DEPwD and COA Join Forces to Enhance Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities

New Delhi: The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) and the Council of Architecture (COA) have embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration to champion inclusivity and accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in public spaces and buildings.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between DEPwD and COA reflects a shared commitment to conduct transformative workshops, seminars, and training programs. These initiatives include the integration of mandatory course modules in the Bachelor of Architecture curriculum, aiming to raise awareness about the creation of accessible environments for PwDs.

As part of this innovative partnership, COA and DEPwD recently successfully concluded a certified Training of Master Trainers on Universal Accessibility. The primary objective of this comprehensive training program is to empower architects, academicians, and other professionals to serve as access auditors in the built environment.

The Training of Master Trainers on Universal Accessibility was conducted in two phases. The online Phase-I occurred in September 2023, while the in-person Phase-II concluded on March 11th and 12th, 2024. Participants actively engaged in hands-on exercises, including access audits of buildings, to enhance practical skills and deepen their understanding of creating universally accessible spaces.

Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of DEPwD, and Ar. Abhay Purohit, President of COA, jointly felicitated the master trainers and eminent speakers for their invaluable contributions to advancing accessibility. This collaboration underscores the collective commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that accommodates the diverse needs of Persons with Disabilities, promoting a more accessible and equitable society.