Mission Inclusive Mumbai

Making Mumbai Inclusive for the differently abled - Physically and Intellectually

MAKING MUMBAI INCLUSIVE

ZARA SOCHIYE BOSS

If Mumbai is a city for all, why are we so disproportionate in our love for the differently abled.
Project Mumbai aims to Make Mumbai an INCLUSIVE city.
A city Friendlier for the differently abled–Physically as well as the Neuro Diverse.
Many of us may not even understand this space and, naturally, would not know what and how they can help champion this cause.

Our Advisory

The President of Forum for Autism, a parent support group, Ms. Parul Kumtha is also a counsellor at Ummeed Child Development Centre and Adult Support Kendra.
She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture (with Honours) from the University of Mumbai. She has diversified her qualifications by studying Conservation of Biodiversity at the Bombay Natural History Society and Built Heritage Conservation Studies with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region-Heritage Conservation Society.
If there is anyone in Mumbai who is a stalwart in the advocacy for special needs, it is Parul. She comes with strong experience in advocacy, parent and family support and school outreach.

Vineet Saraiwala is the Founder & CEO of Atypical Advantage, India’s largest Inclusive Platform to generate economic livelihood for Persons with disabilities.
He did his Post Graduation (PGP) from IIM Bangalore (IIMB) & prior was responsible for making shopping accessible for millions of Persons with disability in India with the Future Group.
He travels alone on the Generosity of Strangers, Treks, Cycles & Runs in high places of Ladakh. He is a lifelong volunteer & believes that a generation of compassion is the only way to make the world a better place.

Amar Jain is a corporate lawyer who has worked in various areas as part of his professional engagement. These areas include Contract Management, which involves compliance, identification of risks and issues, deliverables and obligations, review of statement of works, master services agreements, among others. He has also worked in Indian and international capital markets, which encompass Initial Public Offers, Qualified Institutions Placements, Rights Issues, Bulk and Block deals, Corporate Advisory, and global depository receipts.
Additionally, he has experience in Banking & Finance, which includes External Commercial Borrowings, Foreign Currency Denominated Bonds, rupee and foreign currency term loans, and letter of credits. Amar has worked with law firms Trilegal and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, respectively, and Accenture India.

In addition to his legal expertise, Amar is a Certified Professional in Web Accessibility. This certification, obtained from the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, is held by only around 219 people worldwide as of November 2019. It enables Amar to provide consultancy and training on making websites and apps accessible for everyone, including persons with disabilities.

Amar himself has blindness as defined under the Rights of Persons With Disabilities Act, 2016. Despite this, he has received several awards for his work. These include the NCPEDP Mphasis Javed Abidi Public Policy Award by the National Centre For Promotion of Employment of People With Disabilities and Mphasis Limited, for his work in the area of public policy. He also received the Sarojini Trilok Nath national award for best role model from the National Association for the Blind in Delhi.

For Inclusive Physical / Digital infrastructure

Here is what we can do:

