Samarthyam Centre for Universal Accessibility

21/05/2026

Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2026 is a reminder that accessibility is not an add-on—it is fundamental.

This year’s call to Design, Develop, Deliver challenges all of us to move beyond intent and into action. To ensure that every space we create, every system we build, and every service we deliver is inclusive by design.

After decades of working on accessibility, I feel the urgency more than ever—to communicate differently, to engage more people, and to make inclusion both meaningful and relatable.

This GAAD, I’m excited to share a new initiative—bringing accessibility to life through creativity, humour, and storytelling, alongside five inspiring champions.

Because real change happens when accessibility is not just understood—but experienced.

21/05/2026

For over 40 years, we’ve worked through the “usual” ways—building awareness, strengthening technical understanding, and pushing to remove barriers to access.
But this year feels different.

Marking Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2026, and inspired by its call to Design, Develop, Deliver, we are excited to begin a fresh chapter—one that brings in creativity, and a lighter touch to a deeply serious issue.

Together with incredible friends and colleagues who champion accessibility, we’re launching something new for the ESCAP region… a journey that invites more people in, sparks empathy, and makes accessibility not just understood—but felt.

Because sometimes, change begins not just with policy or practice—but with a smile.

24/04/2026

Aerospace Global News shares the design of the new Airbus seating concept could completely change the way wheelchair users fly - allowing them to remain in their own wheelchairs during flights.


ID: An image of a seating area that has 5 seats, but allows access for a wheelchair user. A man is seated in his motorized wheelchair next to a woman reading a book.

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15/04/2026

How do you identify accessible railway coaches in India: https://www.news18.com/photogallery/auto/what-do-yellow-and-blue-stripes-on-indian-railway-coaches-mean-ws-l-10031921.html

Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation - IRSDC Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, MSJE Accessible India Campaign Asia-Pacific Network for Accessibility

These markings are a part of a color-coded system that identifies different compartments.

04/04/2026

Goa becomes the first state to adopt and implement India’s First Samarth Accessibility Rating Framework

Hyundai India Motor Limited today announced a significant milestone under ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ initiative. SAM was created as part of Samarth by Hyundai Initiative by Samarthyam Centre for Universal Accessibility.

The Government of Goa officially adopts the Samarth Accessibility Metric (SAM) - India’s first comprehensive accessibility rating system, designed to promote inclusive infrastructure and mobility for persons with disabilities.

The milestone was celebrated at the Samarth Accessibility Metric Workshop conducted by Dr. Anjlee Agarwal, Founder & Executive Director, Samarthyam Centre for Universal Accessibility, Author, Samarth Accessibility Metric. The workshop was hosted at Hotel Vivanta, Panjim, Goa, in the esteem presence of Shri Subhash Phal Dessai, Minister for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Govt. of Goa, Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Govt. of Goa, Shri Taha Haaziq, Secretary, Office of the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Govt. of Goa, along with over 16 hospitality groups and hotels.

With this adoption, Goa becomes the first state in India to formally come on board for Samarth Accessibility Metric. The metric has been adopted by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Govt. of Goa, marking a strong institutional endorsement of the framework. Hotel Vivanta, Panjim accepted Samarth Accessibility Metric and became the first hotel to be given Silver (Tier) Rating setting a benchmark for accessibility in the hospitality sector and building inclusive public and tourism infrastructure.

https://www.hyundai.com/in/en/hyundai-story/media-center/press-release/samarth-accessibility-metric-gains-momentum

Asia-Pacific Network for Accessibility Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, MSJE Accessible India Campaign Goa Tourism Department

20/03/2026

We are super excited to have Madam Manmeet Nanda, to take the panelists and audience through the journey of inclusive mobility and the mandate by the law to provide universal accessibility in public transport eco-system.

Bridging the Mobility Gap: Gender-responsive and Disability-inclusive
Uddeshya 26. Gender and Inclusive Mobility
25 March 2026 I 12.45- 1.45pm
India Habitat Centre, New Delhi

Looking forward to being part of the conversation.
Join us: https://lnkd.in/gBZ6aUuv



WRI India Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, MSJE Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India NAB Centre for Blind Women and Disability Studies Women for Women International AccessibilityNetwork Apna Women with Disabilities Forum for Action UN Women India

Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability Asia Pacific Network for Accessibility

14/03/2026

35 Years of Engineering Universal Inclusion

For over three decades, Samarthyam has been working to ensure that accessibility and inclusion are not afterthoughts but fundamental principles in development.

From 20,800+ accessibility audits to training over 56,000 professionals, and working with 600+ partner organizations across 45+ countries, our journey has been about one clear goal — making environments, services, and systems usable for everyone.

Through our work in built environment and digital accessibility audits, policy advocacy, training, and inclusive disaster risk reduction, we continue to advance Universal Design and disability inclusion across sectors.

As we mark 35 years of impact, we reaffirm our commitment to building a world where no one is left behind.

08/03/2026

Who we are: A 35-year old legacy of Inclusion
Your Path from Compliance to Celebrated Leader in Accessibility

What we do: We provide the clear roadmap for a truly accessible and equitable environment for all.

Joi us: Breaking disability barriers

Asia Pacific Network for Accessibility Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, MSJE Accessible India Campaign United Nations ESCAP Disabled People's International (DPI) UNESCO

03/03/2026

🌈 This Holi, let’s celebrate more than colours. Let’s celebrate inclusion.

May the vibrant hues remind us that diversity strengthens us.
May every shade reflect equality,
Every splash echo universal design,
And every colour spread safety and accessibility for all.

Because true celebration happens when everyone belongs. ♿✨

Let this Holi be a festival of dignity, inclusion, and barrier-free futures.

14/02/2026

💖 Accessibility is in my heart! 💖

This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate love that includes everyone. Love means creating spaces where every person can participate with dignity, independence, and equal opportunity.

From accessible buildings and transportation to inclusive education, health, and digital spaces — accessibility is not charity, it is a right. It is about empathy, equity, and building a world where no one is left behind.

Let’s commit to:
❤️ Listening to lived experiences
❤️ Designing for diversity
❤️ Breaking barriers and challenging ableism
❤️ Promoting inclusion in every sphere of life

Because true love builds an inclusive and accessible world for all.

✨ Join us in making accessibility a movement, not just a message.
Happy Valentine’s Day! 💝



Asia Pacific Network for Accessibility Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability United Nations UN SDG Action Campaign Anjlee Agarwal Accessible India Campaign Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, MSJE Disabled People's International (DPI)

11/02/2026

Accessible homes can be easily achieved by provisions of user-centric requirements and safety devices
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, MSJE United Nations ESCAP Accessible India Campaign Joseph Kwan Satoshi Kose Asia Pacific Network for Accessibility