CABE Foundation at the International Conference on “Redefining Abilities – Towards a Vision for Inclusive and Empowered Living” [03-05 November 2025]

The International Conference on “Redefining Abilities – Towards a Vision for Inclusive and Empowered Living” was held from November 3–5, 2025, at the India International Centre, New Delhi. The conference was organised by Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust, New Delhi, in collaboration with Rehabilitation International, New York.

The three-day event brought together a diverse range of stakeholders — including policymakers, academics, professionals, practitioners, organizations of persons with disabilities, and innovators — to explore pathways towards building an inclusive and empowered society for all.

The conference aimed to promote inclusive innovation, cross-sectoral collaboration, and rights-based frameworks that empower persons with disabilities, particularly women and youth, as active contributors in education, employment, governance, social and cultural activities, and technology.

Conference Themes

Discussions during the conference revolved around four core sub-themes:

1. Emerging paradigms in inclusive education

2. Accessible rehabilitative initiatives

3. Advocacy and policies

4. Empowerment of women and youth with disabilities

The sessions also addressed the need to integrate research, policy, and practice through multi-stakeholder engagement to ensure that inclusion becomes central to social and economic development.

CABE Foundation’s Participation

CABE Foundation was privileged to be actively associated with this international event. Our Executive Director, Mr. T.D. Dhariyal, served on the Organising Committee and chaired several sessions throughout the conference.

One of the key sessions chaired by Mr. Dhariyal featured Mr. Hiroshi Kawamura, Vice President of Rehabilitation International, who delivered an insightful presentation on “Digital Inclusion vs Digital Divide: Why Universal Design is Crucial.”

Fig. Prof Joseph Kwan, VP Asia Pacific, Rehabilitation International & past VP Hong Kong Institute of Architects;  Mr. TD Dhariyal, ED CABE Foundation; Mr Jitender Tuli and participants in the conference.

Mr. Dhariyal’s leadership and participation reflected CABE Foundation’s ongoing commitment to advancing universal accessibility, inclusive policy design, and empowerment through participation and innovation.

Impact and Takeaways

The conference provided a dynamic platform for meaningful dialogue, research exchange, and collaboration between global and national actors in the disability sector. It highlighted the importance of shared learning and collective action in building a resilient, equitable, and participatory society that upholds the principles of accessibility and sustainable development.

By facilitating the exchange of best practices, innovative approaches, and policy insights, the conference contributed to the broader mission of creating a more inclusive India — one where persons with disabilities are at the centre of planning, design, and decision-making.

CABE Foundation congratulates Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust led by Dr. Uma Tuli and Rehabilitation International for hosting this impactful conference and we reaffirm our own commitment to fostering accessibility, equality, and dignity for all.

CABE contributes to the 6th Capsule Course on National Building Code: 'Accessibility in Buildings and Built Environment' conducted at the NITS

15 May 2025, New Delhi

The 6th Capsule course on National Building Code : Accessibility in Buildings and Built Environment was held during 13-14 May 2025 at National Institute of Training for Standardization, Noida, India (the training arm of the Bureau of Indian Standards). 

The  two day in person course was lead by leadership of CABE Foundation who also are contributing to the standardization on Accessibility as members on several technical committees of BIS and currently engaged in revision of the NBC 2025.

These capsule courses are designed to provide in-depth knowledge of the code's provisions on accessibility and universal design and their practical applications for ensuring barrier free buildings and built environment. See the course module in PDF 706KB

Key Highlights of the Training Course:

• Certificate of Participation: All participants received a certificate of participation upon completion of the course.
• Practical Insights: The training module included insights of regulatory framework, detailed coverage of provisions relating to accessibility in NBC 2016 as well as revisions being made in the Code and the concerned Indian Standard in line with the advancements made in this field nationally and internationally.
• Faculty: Esteemed members involved in the concerned technical committees of BIS.