  • Ensure compliance with laws and regulations related to accessibility for people with disabilities, such as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
  • Incorporate accessibility features in the design and construction of new buildings and infrastructure projects.
  • Provide accessibility accommodations and assistive technology in the workplace for employees with disabilities.
  • Offer sensitivity training and education for employees on disability inclusion and accessibility.
  • Make sure that company events and meetings are accessible to employees and customers with disabilities.
  • Ensure that company websites and online platforms are accessible to people with disabilities.
  • Offer flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or part-time work, for employees with disabilities.
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures to support employees with disabilities, such as accommodations for medical needs.
  • Establish a disability employee resource group or affinity group to support the inclusion and advancement of employees with disabilities.
  • Partner with organizations and initiatives that promote the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities.
  • Provide accessible transportation options for employees with disabilities, such as reserved parking spaces or transportation vouchers.
  • Offer sign language interpreters or other accommodations for employees with hearing or speech impairments.
  • Ensure that all company communications, including print and electronic materials, are accessible to people with disabilities.
  • Provide accessibility accommodations for customers with disabilities, such as wheelchair accessible entrances and restrooms.
  • Make sure that company's products and services are accessible to people with disabilities.
  • Speak out against discrimination and mistreatment of people with disabilities.
  • Provide support for employees with disabilities in their roles and in career advancement opportunities.
  • Help to maintain and improve accessible transportation options, such as reporting broken elevators or ramps.
  • Be an advocate for disability inclusion and accessibility within the company and in the community.
  • Constantly review and improve accessibility measures and make sure that it is inclusive for all.
  • Develop and implement laws and regulations related to accessibility for people with disabilities, such as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
  • Ensure compliance with laws and regulations related to accessibility for people with disabilities, such as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
  • Incorporate accessibility features in the design and construction of new buildings and infrastructure projects, like sidewalks, public transportation, and government buildings.
  • Provide accessibility accommodations and assistive technology in government buildings and offices.
  • Offer sensitivity training and education for government employees on disability inclusion and accessibility.
  • Ensure that government websites and online platforms are accessible to people with disabilities.
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures to support citizens with disabilities, such as accessibility accommodations in public transportation.
  • Establish a disability employee resource group or affinity group to support the inclusion and advancement of employees with disabilities.
  • Partner with organizations and initiatives that promote the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities.
  • Provide accessible transportation options for citizens with disabilities, such as reserved parking spaces or transportation vouchers.
  • Offer sign language interpreters or other accommodations for citizens with hearing or speech impairments.
  • Ensure that all government communications, including print and electronic materials, are accessible to people with disabilities.
  • Provide accessibility accommodations for citizens with disabilities in public services, such as wheelchair accessible entrances and restrooms in government buildings.
  • Make sure that government services and programs are accessible to people with disabilities.
  • Speak out against discrimination and mistreatment of people with disabilities.
  • Provide support for citizens with disabilities in accessing government services and programs.
  • Help to maintain and improve accessible transportation options, such as reporting broken elevators or ramps.
  • Be an advocate for disability inclusion and accessibility within the government and in the community.
  • Constantly review and improve accessibility measures and make sure that it is inclusive for all.
  • Encourage private sectors to make city disabled-friendly by providing incentives and recognition for their efforts.
  • Provide ramps and elevators for easy access to all buildings and common areas.
  • Install Braille labels and audible signals in elevators and common areas for visually impaired individuals.
  • Allocate designated parking spaces for individuals with disabilities.
  • Ensure that all common areas and amenities, such as swimming pools and gyms, are wheelchair accessible.
  • Provide accessible toilets and changing rooms for individuals with disabilities.
  • Train staff on how to assist and communicate with individuals with disabilities.
  • Ensure that emergency evacuation plans are inclusive and take into account the needs of individuals with disabilities.
  • Provide accessible information, such as brochures and website content, in alternative formats like Braille and audio.
  • Provide accessible communication systems, such as text telephones (TTYs) for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
  • Ensure that all new constructions are compliant with accessibility guidelines.
  • Provide service animals relief areas
  • Provide visual fire alarms
  • Provide visual doorbells and door knockers
  • Provide visual smoke detectors
  • Provide audio announcements in common areas and elevators
  • Provide telecommunication devices for deaf people
  • Provide sign language interpretation service
  • Provide accessible transport service for the handicapped
  • Provide accessible information kiosks
  • Regularly audit and review the accessibility of the society and make necessary improvements.
  • Educate oneself about accessibility issues and the rights of individuals with disabilities.
  • Support and advocate for accessibility improvements in one's community.
  • Be aware of and respectful of the needs of individuals with disabilities when using public spaces and facilities.
  • Offer assistance to individuals with disabilities in public spaces, when appropriate and with their consent.
  • Report any accessibility barriers or issues to the appropriate authorities.
  • Be patient and understanding when interacting with individuals with disabilities, as some may need more time or assistance.
  • Be willing to make small accommodations, such as holding the door open, to make the community more accessible.
  • Support and patronize businesses that are accessible and inclusive of individuals with disabilities.
  • Be sensitive and avoid using derogatory language when referring to individuals with disabilities.
  • Be willing to learn and use alternative forms of communication, such as sign language, when interacting with individuals with disabilities
  • Respect the service animals and guide dogs and avoid disturbing them.
  • Support and participate in accessible events and activities
  • Be aware of and follow accessibility laws and guidelines
  • Support and volunteer for accessibility-related initiatives and organizations
  • Be an ally and advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities
  • Help to create a more inclusive and accessible society by challenging ableism and discrimination.
  • Avoid parking in designated spots for individuals with disabilities, unless you have a permit
  • Support and encourage accessibility in the workplace
  • Be mindful and respectful of the unique needs of different types of disabilities
  • Be open to learning and growing, and to making changes in one's own behavior and attitudes to make the community more inclusive and accessible.
  • Provide funding for the construction and maintenance of accessible sports facilities and equipment.
  • Develop and implement accessibility guidelines for sports facilities and equipment.
  • Provide training and resources for coaches and sports organizations on how to accommodate and include individuals with disabilities in sports programs.
  • Increase funding for adaptive sports programs and organizations.
  • Provide financial assistance for individuals with disabilities to participate in sports programs and competitions.
  • Ensure that all government-funded sports events are inclusive and accessible to individuals with disabilities.
  • Develop and implement laws and policies to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities in sports.
  • Promote and support the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in all levels of sports, including recreational, amateur, and professional.
  • Provide and support the provision of accessible transportation to sports events and competitions for individuals with disabilities
  • Provide sign language interpretation services and captioning during sports events
  • Provide and support the provision of accessible accommodation near sports venues
  • Provide and support the provision of accessible information and communication during sports events
  • Encourage and support the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in sports-related decision-making and leadership positions
  • Provide and support the provision of accessible changing rooms and toilet facilities
  • Provide and support the provision of accessible parking
  • Provide and support the provision of accessible seating
  • Provide and support the provision of accessible first aid and emergency services
  • Provide and support the provision of accessible technology and equipment, such as audio-described commentary
  • Provide and support the provision of accessible training and education for sports officials and referees
  • Regularly review and improve the accessibility of sports facilities, programs, and events for individuals with disabilities.

