Disability awards presented

The NCPEDP-Mphasis Universal Design Awards 2013 were Wednesday presented to people who have made a mark in working for the disabled.

The awards were given in three categories - persons with disability, working professionals and organisations.

Nekram Upadhyay of the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre here was awarded for his work in helping improve the functional capability of people with disabilities.

Satendra Singh, a doctor and professor at University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital in Delhi, was awarded for advocating accessibility in medical colleges and hospitals.

Srinivasu Chakravarthula, Arathi Abraham, Arun Mehta and Bhushan Verma were awarded for their varied work on promoting accessibility for people with disabilities.

Lucknow-based Handicare group, which has advocated construction of ramps and parking spots for disabled people, and the Kriyate Design Solutions firm that made a Braille-enabled mobile phone were also given awards.

The NCR Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. was awarded for designing ATMs with voice assistance for the benefit of blind people.

The School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal, was also awarded for its work in the disability sector.

Presenting the awards, Balram Naik, minister of state for social justice and empowerment, said a law should be passed to provide accessibility to disabled people in educational institutions, government offices and private companies.

Recommendations made by the previous minister in this connection would soon be tabled in the cabinet, he said.