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.