Ramp at Valluvakottam auditorium

Valluvarkottam is a popular monument in Cheenai built in memory of poet saint Tiruvalluvar. The auditorium in valluvarkottam had a fleet of steps at the entrance. We took up the issue with the authorities and a ramp has since been constructed.

Making Vedanthaangal Bird Sanctuary disabled friendly

In pursuance of creating barrier-free environments for the disabled, Sukriti Social Foundation approached the Tamil Nadu Forest Department to make the Vedanthangal Birds Sanctuary disabled-friendly. It was really heartening to see the positive and pro active response that we got for the officials. We presented our recommendations to them. They have in principle agreed to construct a ramp and provide wheel chairs at the spot for the season starting in November 2006.

Vedanthagal Birds Sanctuary is located at Madurantakam Taluk Of Knacheepuram about 82 kms, South West of Chennai. It is one of the oldest and most important bird sanctuaries and finds a place in the world map of sanctuaries. The main tourist season is from October to March when the maximum number of migratory birds are seem here. Some of the bird species seen here are Liitle Cormorant, Spot Bill Duck, Spoon Bill, Grey Heron, Little Egrets etc. For the season of 2005 nearly 60000 birds were seen here. They were here for an extended period till end of June and they nested twice.

It is a beautiful sight to see all the winged visitors flocking together at one place. It would be beautiful still when it becomes disabled friendly.

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sukriti_vedanthangal_recommendations.pdf                                                       251.04 KB

 

All Slopes Are Not Ramps

A workshop on sensitising ON barrier free environment titled "All slopes Are Not Ramps" was organised on 3rd August 2007 for the arhitectural students of School of Architecture and Planning, Anna University. Over 80 students attended the workshop.

The workshop was inaugurated by Mr. Md. Nasimuddin, IAS, Member Secretary, Chennai Metropolitan

Development Authority. In his inaugural address, he appreciated the efforts of the organisers in creating awareness about accessibility problems faced by the disabled.

In her introduction to the workshop, Ms Sowmya Simhan, Founder, Sukriti, pointed out that accessibility is not confined to only ramps. She highlighted the problems faced by the disabled due to lack of accessible wash areas in educational institutions and office buildings. Dr. Rani Vedamuthu, Head of the Department of Architecture welcomed the gathering.

 

                                                                             Participants at the workshop on Barrier Free Environment

 

The inauguration was followed by the screening of “Freedom of Being” a film produced by Unnati, an Ahmedabad-based NGO. This was followed by presentations by Mr Abhishek Ray, Mr. Ramaramchandran, Ms. Monolita and Mr. Sankara Raman. A field trip was also arranged for the students to see the Egmore Railway Station which has now been made disabled friendly.

The workshop was attended by 80 students. A manual on barrier-free environments, published by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment was given to the participants.

The workshop was co-sponsored by ADD India, Rotary Club of Madras Shakti, Pithavadian and partners and Maithri Educational and Charitable Trust. As part of the proceedings, the 1st annual report of Sukriti Social Foundation was released by Mr. Md. Nasimuddin and the first copy was received by Rtn. Solomon Vedamuthu.

The Hindu covered the workshop.

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abhishek.pdf                                                                                                                                     5.94 MB
monolita_presentation.pdf                                                                                                            3.32 MB
sankaraman_presentation.pdf                                                                                                      1.9 MB
workshop_feedback.pdf                                                                                                              568.72 KB