The NCPEDP-Mphasis Universal Design Awards

About Program

The NCPEDP-Mphasis Universal Design Awards are conferred on individuals and organizations in 4 categories who have created an impact on accessibility and Universal Design in a personal or professional capacity.
In developing countries like India, this concept of accessibility and Universal Design has yet to attain popularity and that is what the Universal Design Awards do every year with a view to spreading awareness and popularizing the concept.
The disability rights movement advocates equal access for people with disabilities to social, political, and economic life, which includes not only physical access but access to the same tools, services, organisations and facilities which we all pay for. Over the years, accessibility has become the fulcrum of the global disability rights movement.
A concept that is intrinsic to any kind of access is ‘Universal Design’, which means a design that is usable to the greatest extent possible by everyone, regardless of age, ability, or situation.
Instituted in 2010 by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) in partnership with Mphasis, the Awards have been recognised as the benchmark for best practices for accessibility for all, promoting local solutions with a focus on affordability, accessibility and scale.

NCPEDP – Mphasis Universal Design Awards

NCPEDP, in association with Mphasis, instituted The NCPEDP – Mphasis Universal Design Awards. It was collaborated efforts from the two institutions which started the discourse around accessibility and universal design, because of which, the concept of universal design and accessibility found its place in the currently prevailing legislation on disability, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, which mandates all products, services, and infrastructure to be accessible.

These Awards are given away every year to those who have been doing exemplary work towards the cause of accessibility and thus ensuring a life of equality and dignity for people with disabilities.

The Awards cover the following fields

Built Environment

Transport

Information and Communication Technology

Products & Services

Assistive Technology

Public Policy and Advocacy

Read Concept Note

Seven Principles That Makes Designs Universally Accessible

Universal Design accommodates people with disabilities, older people, children, and others who are non-average in a way that is not stigmatizing and benefits all users. The seven Principles that describe characteristics making designs universally accessible are:

1. Equitable Use
2. Flexibility in Use
3. Simple and Intuitive Use
4. Perceptible Information
5. Tolerance for Error
6. Low Physical Effort
7. Size and Space for Approach and Use

Categories Of The Awards

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.

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.

CATEGORY C:

COMPANIES/ORGANIZATIONS

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.

JAVED ABIDI
PUBLIC POLICY AWARDS

Access symbolizes the true spirit of freedom as far as persons with disabilities are concerned. To recognize those individuals/ organizations who are carrying forward the
legacy of Mr. Javed Abidi to promote universal design through their advocacy efforts. This award is given to one organization and one individual recognizing their path breaking work
in ensuring a level playing field for people with disabilities to access the same opportunities and rights as all other citizens of India.

IMPORTANT DATES

Event

1. Release of Application Forms

2. Closing of Application Form

3. Jury Meeting for Final Selection

4. Declaration of Awardees

5. Awards Ceremony

Dates

01st May 2024

10th June 2024

13th July 2024

14th August 2024

NCPEDP – Mphasis Universal Design Award Winners

Program Goal

The Universal Design Awards aim to spread awareness of accessibility and Universal Design. Every year, the awards are given away to those who have been doing exemplary work for these causes, thus ensuring a life of equality and dignity for people with disabilities across the country.

The Awards cover accessibility in the following fields:

Built Environment
Transport
Information and Communication Technology
Services
Aids and Appliances
Public Policy and Advocacy

What We Are Doing

To carry on Mr Abidi’s legacy, the Javed Abidi Public Policy Award was instituted in 2018. This award is given to an organization and an individual for their pioneering work in ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to the same opportunities and rights as all other citizens of India.

Our Impact

The Universal Design Awards have gained recognition and credibility over time which have encouraged more and more people to work in the field of Access and Universal Design.

Funder

Mphasis

Location

Pan India

Brochures

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. What are the NCPEDP-Mphasis Universal Design Awards?

The NCPEDP-Mphasis Universal Design Awards recognize individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exemplary work in the areas of accessibility and universal design.

Q. What is Universal Design?

Universal design is a design that is usable by the largest possible audience, irrespective of age, disability, or other factors, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.

Q. Who can apply for the Universal Design Awards?

Any individual or organization working to create an impact in the field of accessibility and universal design, whether in a personal or professional capacity, can apply for the awards.

Q. What are the eligibility criteria to apply for Universal Design Awards across different categories?

Any individual or organization based in India with demonstrated experience in the fields of universal design and accessibility is invited to apply for the awards.

