AccessAbility came in being in November 2006, although the intention of creating an organisation which tapped widely scattered professional resources and delivered end to end accessibility solutions to both the public and private sector enterprises, existed from much earlier.
AccessAbility was co-founded by three like minded individuals (Shivani Gupta, Vikas Sharma, Sachin Verma), who believe that an inclusive environment can significantly contribute towards making a better tomorrow for all and removing attitudinal barrier that comes from exclusion. All three of us, have had reasonably satisfying jobs, and even worked together in an organisation before we decided to quit our jobs and with very minimal funds and only a few prospective clients started AccessAbility. Initially it was difficult for many to understand how we are any different from an NGO or a charity working in this sector, but it wasn’t long before people started realising that we are a group of professionals who meant business. We brought along with us, our passion and commitment, a fresh perspective and innovative ideas that helped change many views. In a very short span of four months, we have had many organisations who have believed in us and include ITC-Welcomgroup, National Institute for the Visually Handicapped (NIVH), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Office of the Chief Commissioner for persons with disabilities and Jamia Milia Islamia University to name a few.

Accessibility, as we strongly believe is the key to unlocking opportunities for persons with disabilities. Unlike what is commonly perceived, accessibility is a concern for all and not only for the disabled and most would realise this when they are either directly affected (due to old age, pregnancy, temporary injuries, pushing heavy luggage etc which are not just instances but a way of life for many) or come in close contact with people who are directly affected. Interestingly it is not very difficult to think of how many people we already know including ourselves, would benefit if our environment was more accessible.

As a concept, Accessible Design or ‘Design for All’, better known as Inclusive or Universal Design was little known of, specially in India. With a booming economy, fantastic growth in the real estate and the ever increasing hunger to build, it became essential that we built right. Designs that are based on the principal of universal design aim to eliminate or at least minimise the barriers that confront all buildings, products or facility users without in the process, introducing new difficulties. In practice, where the guidance for accessible/inclusive design is followed, the accessibility and comfort of the environment will be enhanced for all users.

At AccessAbility, our approach is to empower people with disability;

- by enabling the environment and making them independent;
- by enhancing their ability and not the disability;

To know more about us or what we do, log on to http://accessability.co.in