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!