New Delhi: The stage of the recently held 13th NCPEDP-Mphasis Universal Design Awards was visibly empowered when 14 exemplary awardees from eight states were on a common platform as an embodiment of their strive to make an inclusive world through their innovative designs which are accessible to all irrespective of their age, ability or situation!

Vidhya Y from Bangalore, who is making STEM education accessible for blind students through her entrepreneurial ventures – Vision Empower and Vembi Technologies. Lalit Kumar from Delhi has developed the first free Braille translator for Indian languages. This software is available on his website WeCapable.com which is also among the world’s most prominent disability information websites.

Soundarya K Pradhan from Odisha, a genius blind chess champion, has developed a website that supports the popular chess applications and reads the screen for visually impaired chess players. Teresa Anthony from Chennai is the Lead Inclusive Designer at Chetana Trust. Her work is focused on creating accessible children’s literature. She has created over 400 Accessible story books which include some internationally awarded inclusive story books.

Robin Tommy from Kerala has been working passionately with over 5000 neurodivergent citizens. For over 10 years he has been researching and creating technology for redefining rehabilitation, therapy, communication, and skill development, thereby advocating their inclusion at the workspace.

Nilesh Panchal from Ahmedabad works as a special teacher and coordinator at Navjeevan Training Centre, a special school which is relentlessly working for mainstreaming physically and mentally disabled children.

Joe John George from Kerala, a developmental professional, has been working in the field of disaster risk reduction management. He has championed the concept of Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR). Currently George is working with UNICEF as a DRR consultant in Kerala. Diana Joseph is also from Kerala. Her efforts in making education inclusive under the Fourth Wave Foundation project – Nanagu Shaale is appreciable.

Kerala School of Blind, Kerala, has been recognized for its contribution towards empowerment of visually impaired students, while Accenture Solutions Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru, for their remarkable work over two decades in ensuring disability inclusion. NeoMotion Assistive Solutions, Tamil Nadu, has been awarded for its incredible product Neofly and NeoBolt which have helped in easy and independent movement of wheelchair bound people.

The Department of Social Welfare, Chandigarh, has been recognized for their efforts in making disabled people empowered by inclusion and accessibility. One ‘Jury Special Award’ was given to Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Delhi. The 13th NCPEDP-Mphasis Javed Abidi Public Policy Award was given to pioneer activist of autism in India Merry Barua from Delhi.

The award ceremony held on September 28 was graced by Leenika Khattar, Director NASSCOM, Mamta Kohli, Senior Social Development officer, FCDO, Deepa Menon, Senior VP, PVR, and Pradeep Gupta, Trustee NCPEDP along with other dignitaries. An insightful panel discussion on ‘Reimagining Accessibility - Our Roles and Vision for Future’ set the tone for the need of an inclusive digital and tech platforms to strive for an equal opportunity for all.

The Jury members who guided to finalise the awardees were Shilpi Kapoor, CEO, Barrier Break, Pradeep Gupta, Chairman, Cyber Media Group, Subodh Sachan, Director STPI, Headquarters, and Chief Innovation Officer STPINEXT, Dr Sapna Poti, Director, Strategic Alliances in the Principal Scientific Advisor’s Office, GoI, Prof Mukta Kulkarni, IIM- Bangalore, and Deepa Nagraj, Global Head of Communications and Sparkle Innovation Ecosystems at Mphasis.

The Universal Design Awards is an attempt to recognize the individuals and organisations that have been doing outstanding work towards the cause of accessibility and thus ensuring a life of equality and dignity for people with disabilities. It is given in three categories. Under ‘Category A,’ a person with disability, who has created an innovative universal design which is accessible to all, is honoured. 

Under Category B, the awards are given to working professionals who have supported the cause of accessibility and inclusivity. Under ‘Category C’ the awards are given to organisations and companies that have created a niche in establishing an inclusive ecosystem for the disabled people within their organisation. /BI/