NCPEDP-Mphasis Universal Design Awards-2011 to facilitate Accessibility for the Disabled

The National Centre for Promotion of Empowerment of Disabled People (NCPEDP) in association with AccessAbility and BarrierBreak Technologies announced the winners of the NCPEDP-Mphasis Universal Design Awards-2011 in July 2011.

The awards honour organisations and individuals for their exemplary work in promoting the cause of accessibility for the disabled. The awards are given out in three categories -- persons with disabilities, working professionals, and companies and organisations on the eve of Independence Day (15 August).

NCPEDP, in association with AccessAbility and BarrierBreak Technologies, and with the support of MphasiS, instituted The NCPEDP - Mphasis Universal Design Awards in 2010. The awards were instituted to spread awareness on Universal Design. These Awards are given away annually to those who have been doing exemplary work towards the cause of accessibility and thus ensuring a life of equality and dignity for disabled people. The Awards will cover accessibility in the following fields: Built Environment, Transport, Information and Communication Technology, Services and Aids and Appliances.

Conservative estimates put the population of persons with disability in India at 70 million. only a minuscule percentage of the population manage to enter the mainstream of any aspect of life in the country.