TOWARDS ACCESSIBLE HYDERABAD

Access Audit Report

Forest Office, Uppal
Hyderabad

Ministry of Social Justice and

Empowerment,
Government of India
ACCESSIBLE INDIA CAMPAIGN (SUGAMYA BHARAT ABHIYAN)

(Nationwide Flagship Campaign of Government of India for Universal accessibility for PwDs)

CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED BY
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
(Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India)

CONDUCTED BY
SWABHIMAN – State Disability Information and Resource Centre
A/98, Budha Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha – 751006
Email: swabhiman.bhubaneswar@gmail.com
Website: www.swabhiman.org

AUDIT CONDUCTED
July – August, 2016

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Acknowledgement

The access audit of Forest Office Building, Uppal, Hyderabad, as per the list of buildings provided by Ministry of
Social Justice & Empowerment, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Government Of India
F.No.4-14/2015-AIC, dated 23/06/2016, was conducted to make the Forest Office Building,Uppal, functional for
the physically challenged staff members, vendors and visitors. The recommendations are minimum requirements
that may be incorporated in the building to make it useable by persons with disabilities (PWDs) and the elderly and
should not be compromised upon.

Swabhiman (State Disability Information and Resource centre) Bhubaneswar, Odisha, a 15 year old organization, is
dedicated to the empowerment of persons with disabilities in the state and the country. It is a leading cross disability
organization acting in the forefront of policy level advocacy as also providing comprehensive services in research,
capacity building, training, access audit, networking and inclusive education.

This report provides clear and concise recommendations and guidelines for creating Accessible Hyderabad,
(SugamyaHyderabad) by detailing the inaccessibility and suggesting recommendations for the gaps, in Forest Office
Building, Uppal, Hyderabad. The implementation of the report will eliminate the barriers that deter physically and
mentally challenged persons from having access to and free mobility in and around the built environment.

I wish to express my deep gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji for taking initiatives to make India
barrier free. I also express my gratitude to Hon’ble Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot Ji, Head of MSJE GoI, for launching
the campaign on 3rd December 2015. We thank Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, and Joint
Secretary Mukesh Jain, for the financial resources, coordination and the audit checklist.

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I wish to express my deep gratitude to Shri M. Jagadeeshwar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Women and Child
Development, Government of Telengana, Hyderabad, Smt. Viziendira Boyi, IAS, Director (FAC), Department for
Welfare of Disabled and Senior Citizens, Government of Telengana, Hyderabad, Shri Sunder Rao, Assistant Director,
Disabled Welfare Department, Government of Telengana, Hyderabad. I also express deep appreciation to Javed Abidi
(Honorary Director NCPEDP) and NDN platform for our initial education on access and access Audit. The issue of
accessibility surfaced when Prof. Stephen Hawking visited India in 2001, which brought forth the fact that the
historical places that he wanted to visit were totally inaccessible. NCPEDP then launched a National Access Campaign
countrywide by the National Disability Network (NDN) partners. As NDN Odisha partner we took it forward in the
state. Some built structures audited by us are Ravenshaw University, Odisha Secretariat, BJB College, Utkal
University etc. Another major campaign was the 'Access to polling booths for disabled voters during the General
Election 2004, which resulted in ramps getting built in ‘few’ polling booths in Odisha and EVMs becoming accessible
with Braille numbers for the visually impaired. We are extremely thankful to NCPEDP and DEOC Bangalore for the
“Training Programme on Accessibility Standards for Buildings” on 5th and 6th March 2016.

Special mention must be made of all those, whose cooperation and support made this audit possible. We are grateful
to

• Shri Srinivasulu, NDN Patner, Telengana

• Shri Anil C, Section Assistant, Department for Welfare of Disabled and Senior Citizens, Government of
Telengana, Hyderabad.
• Er. Uday Chaitanya Samala for photography.
• Shri B Balakrishnan (PwD) and K Gangana (PwDs) for identifying the inaccessible areas of the building.
• Sreeja Poonam, our architect, for her technical inputs.

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 • Asit Kumar Behera, Dr. Tapas Kumar Das and Santosh Kumar Behera for report compilation, editing, final
layout and designing.

We once again appreciate the determined efforts of Government of India and Government of Telengana to make built
environment; and information and communications accessible.

