Countries around the world, for the first time in human history, will have more than half of their population residing in urban areas. The rapid pace of urbanization is and has been for the longest time a global secular trend in urban centres. Such a trend presents itself will a bouquet of opportunities as well as challenges that urban local bodies across the globe need to be wary of. It is estimated that nearly one billion people, or 15% of the global population, experience some form of disability, and its prevalence is higher for developing countries. One-fifth of the estimated global total, or between 110 million and 190 million people, experience significant disabilities.
While we prioritise an equitable distribution of benefits that a city life promises, special emphasis has to be bestowed to the needs of the differently abled in ensuring that they are not subjected to further disadvantage. It should be our endeavour, that whilst we seek ease of living for all citizens, we make a special effort for the differently abled and enable them to benefit from their unique abilities.
It is in this context, that the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and FCDO have joined hands to augment the capacities of Indian cities to be more cognizant of the needs of People with Disabilities (PwDs). The collaboration has resulted in the formalization of the “Building Accessible Safe Inclusive Indian Cities” (BASIIC) initiative. The principal goal of BASIIC is to build the capacities of Indian cities to be sensitive in the approach and responsive in their actions towards the needs of PwDs.
BASIIC aims to homogenise the definitions and concepts associated with PwDs in India and to holistically build the capacity of practitioners to plan and implement with the tenets of universal access and inclusiveness. The project also aims to gather the key stakeholders (Government, Academia, Private Sector, and Citizenry) from across the world working on disabilities on a common platform. Moreover, the project also endeavours to map and demonstrate innovative solutions and best practices in the realm of ideas, technologies, programs, and service delivery models that are and can potentially improve the quality of life for PwDs in India and across the globe.