Non–Government Activities

Mumbai: Disability Research & Design Foundation (DRDF)

DRDF has been started by two individuals with diverse backgrounds who have contributed towards making an inclusive society in Mumbai. DRDF seeks to exercise influence well beyond the economics, helping to shape political, social, environmental and cultural arenas. DRDF's endeavor is to bridge the technological divide and to liaison with various government, non–government and private and corporate organizations and create the resources for market feasibility by providing cost–effective assistive technologies, adhering to universal design standards, legislative/policy changes through lobbying and advocacy, new skills and competency to users and manufacturers taking into consideration the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Design and technology are increasingly becoming the means wherein a person with disability can achieve independence and lead a life of self sufficiency. However a large percentage of people with disabilities in developing countries like India do not have access to these fundamental resources. Barrier free environments are the first step towards inclusion in Indian cities where individuals with disabilities remain excluded from the public realm. Accessibility is thus a vital tool towards promoting education, employment and social amalgamation of the individual.

As a growing liberalized world we need to endorse an attitudinal change which is deemed vital in the formation of an all inclusive society. In a society where disability is considered as a curse by religion and tradition, it is a challenge to institute such a change.

Services

  1. Planning and execution of Barrier Free Environments/Accessible and Universal Design
  2. Design of Assistive devices for individuals with disability
  3. Access audits and consultancy/recommendations of public and private realms
  4. Advocacy and rights awareness on issues pertaining to disability and access

Experience - Access Audits

  1. Domestic Airport, Victoria Terminus, Mahalaxmi, Kharghar, Kopar Khairane, Turbhe Rlwy Stns, Mumbai
  2. In Orbit Shopping Mall, Imax Adlabs, Fame Adlabs , Fun Republic, Mumbai
  3. Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai
  4. Taj Malabar, Cochin
  5. Welingkar School of Management

Assistive Devices

  1. Electrically operated wheelchair lift for Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai
  2. Hydraulically operated wheelchair lift for the High Court, Mumbai

Barrier Free Design

  1. Design of barrier free weekend Bungalow, Neral
  2. Design of ramp for High Court, Mumbai
  3. Design of accessible toilets for Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai
  4. Residential interiors for a person with Poliomyelitis
  5. Design for Weligkar Institute of Management, Mumbai
  6. Development of driving and passenger aids for people with disabilities

Advocacy

  1. Presentation on Barrier free design for Indian Institute of Architects, Pune Chapter
  2. Presentation on Barrier free design for Indian Institute of Architects, Cochin Chapter
  3. 'Katha– Stories from the Desert' Film on post earthquake rehabilitation in Kutchh, Gujarat
  4. Presentation on Access and disability rights for India Centre for Human Rights and Law, Kerala
  5. Presentation and film premiere at the Universal Design Conference, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  6. Presentation on Barrier free design at the People Building Better Cities, UIA, 2005, Istanbul, Turkey
  7. Presentation on Barrier Free Design for Sukriti Social Foundation, Chennai, 2007
  8. UNRCPD : Presentation at the sixth adhoc session August 2005 on Accessibility at NY UNCRPD with emphasis on accessibility in India

Source: Rolling Rains Report: Precipitating Dialogue on Travel, Disability, and Universal Design. 18 February 2008.