Inviting Nominations for the 10th NCPEDP- Mphasis Universal Design Awards 2019

The NCPEDP - Mphasis Universal Design Awards was initiated with a view to recognize exceptional work done by those who are instrumental in promoting accessibility for people with disabilities in India; thus ensuring a life of equality and dignity for them. Accessibility here not only means access to physical spaces but also to information, technology, transport, aids, appliances, advocacy and other services.

Incepted in 2010, this year marks the 10th year of the Universal Design Awards

"Disability rights are fundamental and accessibility is a core issue for releasing disabled people's right and inclusion. All stakeholders must understand that accessibility is not a social welfare issue but an economic investment to which one cannot turn a blind eye. Universal Design Awards is one of such efforts to promote inclusion of people with disabilities by Mphasis and NCPEDP," says Arman Ali, Executive Director of NCPEDP.

"Universal Design Awards recognize and honor those who have done exceptional work to promote accessibility. Mphasis has been a strong advocate and supporter of some of the most pioneering work in the space of accessibility and has been a trail blazer in setting industry benchmarks for creating an inclusive and non-discriminatory environment for people with disabilities. With our long-standing association with NCPEDP and through these awards we aim to recognize and celebrate those who help change attitudes and perceptions of persons with disabilities. Mphasis is proud to partner with NCPEDP on this journey," said Meenu Bhambhani, Vice President and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Mphasis.

While the population of persons with disability in India is estimated to be in the 70-100 million range, a diminutive per cent of people with disability are witnessed in any mainstream strata of the society, be it the workforce, education or other places, the main reason being the lack of access.

While the understanding of 'Universal Design' is well established in most developed nations, this concept is yet to attain popularity in developing countries like India. The concept of Universal Design -intrinsic to any kind of access has been promoted in India through NCPEDP's association with Mphasis and refers to a design that is usable to the greatest extent possible by all, irrespective of age, ability, or situation.

These Awards are granted on the 14th August - the eve of India's Independence.

Nominations are invited in the following categories:

A: Persons with disabilities - Awards in this category are given to people with disabilities who have created an impact in Accessibility and Universal Design in any of the areas such as built environment, transport infrastructure, service provision, information and communication technology (ICT), universally designed consumer products, mobility & independent living aids, or assistive technology in their personal/professional capacity. Every year, 3 people across the country are recognised for the same.

B: Working Professionals - She/he may be an employee of an education institute/NGO/corporate/ government body that has taken up the cause, or may be a consultant or freelancer who has devoted her/his time for the cause. Her/his individual contribution to the cause is a major reason for the success achieved by the organisation/firm/movement. She/he may also be an individual who is involved in the cause independent of any organizational support and has achieved significant success in the core objective of gaining accessibility for person with disability. Every year, Awards in this category are given out to 3 people across the country.

C: Companies/Organisations -Awards in this category are given to those companies or organisations who have taken up the cause of Accessibility and Universal Design which has led to them recruiting or serving people with disabilities and providing them equal opportunities to participate to the best of their abilities. These can be any type of an education institute/NGO/corporate/government body - private sector, public sector, joint sector, SME or even proprietorship/partnership firms. Every year, Awards in this category are given out to 4 companies/organisations across the country.

D: The NCPEDP – Mphasis Javed Abidi Public Policy Awards for Universal Design is a new category instituted in 2018 in memory of the Late Mr. Javed Abidi, to recognize advocacy efforts to promote accessibility. This could be in the area of physical infrastructure, transport, ICT, products and services and will be awarded to one organisation and one individual doing exemplary work to create a level playing field for people with disabilities to access the same opportunities and rights as all other citizens of India.

Nomination forms can be obtained fromhttps://ncpedp.org/The_NCPEDP-Mphasis_Universal_Design_Awards#nomination

Last date of submission – 22nd June 2019