New Delhi, April 6, 2024: Accessibility organisation Svayam has partnered with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and a network of 20 NGOs to highlight the critical need for inclusive environments and assistive technologies for people living with disabilities.
The initiative was announced at an event held at ICMR in New Delhi on March 25. The event addressed the pressing need for accessibility in India.
Addressing the event, and resounding the sentiments of unity and empowerment, Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DePwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, affirmed to an inclusive future, saying, “The era demands accessibility for all, not as a luxury but as a fundamental requirement. Let us stand together, bridging gaps and empowering every individual towards a dignified life.”
With an estimated 26.8 million people living with disabilities and 104 million aged 65 and above facing mobility constraints, the need for concerted efforts is evident. Despite these challenges, India lacks a designated day dedicated to accessibility. Establishing such an occasion could catalyse unified action and focused initiatives to enhance accessibility nationwide.
Addressing the critical need for declaring 'World Accessibility Day - 27 March', the discussions at the event also centred around the pivotal role of Accessibility and Assistive Devices in fostering a truly inclusive society, especially for Viksit Bharat. Svayam, in collaboration with NDFDC and 20 NGOs spanning across 35 districts in 10 states, advocates fervently for the global recognition of 27th March as the World Accessibility Day.
During the discussion, Ravinder Singh, Senior Scientist at ICMR, showed his alignment with the ethos of inclusivity and emphasized the imperative of creating healthcare environments that are inherently accessible. He asserted, “Accessibility is the cornerstone of Viksit Bharat. We are also dedicated to empowering future healthcare professionals with the values of universal accessibility.”
Expressing her ardour for this noble cause, Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam, reflected on the profound impact of declaring 'World Accessibility Day - 27 March'. She said, “Accessibility is not a privilege but a birthright for all. Let the barriers crumble, and opportunities flourish equally for every individual. Together, with our dedicated partners, we stand united to forge a barrier-free future”.
Dr Swadeep Srivastava, Founder, HEAL Foundation, said, “Celebrating World Accessibility Day is an important milestone to bring to focus the need for accessibility. Let us recognize that access to healthcare communication is not a privilege but a fundamental human right. With over a billion people living with disabilities, it's imperative that we ensure all digital health platforms are universally accessible.”
