Empowering ICMR’s Nodal Officers with Accessibility Training - 2 Day Capacity Building Program during 11-12 November 2024

In a progressive move toward creating inclusive healthcare and institutional environments, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), through its training wing, the National Institute of Training for Standardization (NITS), organized a customized capacity-building program for the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Conducted at the NITS campus in Noida the senior leadership of CABE Foundation, acted as faculty for this program focused on "Accessibility in Buildings & Built Environment," with an emphasis on healthcare and institutional spaces.  

A Specialized Program for the Nodal Officers to be Accessibility Champions

The two-day training, held on 11-12 November 2024, brought together 27 Nodal Officers from ICMR headquarters in Delhi and regional centers across India, including Jodhpur, Bhopal, Bengaluru, Port Blair, Pune, Jabalpur, Chennai, Bhubaneswar, Puducherry, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Dibrugarh, Kolkata, Patna, and Agra. These officers, ranging from Technical Officers to Scientist ‘G’, are nominated as Nodal Officers under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and among other duties are also tasked with ensuring barrier-free built environments in their respective campuses.   Therefore, the training aimed to enhance participants' knowledge and skills in implementing accessible, adaptable, and inclusive infrastructure, ensuring physical and social accessibility, mainstreaming persons with disabilities and promoting reasonable accommodation, as mandated by the law. The course focused on inclusive design, universal accessibility, diversity, equity, social inclusion, and empowerment through accessibility.

Fig. Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth delivering an interactive session on Universal Design and Accessibility as per the NBC.

CABE Foundation: Driving Accessibility Leadership 

The program was anchored by the CABE Foundation, a leading organization committed to promoting accessibility and universal design, with its leadership serving as expert faculty. The technical sessions were led by Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth, a distinguished accessibility practitioner and a key contributor to the accessibility provisions in the National Building Code of India 2016 along with Ms. Madhurima Madhav, Scientist "E"/Director (NITS). 

Fig. Ms. Madhurima Madhav, Scientist "E"/ Director NITS delivering a session.

Mr. T.D. Dhariyal, a veteran in disability rights and accessibility, the current Executive Director delved in to the rights enshrined under the RPWD Act and he further enriched the program’s content with examples from his experiences as the State Commissioner for PwDs and Dy. Chief Commissioner for PwDs. The participants found the practical advices from the former Disability Commissioner very handy and useful for their role as Nodal Officers for Persons with Disabilities. 

Fig. Mr. TD Dhariyal delivering a session on Access for All- Legal & Policy Framework

Highlights of the Training

Participants explored key aspects of accessibility, including:  

- Regulatory frameworks: Understanding the UNCRPD, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act and Rules, and the National Building Code (NBC) 2016.  

- Accessibility in specialized buildings: Covering barrier-free access, exit pathways, circulation spaces, parking, accessible toilets, signage, and infrastructure maintenance.  Besides this, the accessibility of furniture and equipment used for medical procedures & services was also covered.

- Best practices and case studies: Examining successful examples of inclusive design in healthcare and institutional buildings.  

- Legal compliance: Ensuring institutions meet mandates under the RPwD Act to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities and other diversities not just in the built and virtual environment but also breaking other barriers such as attitudinal  and policies.

Empowering the Nodal Officers

The Nodal Officers gained practical knowledge on making their institutions compliant with accessibility standards while fostering inclusive environments. By promoting accessible infrastructure, the program underlined the commitment to ensuring every individual—irrespective of ability or age—can navigate buildings and public spaces with dignity.    

Fig. A group photograph taken at the event with participants and faculty

Participants’ Feedback

The program received glowing reviews from attendees, who praised the course structure, content, and faculty expertise & depth of knowledge, practical approach, and engaging delivery.

Together, let’s continue to champion accessibility and build spaces that reflect the diversity and inclusivity of our society.  

Moving Forward Together 

This event marks a vital step in the journey toward building a truly inclusive society. By equipping stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to promote accessibility, we can ensure equal opportunities and dignity for all.  

Let’s keep working together to create spaces where everyone feels valued and included. 

Here is X post from the BIS:

BIS through its training wing, NITS organized a customized programme for the nodal officers of Indian Council of Medical Research on National Building Code of India 2016 - Accessibility in Buildings and Built Environment during 11-12 November 2024 at NITS campus at Noida. pic.twitter.com/uaEx45OTY0

— Bureau of Indian Standards (@IndianStandards) November 12, 2024