(Dr.Sruti Mohapatra)
Chief Executive, Swabhiman

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Table of Contents

Acknowledgement
Abbreviations
Background
Swabhiman – GoI Empanelled Access Auditors
Introductions 13
I. Hyderabad
II. About the Building
III. Access Audit Team
IV. Methods and Processes Adopted
Audit Report 15
I. Summary Sheet
II. Information and Communication
III. Services
Building Information 20
External Environment 21
1. Parking

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2. Alighting
3. Accessible Route
Internal Environment 24
4. Accessible Entrance
5. Reception and Lobby
6. Stairs
7. Ramps
8. Handrails
9. Elevators/Lift
10. Escalators/Passengers Conveyors
11. Corridors
12. Doors and Doorways
13. Accessible Toilet
14. Cafeteria
15. Drinking Water Facility
16. Controls and Operating Mechanisms
17. Signage
18. Emergency Evacuation

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Others 40
I. Reflection of the Nodal Officer
II. Reflection of the PwDs
III. Report in Alternate Format
Annexure 41
1. Suggested Plan for Implementation with Vendors List
2. Five Point Rating of Buildings
3. Additional Recommendations

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Abbreviations

CPWD : Central Public Works Department

HI : Hearing impaired
PwD : Persons with Disability
VI : Visual Impairment
WC : Western Commode

Background

To achieve the long-lasting, vastly better development prospects that lie at the heart of the 2016 Sustainable
Development Goals and beyond, we must empower people living with disabilities and remove the barriers which
prevent them participating in their communities; getting a quality education, finding decent work, and having their
voices heard. A barrier free environment means buildings, roads, parks, gardens and other places, service, modes of
transportation, products of daily use, etc. Further, barrier-free goes far beyond just a ramp and has many other
necessary aspects, including door and passage widths to flooring surface, from counter heights to lighting; and from
signage to toilets – a well-designed environment which is safe, convenient, comfortable, and readily accessible to all;
and aptly described as universal access.

Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) was launched by Department of Persons with Disabilities,
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, MSJE, GoI, as a nation-wide flagship campaign which aims at achieving
this universal accessibility. The campaign marks another milestone in the journey towards “Fulfilling Human Rights
of Persons with Disabilities,” and creating “Non-Discrimination in the Built Environment.” In its initial efforts it aims

9
to build a “culture of accessibility” and focus on auditing public buildings and removing basic environmental
barriers.

The campaign is in line of proposed activities to fulfil the statuettes of Article 9 (Accessibility) of UNCRPD which has
been signed and ratified by GoI. Article 9 casts an obligation on all the signatory governments to take appropriate
measures to ensure to PwDs access, on an equal basis with others, to the physical environment, to transportation, to
information and communications, including information and communications technologies and systems, and to
other facilities and services open or provided to the public, both in urban and in rural areas. These measures, which
shall include the identification and elimination of obstacles and barriers to accessibility, shall apply to, inter-alia: 1)
Buildings, roads, transportation and other indoor and outdoor facilities, including schools, housing, medical facilities
and workplaces; and 2) Information, communications and other services, including electronic services and
emergency services.

Thereafter, Governments at the High Level Inter Governmental Meeting organized by the Govt. of Republic of Korea
adopted the ministerial declaration and Incheon Strategy to “Make the Right Real” for PwDs in Asia and Pacific. The
Incheon Strategy provided the Asian and Pacific Region, and the world the first set of regionally agreed distinct –
inclusive development goals. The Strategy comprises 10 goals, 27 targets and 62 indicators, which build on UNCRPD.
Goal No. 3 of the Incheon Strategy mentions that access to the physical environment, public transportation,
knowledge, information and communication is a precondition for persons with disabilities to fulfill their rights in an
inclusive society.

While implementing the Accessible India Campaign, it is proposed that we are in sync with the guidelines set by the
Incheon strategy. The targets 3.A, 3.B and 3.C of the Incheon Strategy are: 3.A - Increase the accessibility of the

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physical environment in the national capital that is open to the public; 3.B - Enhance the accessibility and usability of
public transportation; and 3.C - Enhance the accessibility and usability of information and communications services.

The Incheon strategy guidelines have also defined indicators for tracking the progress on these targets:

• Proportion of accessible government buildings in the national capital

• Proportion of accessible international airports
• Proportion of accessible and usable public documents and websites that meet internationally recognized
accessibility standards
• Availability of mandatory technical standards for barrier-free access that govern the approval of all designs
for buildings that could be used by members of the public, taking into consideration internationally
recognized standards, such as those of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• Number of sign language interpreters

Prior to this, Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995
under Sections 44, 45 and 46 categorically provided for non-discrimination in transport, non-discrimination on the
road and non-discrimination in built environment respectively. As per Section 46 of the PwD Act, the States are
required to provide for – Ramps in public buildings; Adaptation of toilets for wheel chair users; Braille symbols and
auditory signals in elevators or lifts; and Ramps in hospitals, primary health centers and other medical care and
rehabilitation institutions. Section 44 and 45 of the said Act cast responsibility on the States to take measures to
make public transport accessible for PwDs and also make provision for auditory signals at red lights in public roads,
curb cuts and slops in pavements, engraving on the surface at zebra crossings etc.

