suggestions to policymakers towards creating a more conducive work environment for implementation agencies and NGOs? What policy interventions would you suggest towards more effective implementation of your projects and an easier reporting mechanism?
A: Policymakers should consider creating an enabling policy environment that promotes inclusivity and accessibility. This includes ensuring that policies and regulations align with the principles of disability rights and inclusion. It is essential to actively involve disabled people's organizations (DPOs) and other disability stakeholders in the policy-making process to ensure their perspectives are represented.
As our founder Javed Abidi said, ‘Any policy is as good as its implementation’, focus shall be on the proper and just implementation of the existing policies. It is crucial to ensure that policies and regulations pertaining to disability rights and inclusion are effectively implemented at all levels. This requires strong enforcement mechanisms, regular monitoring, and evaluation of policy outcomes. Policymakers should allocate adequate resources and establish clear accountability mechanisms to ensure that the intended goals of disability-related policies are achieved.
Also, representation of disabled people in the policy-making process is vital. Policymakers should actively engage and involve disabled people's organizations (DPOs), disability advocates, and experts in the formulation and implementation of policies that directly impact their lives. This can be done through consultations, public hearings, and participatory decision-making processes. By including the perspectives of disabled individuals, policies can become more inclusive, comprehensive, and effective.
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