Our Research Projects

Samarthyam has spearheaded the inclusion of accessibility standards in the national guidelines and codes through research. These codes/ guidelines are adopted by concerned ministries and departments of Government of India and UN agencies for reference and use by architects, engineers, planners and designers, etc.

For whom

Academic institutions, CSOs, government and non-government organizations, UN agencies, professionals, and service providers, etc.

Disability inclusive design elements Toolkit and Handbook for accessible schools have been developed and incorporated in four major guidelines and codes of Government of India. Other Published Research is as follows:

• Schools for All and development of School Audit Toolkit, UNICEF, 2018-2023

• Building Partnerships and Empowering the Organizations of People with Disabilities (OPDs) and women with disabilities leaders on SDGs in India, Sightsavers and European Union, 2018-2022

• Development of Guidelines for children with disabilities to protect them from abuse, sexual harassment, trafficking etc., National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Government of India, 2017-18

• A Rapid Desk Based Study on Disability Considerations for Infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, DFID, 2016 [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/57a08954ed915d3cfd0001c4/EoD_HDYr3_21_40_March_2016_Disability_Infrastructure.pdf]

• Accessibility & Safety Audit Research, Redevelopment of the Bandra Station, Mumbai; UNESCO, 2015

• Universal Accessibility in Walkability, Non-Motorised Vehicles and Public Transport Infrastructure, Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, 2014

• WASH Facilities for Persons with Disabilities in Jharkhand, India, 2013

• Anthropometrics of Persons with Disabilities: Users of Mobility & Other Aids. New Delhi, DFID, VSO and Government of India, 2012-13

• Accessibility Research and Comparative Analysis of Building Standards & Regulations, DFID, VSO and Government of India, 2011

• Building Bye-Laws in various states of India, Government of India, 2010

• Action Oriented Research Project On Community Accessibility & Inclusion Audit, World Vision, 2010

• “Research on Right of Way in Road & Street Infrastructure for Persons with Severe Disabilities”, National Trust, Government of India, 2008

• “Road Safety Aspects and Street Infrastructure for Persons with disabilities and Elderly” with implementation strategies for 1 km area in Central Delhi, Government of NCT Delhi, 2006-07

• “Research & Design for making of Braille Registration plates and Audio Meters in Auto Rickshaws”, Government of NCT Delhi, 2006-07

• “Implementation of user-friendly Public Transport Systems (Bus & bus Shelters) in Delhi”, Action Aid, 2006

• “Promotion of user-friendly Public Transport Systems (Bus & bus shelters) in India”, Action Aid, 2005

• “Accessibility of Indian Railways”, Government of India, 2005 : the research report was used by the Delhi High Court for making Indian Railways stations and coaches accessible.