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Swabhiman

Swabhiman, State Disability Information and Resource Centre, based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha has been Swabhiman
is a state level disability information and resource centre based in Bhubaneswar. We have been working towards
empowering persons with disabilities through knowledge, information, advocacy, training, capacity building,
research and networking since 2001.

Our work has earned us acceptance and recognition at many quarters – government, individual, NGOs and
corporates. The recent achievements include Smart City campaign and Railway Budget. We played a role in
Bhubaneswar getting first position in Smart City Campaign as the “Accessibility Partner” of Bhubaneswar Municipal
Corporation (BMC). We are the member of ZRUCC (Zonal Railway Users Consultative Committee) of ECoR in
Bhubaneswar and gave recommendations for the budget (online booking of wheelchair, wide doors, assistance at
railway station). We regularly organize various orientation, interaction and association programmes to bridge the
gap in perception between persons with disabilities and mainstream society.

With a view to ascertain the details of accessible features in the existing facilities and to suggest improvements, if
required, Swabhiman has been organizing access audits of various government, semi-government and private
buildings. It is important to mention that access audit is not a fault finding exercise. Its objective is to contribute to
the creation of a better universally accessible infrastructure by assessing the accessibility of the facilities and suggest
improvements, if necessary.

Swabhiman has completed the access audit of Odisha Secretariat building in January 2012; completed the access
audit of temples, hills and related sites for creating a barrier free tourist circuit for Department of Tourism & Culture

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(Tourism) in 2011. We did the access audit of Nadankanan Zoological Park for developing it as a barrier free tourist
spot as per the letter received from Deputy Director, Nadankanan Zoological park on 15th December,2014.
Completed the Access audit of Utkal University, Bhubaneswar in January, 2015, Ramadevi (Autonomous) College,
Bhubaneswar in January, 2015 and of BJB (Autonomous) College, Bhubaneswar in January, 2015. We have also
audited Ravenshaw University, State Museum and birth place of Netaji Museum in Katak.

Introduction

I. Hyderabad
Hyderabad city is the capital city of the Indian state of Telangana. It lies on the Deccan Plateau, 541 meters (1776 ft)
above sea level, over an area of 625 km² (244 mile²). The city has an estimated population of around 8 million,
making it 4th largest city in India , while the population of the metropolitan area was estimated above 9 million.
Religiously and culturally, the city is united with Hindus, Muslims and Christians. Hyderabad city is known for its
rich history, food and its multi-lingual culture, both geographically and culturally. Founded in the year 1591 by fifth
QutbShahi Ruler Muhammad QuliQutb Shah. The original city of Hyderabad was founded on the banks of river Musi.
Now known as the historic old city, home to the Charminar, Falaknuma Palace, Chowmallah Palace and Makkah
Masjid, it lies on the southern bank of the river.

Hyderabad and Secunderabad are twin cities, separated by the Husain Sagar (bound by the 'Tank Bund'), a manmade
lake made during the time of Ibrahim Qutb Shah in 1562.

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II. About the Building
Forest Office Uppal working for the safeguard of forest in their division by field staff, mainly this office for field level
work and implementation forest law of Government of Telengana.

III. Access Audit Team

The audit team reached Hyderabad on 29th July 2016. It comprised of the following persons:

• Asit Kumar Behera

• Dr. Tapas Kumar Das
• B. Balakrishanan(Person with Disability)
• K Gangana (Person with Disability)
• Er. Uday Chaitanya Samala, Member of Rotaract Club of New Age Engineers, Hyderabad.

The Audit team referred to CPWD guidelines (Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier Free Built Environment for
Disabled and Elderly Persons) 1998 and CPWD Handbook (Barrier Free and Accessibility) 2014 for making
recommendations.

