September 14, 2019
As part of its Swachh Bharat Mission, the government of India is
hosting a unique two day initiative called the ‘San-Sadhan Hackathon’. The
two day event is to be held on 14 September and 15 September in
Delhi.
The aim of the Hackathon is to bring various stakeholders, designers,
researchers, businesses, students, innovators at one platform. They are
expected to come up with ideas to make toilets accessible for people with
disabilities using their expertise, imagination and the technology of modern
times.
Dr Riitesh Sinha, an innovator from Karnal, Haryana, has
cerebral palsy and feels the toilet design should be accessible for various
disabilities to make them truly inclusive.
“This is a very good initiative by the Government of India which will ease
the life of disabled people across India for their essential needs which have
not even been thought of, and which leads to their exclusion from so many
events and travels due to inaccessible toilets. This will increase their
participation in society for everything and will help them achieve more
success and satisfaction in their lives.”
Shortage of accessible toilets is a major hurdle for people with disabilities
in India. Whether it is in public places, buildings, schools, trains or
restaurants, being able to access a basic amenity like an accessible toilet
is challenge for the disabled population of India.
Nisha Gupta is a wheelchair basketball player and has to
take up a lot of traveling for tournaments and championships.
Not being able to access a toilet that suits a wheelchair user like me is
always a concern whenever I am travelling. There are several people who
have bladder issues due to spinal cord injuries. What may seem like a minor
issue to people without disabilities is quite crucial for people with
disabilities. – Nisha Gupta, Wheelchair basketball player
Most public toilets are not made with any consideration about the needs of
people with disabilities and end up being inaccessible. Lack of ramps, high
basins, missing rails and many such basic features make a simple act of using
the loo a challenge for disabled people.
This makes the San-Sadhan Hackathona much needed initiative.
Nipun Malhotra, CEO, Nipman Foundation calls this initiative
an excellent one. “Innovation to make life easier for Persons with
Disabilities should be encouraged and I hope this is the first of many
steps.”
The Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Department of
Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DePwD), in collaboration
with Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundationand 91springboard have come together to
organise the Hackathon. Participants have to come up with ideas for smart,
feasible and sustainable designs. First and second prize winners will get
cash prizes of ₹ 2 lakh and ₹ 50,000.
Source: https://newzhook.com/story/hackathon-to-create-accessible-toilets-for-people-with-disabilities
