Meet Nilesh Singit and Abhisek Ray co-founders of Disability Research and Design Foundation (DRDF). DRDF qualifies as the sort of "Knockout Idea" that Ashoka Foundation looks for in selecting social entrepreneurs:
The Knockout Test: A New IdeaAshoka cannot elect someone to the Fellowship unless he or she is possessed by a new idea—a new solution or approach to a social problem—that will change the pattern in a field, be it human rights, the environment, or any other. We evaluate the idea historically and against its contemporaries in the field, looking for innovation and real change potential.
The also select on creativity, social impact, ethical fiber, and entrepreneurial quality:
Perhaps our most important criterion, entrepreneurial quality is the defining characteristic of first class entrepreneurs. It defines leaders who see opportunities for change and innovation and devote themselves entirely to making that change happen. These leaders often have little interest in anything beyond their mission, and they are willing to spend the next ten to fifteen years making a historical development take place. This total absorption is critical to transforming a new idea into reality, and it is for this reason that Ashoka insists that candidates commit themselves full-time to their ideas during the launch phase.Ashoka is looking for the Andrew Carnegies, Henry Fords, and Steve Jobses of the citizen sector.
If you know someone pursuing a project that fits these criteria nominate them here: http://ashoka.org/support/nominate
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 liberalised 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.
Our Services
Planning and execution of Barrier Free Environments/ Accessible and Universal
Design.
Design of Assistive devices for individuals with disability.
Access audits and consultancy/recommendations of public and private realms.
Advocacy and rights awareness on issues pertaining to disability and access.
Our 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 Polio myletis.
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