IV. Methodology and Processes Adopted

• Physical verification
• General observation and measurement of height, width, incline etc.
• Recording/noting the existing good practices / accessible features for better accessibility
• Interaction with Staff (including persons with disabilities)
• Photography

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 Audit Report

I. Summary Sheet
Sl. Elements of Evaluation Priority for Components to be addressed immediately
No. Access Audit Rank creating
access
SECTION 1
1. Information and 1 Highest Accessibility of Government of Telenngana’s website.
Communication Publications in accessible alternate format and Telugu and Urdu.
Systems
SECTION 2
1. Services 2 High Disability Sensitization of all Staff Equal Opportunity Policy (HR)
SECTION 3
1. Parking 3 Moderate One Designated Parking Bay with International Symbol of
Accessibility.
2. Alighting 2 Low Designated space near building with identifiable signage.
3. Accessible Route 1 Highest Accessible route with tactile flooring, guide tile and directional
accessible signage to be fitted.
4. Accessible 2 High Building guide map.Thin rubberized mats.
Entrance
5. Reception and 2 High Receptionist with knowledge of Hindi, English, Telugu and Sign
Lobby language. Sensitized to disability and old age issues, trained in
disability etiquette.
Printed information in accessible alternate formats, Telugu and
Urdu.

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6. Stairs NA NA
7. Ramp 1 Highest New ramp to be constructed.
8. Handrails 2 High Handrail to be fitted on both sides of the Ramp and corridor.
9. Elevator NA
10. Escalators/Conv NA
eyor Belt
11. Corridors 3 Moderate Handrails or Grab Bars on wall.
12. Doors and 3 Moderate Entrance door to be widened and signage to be inserted.
Doorway
13. Accessible Toilet 2 High One accessible Unisex toilet to be constructed inside the campus.
14. Cafeteria NA
15. Drinking Water 1 Highest Drinking water arrangement in common place of office.
Facility
16. Controls and 3 Moderate Switch boards to be reinstalled at appropriate heights and safety
Operating regulations adhered to.
Mechanisms
17. Signage 2 High Prominent visible signage using the international symbol of
accessibility, identifying/advertising/signifying accessible
entrance and exit, reserved car parking, toilets and availability
of special services (if any to be created).
Lettering in English and Telugu.
18. Emergency 2 High There is no separate emergency exit.
Evacuation Evacuation route plan is to be developed and displayed in
different locations of each floor and staircases in consultation
with safety engineers or local fire station.

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 II. Information and Communication (Section – 1)
Observation
1. Inaccessible website
government of Telengana
website.
1. No publications/brochures
in alternate accessible
formats.
2. No publications in Telugu,
Urdu or English.
Remarks/Recommendations
1. To enable PwDs to perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the Web,
accessibility features to be incorporated.
2. Web accessibility standards available in http://web.guidelines.gov.in
(WCAG 2 Level A became the standard for government websites in February 2009).
Publications / brochures / forms to be printed in Braille, Large Print, Audio, Pictorial
(where ever possible), Easy-to-read Telugu, Urdu and English.

No printed service related Publications in alternate accessible formats to be stocked.

documents (forms) are in
accessible formats
There is adequate lighting
People are cooperative in Hiring a general counselor or keeping a general psychologist on call could be of help in any
office. But no separate emergency or such special situation.
arrangements to address
specific needs/situations
arising out of difference in
culture, learning abilities etc.

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III. Evaluation of Services (Section – 2)
Observation Remarks/Recommendations

No disability Annual sensitization program for staff.

sensitization sessions in
staff induction program. One module in induction training program on disability types, access, diversity, disability
etiquette and mandates of law.

No staff trained to assist Annual Training Program.

persons with
disabilities. One module in all staff enrichment, capacity building programs on disability types, assisting
PwDs, physiotherapy, speech therapy and other support needed by CwDs in school,
diversity and disability etiquette.
No staffs are trained in One week basic signing.
basic Indian Sign
Language. 6 weeks advanced certificate programme.

A chart of names and mobile numbers of local sign language interpreters to be placed in a
visible place in office.
No accessible facilities After retrofitting and remodeling is done, a weekly maintenance calendar to be developed.
available.
Guide dogs are not As India is not used to the concept of guide dogs, a policy needs to be placed in position and
allowed in the premises then circulars sent to the states.
Trained live assistance Either a new staff be recruited or one staff member may be given additional responsibility.
is not available as there They be trained and designated as “Disability Associate.”
was no need.

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There is no existing After retrofitting and remodeling is done, a plan will be developed.
plan to improve
accessibility, as it was
not an issue till date.
There is no equal An Equal Opportunity Policy can be drafted on payment of a fee.
opportunities policy
within the organization
as it was a non issue till
date.
Organization has no Either a new staff be recruited or one staff member may be given additional responsibility.
accessibility focal They be trained and designated as “Nodal Officer/Person Disability.”
person in charge as it
was a non-issue till date.

