Nominations Open: NCPEDP-Mphasis Universal Design Awards 2021

Nominations for the 12th edition of NCPEDP-Mphasis Universal Design Awards 2021 are LIVE now. Working as an interface between government and different organisations for the past 25 years NCPEDP has been working to empower people with disabilities. National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) presents the awards to recognize the champions of Accessibility and Universal Design, to people with disabilities (PwDs) and their contributions towards the cause. Launched in 2010 in collaboration with Mphasis, these awards are presented every year since then. The awards are not limited to the individuals but are given to the organizations that are making every effort to empower people with disabilities by building accessibility solutions, or universal design in various areas. “Accessibility means that a person with a disability receives the same information, engages in the same interactions, and enjoys the same services in an equally effective and integrated manner as an individual without a disability does. But the current pandemic and the inaccessible nature of our systems, particularly access to information, healthcare, and jobs have brought to the fore the importance of accessibility. As a progressive nation, we must design everything with universal design principles in mind, or the world will fail people with disabilities once more. For years, these awards have been bringing forth some pathbreaking work into the public eye, and this time we are looking for more innovative work from across India, particularly from the grassroots.” remarks Arman Ali, Executive Director, NCPEDP. The Awards cover accessibility in the Built Environment, Trasport, ICT, Services, Aids and Appliances, Advocacy and Public Policy. “The fallout of Covid-19 has impacted persons with disabilities disproportionately, with PwDs being one of the most impacted by pandemic restrictions. We must work collectively towards supporting research in the field and boosting design acceptance and adoption, and a key aspect to factor in inputs from those with disabilities themselves. The availability of accessible, cost-effective software, devices, etc. will go a long way in supporting PwDs to lead better lives. And through these awards, we hope to raise awareness for this important cause and promote the need for universal design,” said Srikanth Karra, CHRO, Mphasis. This year the nominations are invited in the following four categories-

1. Persons with Disabilities – Awards in this category are given to People with Disabilities who have marked an impact on Accessibility and Universal Design. Every year, three people across the country are recognized for the same.
2. Working Professionals – They may be the employee of an Educational Institute / NGO / Corporate Organization/Government Body that has taken up the cause or a consultant or freelancer who has devoted their time for furthering the cause. Every year, awards in this category are given out to 3 people across the country.
3. Companies / Organizations – Awards in this category are given to the companies or organizations, who have taken up the cause of accessibility and Universal Design in any of the areas mentioned above. Every year, four companies/organizations across the country receive this award.
4. The NCPEDP-Mphasis Javed Abidi Public Policy Award- It is a category instituted in 2018 in memory of the late Mr Javed Abidi, to recognize advocacy efforts to promote accessibility and the principle of Universal Design. Two awards are given under this category to individuals/organizations in the field of physical infrastructure, transport, ICT, products, and services doing exemplary work to create a level playing field for PwD to access the same opportunities and rights as all other citizens of India.

The last date for submitting nominations is August 7, 2021. The nomination forms can be downloaded from the official website of NCPEDP, www.ncpedp.org. The awards will be presented on September 28, 2021.