NCPEDP MPHASIS Universal Design Awards 2014 are Instituted by NATIONAL CENTRE FOR PROMOTION OF EMPLOYMENT FOR DISABLED PEOPLE NCPEDP (External Website) in association with Accessibility.co.in (External Website) and Barrier Break Technologies (External Website). The NCPEDP MPHASIS Universal Design Awards 2014 are supported by Mphasis Limited (External Website).
Since 2010 NCPEDP – Mphasis Universal Design Awards are given to those who have been doing exemplary work kin the space of accessibility. The awards cover accessibility in Built Environment, Transport, Information and Communication Technology, Services and Aids and Appliances.
The awards are given in 3 categories.
CATEGORY 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.
The work that the person has done can be in policy framework, grass-root level implementation, design and development, access audits, or even the rights movement/advocacy.
Every year, Awards in this category are given out to 3 people across the country.
CATEGORY B: WORKING PROFESSIONALS
Awards in this category are given to people who work for the cause of 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.
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 organization/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 disabled people.
Awards in this category are given out to ensure that many dedicated people who have involved themselves in the cause get due recognition. This will not only help in sensitizing the community, but will also encourage young minds to join the cause as a career option.
Every year, Awards in this category are given out to 3 people across the country.
CATEGORY C: COMPANIES/ORGANISATIONS
Awards in this category are given to those companies or organizations who have taken up the cause of 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.
Companies/organizations that have implemented either/all of these within their organizations, 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 companies/organizations can be a role model for the rest of the society, and recognising their efforts and giving them the encouragement will help the cause to reach out to many more.
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. The selection criteria will not only be for adopting accessibility policies, but also for implementing them at the workplace.
Every year, Awards in this category are given out to 4 companies/organizations across the country.
Should you need more information or to download the nomination form have a look at NCPEDP MPHASIS Universal Design Awards 2014 (External website).