Q. How can one file an application for the awards?

Applicants must fill in the Google form available on our website and social media platforms corresponding to the relevant category. Alternatively, the form can also be downloaded in Word format from the website and emailed to uda.ncpedp@gmail.com.

Q. What are third party testimonials?

Third-party testimonials are independent endorsements that validate the applicant’s work and the value of their product or service.

Q. What is the nomination process for the Universal Design Awards?

The nominator must provide information regarding the candidate’s profile and work through the Google application forms.

Q. Can an applicant who was not shortlisted for the award reapply for the next edition of the Universal Design Awards??

Yes, applicants may reapply for subsequent editions of the Universal Design Awards.

Q. How can applicants be informed about their selection?

Selected applicants will be notified through email at each stage of the selection process by our team, informing them of the status of their application.

Q. Is there a waiting period for former awardees before they can file a nomination again?

Yes, former awardees are eligible to file nominations again only after a period of three years.

Q. If an Individual is both a person with disability and a working professional, under which category should they file their application?

An individual who is both a person with disability and a working professional should file their nomination under Category A: Person with Disability.

Q. How many awards are given in each category?

A total of 11 awards are distributed across four categories: 3 Awards each under Category A and B, and 4 awards under Category C. In exceptional cases, jury appreciation awards may also be granted within these categories. Additionally, 1 organization or individual is awarded the Javed Abidi Public Policy Award.

Q. Is there any monetary compensation or reward associated with the awards?

No, monetary compensation is not provided. However, the accommodation and travelling expenses of the awardees for the award ceremony are taken care of.

Q. What supporting documents are required to apply for the awards?

Applicant must submit the following documents:

1. Third Party Testimonials (if available)

2. Disability certificate (if applicable)

3. A high-resolution photograph of the nominee (for individuals) or the company logo (for organizations)

4. Photographs or Media Coverage showcasing the nominee’s work

Q. What is the selection process for universal design awards?

The selection process for the awards is as follows:

1. An esteemed jury panel undertakes the final scrutiny of the shortlisted applications.

2. Our committee of experts conducted a thorough review of the application forms, leading to the initial shortlisting of candidates.

3. Detailed background checks are conducted to obtain additional information or clarification regarding the applications.

Q. Who is eligible to be a nominator?

Any Indian national familiar with the candidate and their work can nominate an individual or organization for the award.

Q. What is the Javed Abidi Public Policy Award?

The Javed Abidi Public Policy Award honors individuals and organizations who continue the legacy of Mr. Late Javed Abidi by promoting universal design through their advocacy efforts. This award recognizes one organization and one individual for their groundbreaking work in creating a level playing field for people with disabilities.

Q. What does an applicant receive upon winning the Universal Design Awards?

An awardee receives an illustrious trophy and certificate of appreciation. Additionally, association with Universal Design Awards, along with the recognition and accreditation from NCPEDP adds value to the applicant’s portfolio. Furthermore, it provides a platform to network with leading individuals and organizations dedicated to disability inclusion.

Q. Who can I contact for any queries or questions related to the awards?

Applicants are advised to thoroughly review the information available on our website. For further queries or doubts, please write to us at uda.ncpedp@gmail.com.

Past Media Coverages

About The Partners

1. National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People

Registered as an independent trust in 1996, National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) is a non-profit voluntary organization working as an interface between Government, Industry, International Agencies and Voluntary Sector towards empowerment of persons with disabilities. In the past 25 years, NCPEDP has established itself as a leading cross-disability organization which has later been strengthened by the formation of the National Disability Network (NDN) in 1999. Since then, NCPEDP has been successful in reaching people with disabilities across all states and union territories of the country and has successfully advocated several policy changes for empowerment of people with disabilities.

Know more at: www.ncpedp.org

2. Mphasis

Mphasis (BSE: 526299; NSE: MPHASIS) applies next-generation technology to help enterprises transform businesses globally. Customer centricity is foundational to Mphasis and is reflected in the Mphasis’ Front2Back™ Transformation approach. Front2Back™ uses the exponential power of cloud and cognitive to provide hyper-personalized (C=X2C2 TM=1) digital experience to clients and their end customers. Mphasis’ Service Transformation approach helps ‘shrink the core’ through the application of digital technologies across legacy environments within an enterprise, enabling businesses to stay ahead in a changing world. Mphasis’ core reference architectures and tools, speed and innovation with domain expertise and specialization are key to building strong relationships with marquee clients.

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For any queries regarding UDA 2024, reach out to us at uda.ncpedp@gmail.com OR secretariat.ncpedp@gmail.com