4.4.2. Objective

To create an accessible environment in public spaces for PwDs.

The main goal of the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) is to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities (PwDs) in public spaces. This means ensuring that buildings, transportation, and information are easily reachable and usable for everyone, including people with various disabilities. Creating an accessible environment allows PwDs to participate fully in society, enhancing their quality of life and independence.

Imagine a friend with a mobility challenge wanting to visit a government office. If the office has steps but no ramps, they would find it hard to enter, possibly needing help every time. However, if the office is made accessible with ramps and designated parking, your friend can enter independently, just like anyone else, allowing them to attend to their business without obstacles.

Targets: • Built Environment Accessibility: 50% of government buildings in state capitals to be made accessible. • Transport Accessibility: 25% of public transport vehicles to be made disabled-friendly. • ICT Accessibility: Government websites and documents to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).

The Accessibility Campaign sets three main targets to reach by improving accessibility. Firstly, it aims to make 50% of government buildings in state capitals accessible. This means installing ramps, lifts, and accessible restrooms. Secondly, it targets public transport by ensuring that 25% of vehicles are designed to accommodate disabled passengers. Lastly, it focuses on information and communication technology (ICT) by ensuring government websites follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, making them user-friendly for everyone.

Think of a large bus station. If only some buses have ramps or designated seating for wheelchairs, it makes travel difficult for those who need assistance. By committing to make 25% more buses compliant, more people can travel alone and without inconveniences. Similarly, when government sites are designed with everyone in mind, individuals can easily access information, like applying for services or checking schedules, just like anyone else without disabilities.

Significance for Civil Engineers: • Need to conduct accessibility audits. • Implement retrofitting solutions. • Apply universal design principles.

Civil engineers play a crucial role in achieving the objectives of the Accessible India Campaign. They need to carry out accessibility audits, which assess buildings and public spaces for compliance with accessibility standards. If these structures are found lacking, engineers must work on retrofitting solutions to upgrade them. Finally, they should apply universal design principles, which create environments usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities.

Imagine a school that wants to be welcoming to all students, including those who use wheelchairs. Engineers would first evaluate the existing features, like entrances and restrooms. If they find ramps are needed but missing, they would create new plans to build these ramps. By using universal design principles, they won't design just for wheelchair users, but also consider those who might need support walking or sighted aids, making the school an inclusive space for everyone.

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