New Delhi, 18 March 2026
Building Capacity for Accessible and Inclusive Built Environments
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| A group photo of the participants with Faculty |
The programme was designed to build practical capacity among architects to understand, assess and address accessibility barriers in buildings and the built environment. At the conclusion of the programme, 50 professionals successfully qualified the rigours of training and were certified as Basic Accessibility Auditors.
The programme builds upon CABE's continuing engagement in capacity building and professional training in accessibility and universal design. CABE had earlier conducted similar Basic Accessibility Auditor programmes at NCA, including programmes that created trained cadres of basic accessibility auditors within the Central Public Works Department.
From Standards to Practical Accessibility Auditing
The training adopted a combination of classroom instruction, practical exercises, simulations, sample accessibility audits, problem-solving exercises and formal assessment.
Rather than limiting the programme to an understanding of accessibility standards, the participants were encouraged to examine how accessibility requirements translate into actual buildings and spaces and how barriers can be identified and addressed through practical solutions.
The training covered key areas including:
- Legal and policy framework governing accessibility and the rights of persons with disabilities;
- Principles of Universal Design and accessibility;
- Understanding disability, appropriate terminology and disability etiquette;
- Indian accessibility standards and their application to buildings and the built environment;
- Accessible approach and entrance routes, circulation and movement spaces;
- Ramps, stairs, lifts and other vertical circulation elements;
- Accessible toilets and other essential facilities;
- Parking, signage, wayfinding and other accessibility features;
- Identification of physical barriers and accessibility gaps;
- Practical methods for conducting an accessibility audit;
- Developing appropriate and technically feasible solutions to identified barriers; and
- Documentation and reporting of accessibility observations.
Learning Through Practical Audits and Simulations
A key feature of the programme was its hands-on approach.
Participants undertook practical exercises and sample audits to apply the principles discussed during the classroom sessions. Through these exercises, they were required to observe existing conditions, identify accessibility barriers, assess their impact on persons with different disabilities and work towards appropriate solutions.
Simulation exercises further helped participants appreciate accessibility from the perspective of persons with disabilities and understand how seemingly minor design features or physical obstructions can significantly affect independent and safe use of a building.
The programme also incorporated problem-solving exercises and participant presentations, providing an opportunity for the trainees to analyse accessibility issues, develop solutions and communicate their findings.
Assessment and Certification
The training concluded with a formal written examination and assessment of the participants' understanding of accessibility principles, standards and audit practices.
Following successful completion of the programme, 45 Deputy Architects were awarded Basic Accessibility Auditor Certificates.
The certification represents an important step in developing professional capacity within the public works and architectural system and enabling trained professionals to contribute to the identification and removal of accessibility barriers in the built environment.
Strengthening the Accessibility Ecosystem
Accessibility of the built environment is fundamental to ensuring that persons with disabilities can participate equally in education, employment, healthcare, public services and community life.
While accessibility standards and statutory requirements provide the necessary framework, their effective implementation depends significantly upon professionals who can translate those requirements into practical design, construction, inspection and remedial measures.
Training architects and other built-environment professionals as accessibility auditors therefore plays an important role in strengthening implementation and mainstreaming accessibility into the planning and development of buildings in line with Hon'ble Prime Minister's push to Accessible India Campaign.
The successful certification of 5o professionals through this programme adds another group of trained professionals to India's growing accessibility ecosystem.
CABE's Continuing Commitment to Capacity Building
CABE Foundation remains committed to strengthening professional knowledge and institutional capacity in the areas of accessibility, universal design and disability inclusion.
Through training programmes, accessibility audits, technical advisory work, research and standards development, CABE continues to support the creation of built environments that are accessible, inclusive, safe and usable by all.
Glimpses from the Training Programme
Theory and Classroom Sessions
Participants engaged in interactive classroom sessions covering accessibility principles, legal requirements, standards and practical applications.
Practical Accessibility Audits
The trainees conducted sample audits and examined buildings and facilities from an accessibility perspective.
Simulation Exercises
Simulation-based activities helped participants understand barriers experienced by persons with different disabilities.
Problem Solving and Presentations
Participants worked through accessibility challenges, proposed solutions and presented their observations and recommendations.
Written Examination
A formal written assessment was conducted to evaluate the participants' understanding of the course content.
Group Photograph
The programme concluded with the certification of the successful participants and a group photograph with the faculty and programme team.