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Building Information

Name of the Building : Forest Office

Type of the Building : Government Building
Managed By : NA
Total Floor : Ground
Total Staff Members : 12
No. of PwD Staff :0
Head of the Building : D.Srikant
Designation : Forest Range Officer
Contact No. : 8096511236
Nodal Person : D.Srikant
Designation : Forest Range Officer
Contact No. : 8096511236

Physical Accessibility

Note:The cross symbols in red colour (X), highlights the

Physical barriers.

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External Environment – Sl # 1 – Parking
Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation
1. Specified parking lot and accessible parking bay not Refer to Handbook on Barrier Free
available for visitors with disabilities. and Accessibility of CPWD Guidelines
2014 for Technical Designing and
2. No directional signage for parking lot and bay. Measurements.
3. No tactile floor guidance in the parking area for VI. Refer to Page No 44

Recommendation
1. Specified and Reserved parking is to be made
available for the PwDs.
2. Size of the bay is to be 3600 X 6000 mm.
3. Parking bay is to be 500 mm from the accessible
entrance.
4. Signage to be posted.
5. Leveled pathway is to be made connecting the
parking bay with the building entrance.
6. Tactile floor guidance to be placed for visually
impaired and low vision persons from parking area to
the entry point of the building.

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External Environment – Sl # 2 – Alighting
Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation
1. Alighting space available. Refer to Handbook on Barrier Free
2. No signage for alighting space. and Accessibility of CPWD Guidelines
2014 for Technical Designing and
Measurements.

Recommendation
1. Alighting space to be introduced for PwDs next to the
entrance.
2. Space to be covered and leveled.
3. Signage to be posted.
4. Tactile guiding path to be included (directional,
hazardous warning and positional tiles) directing to
the entrance to be placed.

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External Environment – Sl # 3 – Accessible Route
Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation
1. No accessible route connects the entrance gate, Refer to Handbook on Barrier Free
parking, alighting point all other external facilities and Accessibility of CPWD Guidelines
2014 for Technical Designing and
with the accessible entrance Measurements.
2. No tactile in path way. Refer to Page No 1
3. No adequate light on the path after sunset.

Recommendation
1. Accessible route is to be 1200 mm wide.
2. Path surface to be non - slippery.
3. Gradient to be less than 1:12 and cross slope to be
less than 1:50.
4. Kerb ramp to be made.
5. Tactile guiding path to be included (directional,
hazardous warning and positional tiles) directing to
the entrance to be placed.
6. Resting space and wheel chair parking space outside
the line of traffic to be made available where the
walking distance is more than 300 mm.
7. Artificial light to be made available after sunset.

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Internal Environment – Sl # 4 – Accessible Entrance
Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation
1. No ramp in the building entrance. Refer to Handbook on Barrier Free
2. Main building Entrance height 440mm and Accessibility of CPWD Guidelines
2014 for Technical Designing and
3. Entrance width 920mm Measurements.
4. Landing space available Refer to Page No 12
5. No difference in floor finish.

Recommendation
1. Entrance landing to be 1500 X 1500 mm.
2. Entrance door to be usable by PwDs.
3. The differences of floor finish to be identifiable by
visually impaired users at the door entrance.
4. Accessible entrance signage to be posted.
5. Artificial light to be made available at the entrance
after sunset.
6. Entrance to be audio signal.

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Internal Environment – Sl # 5 – Reception and Lobby
Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation
1. No Reception counter and Lobby Refer to Handbook on Barrier Free
2. Near the entrance area, reception to be made. and Accessibility of CPWD Guidelines
2014 for Technical Designing and
Measurements.
Refer to Page No 29

Recommendation
1. Reception to be introduced.
2. Receptions counter to be identifiable from the
entrance.
3. Clear space of 900 mm wide and 1200 mm deep to be
there in front of the reception counter.
4. The counter is to be 760 mm from the floor with 400
mm clear recess under the counter.
5. Contrast colour to be made with the background and
wall.
6. Counter top to be illuminated.
7. Counter to surface to be non reflective.
8. Signage to be introduced.
9. Accessible direction signage to be made directing to
various building facilities.
10. Microphone to be used for glass empanelled
reception.
11. Live assistance to be provided for guidance.
12. Printed information to be made available in alternate
formats.
13. Lobby to be introduced.
14. Lobby to be at one level with adequate maneuvering
space for wheel chairs users.
15. Lobby to have adequate sitting for waiting.

