Govt inks MoU with NGO to create accessible space for disabled people

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities has inked an MoU with a Gujarat-based NGO to advance training programs on accessibility in an effort to create more inclusive spaces for those suffering from disabilities. The MoU between the department and the NGO EnableMe Access Association (EMA) was signed on July 9. A copy of the MoU, shared with PTI, outlines two initial training programs: "Advanced Training in Accessibility" for empanelled accessibility auditors and Central Public Works Department engineers. These programs aim to educate participants on Indian accessibility standards, universal design perspectives, and the National Building Code and Harmonized Guidelines and Space Standards (HGSS). Training will be conducted in offline, online, and hybrid formats, featuring instructors with disabilities to offer firsthand insights and foster empathy. To support these training initiatives, DEPwD and EMA will develop and maintain software tools for accessibility ...