Visuals from the Training

Here are some visuals from the course:

Invitation for the next Capsule Course during 13-14 May 2025 on "Accessibility in Buildings & Built Environment" in National Building Code, at NITS Noida

Dear Accessibility Enthusiasts,

As a part of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) celebrations, CABE is happy to announce and extend this invitation to all interested individuals and organizations for the 6th Capsule course scheduled during 13-14 May 2025 at the NITS Noida. Course will be lead by leadership of CABE Foundation who also are contributing to the standardization on Accessibility as members on several technical committees of BIS and currently engaged in revision of the NBC.

Needless to mention that Universal design or barrier-free design of built environment is essential for ensuring that all individuals, regardless of ability, can use buildings safely and comfortably. These features benefit everyone, including those with temporary impairments or needing assistance. Accessibility promotes inclusivity, independence, and usability, enhancing overall convenience and compliance to Persons with Disabilities Rules.  

This capsule course is designed to provide in-depth knowledge of the code's provisions on accessibility and universal design and their practical applications for ensuring barrier free buildings and built environment. 

Key Highlights of the Training Course:

• Certificate of Participation: All participants will receive a certificate of participation upon completion of the course.
• Practical Insights: The training module includes insights of regulatory framework, detailed coverage of provisions relating to accessibility in NBC 2016 as well as revisions being made in the Code and the concerned Indian Standard in line with the advancements made in this field nationally and internationally.
• Faculty: Esteemed members involved in the concerned technical committees of BIS.

Course Name: Two-Day Capsule Course on National Building Code of India 2016 - Accessibility in Buildings and Built Environment 

Dates: 13-14 May 2025

Mode: Classroom/ Physical

Venue: National Institute of Training for Standardization, Noida (Google Map)

Registration: To Register for the course use the link:  REGISTER HERE

Training Fee: A nominal fee of INR 1500/- plus 18% GST.  

Target Audience:  Buildings Professionals such as Architects, Engineers, Town Planners, Builders and Developers, officials of Town and Country Planning Departments, Development Authorities, Municipal Corporations, Urban Local Bodies, State Housing Boards, State PWDs, Accessibility Auditors, Access Inspectors, and all those concerned with city planning, building regulation, and planning, design, construction and maintenance of buildings and built assets and facilities, concerned faculties, students pursuing related subjects

This is an excellent opportunity to deepen the understanding of the NBC provisions on accessibility for persons with disabilities and the elderly. This would certainly help in meeting the mandates under The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 and the Accessible India Campaign.

In case of any further query, kindly write an email to the Course coordinator, at nits@bis.gov.in or write to us at info@cabefoundation.com

Course Module cum Schedule: 

CABE contributes to Disability Sensitization and Accessibility Training at Tis Hazari Court hosted by DJA

New Delhi, 08 April 2025

As a part of ongoing mandate of creating enabling environment, promoting accessibility and improving awareness on disability rights among the legal fraternity, the Delhi Judicial Academy hosted a training programme on “Creating Accessible Documents & Sensitization towards Persons with Disabilities” at the Tis Hazari District Courts Complex, Delhi earlier today.   

A series of these in-person training and sensitization programs are being held for the Chairpersons and Members of Accessibility Committees, Lawyers, Court Staff, and Nodal Officers appointed across all District Court Complexes of Delhi that started with the first program at District Court Tis Hazari, Delhi. 

The session was chaired by Mr. Mohd. Farrukh, DHJS, currently the Director (Administration) at the Delhi Judicial Academy.