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Internal Environment – Sl # 6 – Stairs
Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation
1. Step riser 200mm and 260 mm. Refer to Handbook on Barrier Free
2. No colour contrasting strip at the edge of the steps. and Accessibility of CPWD Guidelines
2014 for Technical Designing and
3. Handrail available but it’s not accessible for VI. Measurements.
4. Non-slippery floor surface. Refer to Page No 7
5. No proper light facility on stairs.

Recommendation
1. Step risers to be 150 mm high and tread 300 mm
wide.
2. Colour contrasting strips to be introduced at the edge
of the steps.
3. Handrails at two levels on both sides to be continuous
on the landing.
4. Handrails to project beyond the end of the flight and
curve back in accordance with section on handrails.
5. Tactile warning tiles to be provided at beginning and
end of each flight.
6. Adequate illumination to be there on the stairs.
7. Floor surface of the steps to be non slippery and non
glary.
8. Under stairs area to be cordoned off.
9. Gaps and abrupt breaks at steps to be made
continuous.

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Internal Environment – Sl # 7 – Ramp
Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation
1. No ramp in the building. Refer to Handbook on Barrier Free
2. Main building Entrance height 440mm and Accessibility of CPWD Guidelines
2014 for Technical Designing and
3. Entrance width 920mm Measurements.
4. Landing space available Refer to Page No 4
5. No difference in floor finish.

Recommendation
1. Ramp to be made.
2. Ramp gradient is to be 1:12.
3. Width to be 1800 mm.
4. Handrails to be made continuous until landing.
5. Tactile warning blocks to be installed 300 mm from
the top and bottom.
6. Ramp to be well illuminated.
7. Floor surface of the steps to be non slippery and non
glary.
8. Tactile warning tiles to be provided at beginning and
end of each flight.

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Internal Environment – Sl # 8 – Handrail
Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation
1. One side hand rail available which is inaccessible. Refer to Handbook on Barrier Free
and Accessibility of CPWD Guidelines
2014 for Technical Designing and
Measurements.
Refer to Page No 9

Recommendation
1. Handrails to be provided at both sides of the ramp
and stairs.
2. Handrails to be at a height of 900 mm and 760 mm.
3. Handrails to be contrast in colour from background
wall and floor.
4. Handrails to be circular and non slippery with
uninterrupted grip.
5. The end of the handrails to be grouted or turned
downwards.
6. Adequate hand clearance to be between handrail and
the wall.
7. Accessible signage for directional arrow and floor
number to be provided on all floors.

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Internal Environment – Sl # 9 – Elevator / Lift
Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation
NOT APPLICABLE NOT APPLICABLE Refer to Handbook on Barrier Free
and Accessibility of CPWD Guidelines
2014 for Technical Designing and
Measurements.
Refer to Page No 13

Recommendation
NOT APPLICABLE

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Internal Environment – Sl # 10 – Escalator and Passenger Conveyor
Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation
NOT APPLICABLE NOT APPLICABLE Refer to Handbook on Barrier Free
and Accessibility of CPWD Guidelines
2014 for Technical Designing and
Measurements.

Recommendation
NOT APPLICABLE

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Internal Environment – Sl # 11 – Corridor
Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation
No Corridor available NOT APPLICABLE Refer to Handbook on Barrier Free
and Accessibility of CPWD Guidelines
2014 for Technical Designing and
Measurements.
Refer to Page No 12

Recommendation
NOT APPLICABLE

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Internal Environment – Sl # 12 – Door and Doorways
Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation
1. Door width 760 mm Refer to Handbook on Barrier Free
2. Single hinged door and Accessibility of CPWD Guidelines
2014 for Technical Designing and
3. No handle Measurements.
4. Door lock at 840mm from floor. Refer to Page No 12
5. No colour contrast between door and wall.
6. No kick plate on the door.

Recommendation
1. Width of the door to be 900 mm.
2. Lever type handles to be used with horizontal bar
800 mm from the floor and a vertical bar in the
opening side with its lower edge at 800 mm from the
floor.
3. Threshold to be less than 12 mm high.
4. Doors to be double hinged and swing both ways.
5. Kick plates to be provided at the doors.
6. Automatic doors to at least remain open for 5
seconds.
7. The door to have guardrails where it opens into a
route of travel.
8. Sliding automatic doors to have an overhead sensor
operating device.

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Internal Environment – Sl # 13 – Accessible Toilet
Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation
1. Inaccessible toilet. Refer to Handbook on Barrier Free
2. Toilet door width 630 mm. and Accessibility of CPWD Guidelines
2014 for Technical Designing and
3. Pan style Indian. Measurements.
4. No basin Refer to Page No 12
5. No colour contrast between the floor, wall and
sanitary fittings.