For Neuro Diverse Inclusivity

Here is what we can do:

  • Incorporate accessibility features in the design and construction of new and existing buildings and infrastructure projects.
  • Keep in mind sensory sensitivities such as replacing flashing tube lights with LEDs, using desk partitioners, etc when employing neurodiverse employees.
  • Review job descriptions, recruitment and Interview processes to ensure equal opportunities to all
  • Offer sensitivity training and education for all employees on disability inclusion and accessibility.
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures to support employees with disabilities, such as accommodations for medical needs, as well as access to mental health professionals to address mental health needs of all employees, particularly those with disabilities.
  • Establish a disability employee resource group or affinity group to support the inclusion and advancement of employees with disabilities. You can also establish one for parents and caregivers of persons with disabilities.
  • Partner with organisations who can provide a job coach to ensure smooth transition and functioning of employees with disabilities within the organisation

Offer sign language interpreters or other accommodations for employees with hearing, visual or speech impairments

  • Offer REGULAR sensitivity training and education for government employees on disability inclusion and accessibility.
  • Offer sign language interpreters or other accommodations for citizens with hearing, visual or speech impairments.
  • Provide support for citizens with disabilities in accessing government services and programs.
  • Ensure smooth, quick procurement of disability certificate for caregivers and persons with disabilities (currently, this is a nightmare involving multiple visits to government hospitals for parents with the child)
  • Ensure awareness and visibility of collaterals on various disabilities in public places like public transport, parks, etc. in order to reduce stigma
  • Ensure government visibility and support of disabilities on various days associated with the disability such as World Autism Awareness Day (2nd April), World Down Syndrome Day (21st March), etc, to ensure reduction of stigma and more awareness.
  • Allot areas for inclusive play grounds with accessible leisure options for persons with disabilities
  • Encourage sensitization, additional support and skill training for teachers in municipal schools to ensure inclusion in classrooms
  • Create a ‘Know your Neighbour’ programme where families with disabled members can inform their neighbours about them, in a safe, non-judgemental space
  • Ensure involvement of persons with disabilities in community activities such as flag hoisting, etc.
  • Offer assistance to individuals with disabilities or caregivers/parents of children with disabilities if you see them facing difficulties negotiating public spaces, such as parks, malls, etc. when appropriate and with their consent.
  • Stand up for persons with disabilities/caregivers/parents if you see them being discriminated against or bullied.