Fig.1. Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth,  delivering his session

While delivering his session, Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth,  Advocate and Director, CABE Foundation spoke on legal and institutional aspects of accessibility in the justice system particularly in light of the Delhi High Court judgement in Rakesh Kumar Kalra Deaf Divyang Vs. State of NCT Delhi dated 24 Aug 2023. He referred to the statutory obligations and pointed to implementation areas that require attention within the existing framework. As a part of sensitizing stakeholders towards the needs of persons with disabilities, he focused on raising the awareness of participants on the relevant provisions of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 and Rules made thereunder and in general covering the following:

• Disability – Meaning, Scope and Kinds 
• Visible and Hidden Disabilities
• Ensuring Non-Discrimination and Dignity 
• Ableism, Using the appropriate language
• Persons with disabilities as lawyers, judges, plaintiff/respondent, complainant/ accused, witness, court staff, vendors, interns...
• Inclusive Court Infrastructure
• Ensuring Accessibility in built environment and related standards;
• Accessibility in digital environments and related standards;
• Other Rights and Remedies
• Challenges & Solutions

Fig. 2. Saurabh Goyal, DJS, speaking

Shri Saurabh Goyal, DJS from Dwarka District Court led the technical session on Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Hon’ble eCommittee of the Supreme Court of India for preparing accessible documents.  He demonstrated how accessible documents can be created using standard tools and explained key techniques such as the use of headings, alt text, and readable formats etc. The SOP sets out methods for formatting and structuring digital documents so they can be accessed through assistive technologies such as screen readers. It also outlines practices to ensure that court communications remain usable by persons with visual or cognitive disabilities.

Fig. 3. Training Participants at the session

The session also included an overview of measures being implemented under the eCourts Project of the Supreme Court of India to improve accessibility in court systems. These measures involve the development of digital infrastructure with integrated accessibility features and the adaptation of existing platforms to meet inclusive standards.

The Delhi Judicial Academy will continue this training programme at other district court complexes in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more..

CABE leads 3-day Basic Accessibility Auditor Certificate Course on Accessibility Audits of Buildings during 17-19 March 2025 at NCA

New Delhi, 19 March 2025

"Building Capacity for Accessibility: Basic Accessibility Auditor Certification Course for CPWD Officers conducted under the aegis of CABE at NCA."

Fig. Trainees pose for a photo at the NCA Building entrance

As part of Accessible India Campaign, the National CPWD Academy (NCA) was designated as the nodal agency to conduct capacity development training on access audits of built environment. Back in the year 2016, NCA had conducted several three day (classroom based) training courses leading to a Basic Access Auditor Certificate for the CPWD Officials. Two such batches conducted under the aegis of CABE Foundation during 07-09 April 2016 and 11-13 April 2016 were briefly reported on this blog by us. Each of these batches trained and certified 29 and 47 CPWD officials (architects and engineers) who were drawn from different locations in India to ensure that these trained officials conducted accessibility audits and remedied the built environment under their jurisdiction. 

Fig. Participation in simulation exercises 

However, over time, many of these trained officials either retired or assumed new roles upon promotion, resulting in a shrinking pool of certified basic access auditors. Given the pressing need to uphold Section 44 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPWD Act), a fresh cadre of trained accessibility auditors was essential.

In response to this need, a 3-day Basic Accessibility Auditor Certification Course was organized from 17th to 19th March 2025 at NCA, under the aegis of CABE Foundation, for the serving CPWD officers.

Fig. Participants carrying out a sample audit 

The course was led by Advocate Subhash Chandra Vashishth, Director, CABE Foundation, who served as the Master Trainer and Expert Faculty for the program.

The training covered a comprehensive curriculum, including:

Fig. Trainees taking a written assessment

• Orientation to the legal and policy framework on accessibility in India
• Understanding the appropriate use of disability terminology and etiquette
• Familiarization with mandatory Indian Accessibility Standards
• Insights into simulation-based and user-derived space standards
• Hands-on sample access audits of built infrastructure
• Practical exposure to identifying barriers and proposing solutions
• A formal written examination to assess understanding and readiness

Through interactive sessions, practical assignments, and technical reporting exercises, the officers gained both theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for conducting professional access audits.  

Fig. Post Certification, participants posing for a photo with faculty

A total of 13 officers qualified and received their Basic Accessibility Auditor Certification. These auditors have been equipped to conduct accessibility audits of public buildings—both Central and State—and drive much-needed accessibility improvements in line with the legal mandate.

Stay tuned!