33
 Recommendation
1. Toilets to be accessible cubicle with dimensions 1750
mm X 2200 mm.
2. Toilet doors to be outward opening and double
hinged.
3. The Western Commode to be installed with a
centerline of distance of 500 mm from adjacent wall.
The front edge of Western Commode to project 750
mm from the rear wall.
4. Seat height of Western Commode to be 450 mm,
horizontal grip bar to be installed on the adjacent
wall at a height of 200 mm from Western Commode
Seat.
5. A fold up grab bar to be installed at a centre line
distance of 320 mm from the Western Commode seat.
6. Backrest to be provided for Western Commode.
7. Lever type flush to be installed at a height of 1100
mm from the floor surface.
8. 800 mm clear transfer space to be available next to
Western Commode.
9. Wash basin to be installed at a distance of 400 mm
from the side wall.
10. Top edge of wash to be of height 800 mm from the
floor.
11. Clear knee space to be 750 mm height X 750 mm
width X 200 mm depth under the wash basin with
additional toe space of 300 mm height X 750 mm
width X 230 mm depth.
12. Floor to be non slippery with contrasting colour
between the floor, wall and sanitary fittings.
13. Alarm system including visual to be installed to alert
people in emergency.
14. Toiletries to be placed at a height of 800 mm.

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Internal Environment – Sl # 14 – Cafeteria
Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation
NOT APPLICABLE NOT APPLICABLE Refer to Handbook on Barrier Free
and Accessibility of CPWD Guidelines
2014 for Technical Designing and
Measurements.
Refer to Page No 12

Recommendation
NOT APPLICABLE

35
Internal Environment – Sl # 15 – Drinking Water Facility
Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation
1. Water point not available at common place of the Refer to Handbook on Barrier Free
office. and Accessibility of CPWD Guidelines
2014 for Technical Designing and
Measurements.
Refer to Page No 12

Recommendation
1. Water filter to be installed at a height of 800 mm.
2. Glass to be placed at a height less than 1200 mm.
3. Slope needed at way to access water point

36
Internal Environment – Sl # 16 – Control and Operating Mechanism
Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation
1. Switch board height 1450 mm. Refer to Handbook on Barrier Free
2. No color contrast between switch board and wall and Accessibility of CPWD Guidelines
2014 for Technical Designing and
Measurements.
Refer to Page No 12

Recommendation
1. Electrical switches, wall sockets to be located
adjacent to clear floor space with dimensions of 900
mm X 1200 mm, height of 300 mm from the floor.
2. Control to be placed at 400 mm with colour
contrasting background wall.
3. Information on controls and switches to be embossed
with letters and symbols accompanied with Braille.

37
Internal Environment – Sl # 17 – Signage
Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation
1. There are no signage’s available at office. Refer to Handbook on Barrier Free
2. No other signage including directional in the and Accessibility of CPWD Guidelines
2014 for Technical Designing and
building. Measurements.
Refer to Page No 12

Recommendation
1. Signage to be installed.
2. Signage to be installed at 60 mm for doors, 110 mm
for corridors, and 200 mm for external use.
3. Signage to be in accessible format i.e. Braille, Tactile
Audio and Visual.
4. Braille or Tactile signage to be placed at height of
900 mm and 1500 mm with ideal location of 1050
mm above the finished floor level.

38
Internal Environment – Sl # 18 – Emergency Evacuation
Issues Observed Photographs Technical Recommendation
1. No emergency evacuation provision. Refer to Handbook on Barrier Free
2. No fire extinguishers. and Accessibility of CPWD Guidelines
2014 for Technical Designing and
Measurements.
Refer to Page No 12

Recommendation
1. Evacuation route plan is to be developed and
displayed in different locations of each floor and
staircases. Recommended assembly point is clear
space in front of main building.
2. This planning to be done with safety engineers who
specialize in emergency evacuation. If not available,
local fire department to be consulted.
3. Regular mock drill has to be conducted in regular
intervals.
4. From safety point of view employees having any
disabilities can be given space at ground floor.
5. Staff to be trained to assist persons with disabilities
during evacuation.

39
I. Reflection of the Nodal Officer

‘Its unique step taken by GoI and we thank GoTS to select our office for making it accessible.’ said D.Srikant, Forest
Range Officer,Uppal,Hyderabad

II. Report in Alternate Format

Copies of this report can be made available in alternative formats upon payment of a fee. Please contact Swabhiman
to discuss your individual requirements.

40
Annexure

I. Suggested Plan for Implementation with Vendors List

Sl. Elements of Access Tentative Time Required Vendor

No. Audit
Section – 1
Information and Website – 15 days NIC
Communication Publications - 3 - 4 months Swabhiman, A-98 Budhanagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Pin –
Systems 751006
Tel: 0674-2313312/2313313/ 9238106667
Email swabhiman.bhubaneswar@gmail.com
Section – 2
Services Disability Sensitization of all
Staff – 15 days Swabhiman

Equal Opportunity Policy

(HR) – 6 Months Swabhiman

Sign Language Deaf Enabled Foundation

H.No 1-2-397 & 398,
3rd Floor, Opp Sadhuram Eye Hospital,
Gagan Mahal Road, Domalguda,

41
 Hyderabad-500029
Telengana
Contact No: - +91-9703381112 / +91-040-65144022
Email: - def_hyd@yahoo.com
www.def.org.in

Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped

Manovikas Nagar,
Secunderabad,
Hyderabad, Telengana
Phone : 040-27753385/27750827 (Ext. 207)
E-mail : adsrc-nihh@nic.in, adnihhsrc@gmail.com
Section – 3
1. Parking One Designated Parking Bay Local artist
with International Symbol – 1
week
2. Alighting
3. Accessible Route Government building contractor
4. Accessible Entrance Guide Map and Directional Local artist / carpenter
Signage – 15 days (Wooden Local flex printer
with painting)
7 days (Flex printing and
framing)
5. Reception and Receptionist with knowledge Swabhiman
Lobby of Hindi, English and Sign Designing – Swabhiman

42
 language. Sensitized to Printing – Local Printer
disability and old age issues,
trained in disability etiquette.
- 5 days
Printed information in
accessible alternate formats –
2-3 months
6. Stairs Government building contractor
Grab bars on the right side
(wall) 15-20 days
Illumination of 55-75 lx.
Directional signage and floor
numbers.(5-10)
7. Ramp Modification of existing toilet. Creating Accessibility
M: 09930077517
Email: info@rashnaengineer.com
8. Handrails Grab bars on both side of Government building contractor
stairs and ramp (15-20)
9. Elevator
10. Corridors Anti-skid rubber mats to be
placed over tiles immediately.
Floor tiles to be replaced with
tactile tiles, if not available,
anti-skid tiles to be fitted.(15-

43
 20)
12. Doors and Government Contractor
Doorways
13. Accessible Toilet Two accessible unisex toilets Government Contractor
to be constructed.
14. Cafeteria
15. Drinking Water Accessible drinking water Government Contractor
Facility arrangements in office.(10-15
days)
16. Controls and Switch boards to be Government Contractor
Operating reinstalled at appropriate Braille embossing –
Mechanisms heights and safety regulations Government Braille Press,
adhered to. (10-15 days) A. P. Vikalangula Cooperative Corp.,
Training & Production Unit,
Nalgonda Cross Road, Malkapet, Hyderabad, Telengana

Devnar Foundation for the Blind, Plot No. 185, Road No. 1,
West Marredpally,
Secunderabad- 500026
Telengana

National Association for the Blind

11/12, Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road, WorliSeaface,
Mumbai – 400 030

44
 Fax: 6683 8659
Email: contactus@nabindia.info
17. Signage Prominent visible signage Local artist
using the international
symbol of accessibility,
identifying/advertising/signif
ying accessible entrance and
exit, reserved car parking,
toilets and availability of
special services (if any to be
created).(5-10 days)
18. Emergency Evacuation route plan is to be Merquiri Work and Play Pvt. Ltd,
Evacuation developed and displayed in Plot No. 8, Jupiter Colony, Sikh Village, Secunderabad-500009,
different locations of each Telangana, India
floor and staircases in M: 08586975348
consultation with safety
engineers or local fire station.
Fire Extinguishers with
expired date to be replaced
immediately with new ones.

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III. Five Point Rating of Buildings

Evaluation Priority for

Evaluation Criteria Symbol
Rank Creating Access
Hazardous,
1 Inaccessible and Highest
Unsatisfactory
Inaccessible and
2 High
Unsatisfactory

Unsatisfactory but
3 Moderate
Acceptable
Accessible and
4 Acceptable - Access Low
Code Compliant
Accepted as a Best
5 Practice in Lowest
Accessibility

46
 IV. Additional Recommendations
Necessary 1. The admin/front desk staff need to be sensitized to the needs of visually impaired (i.e that the
recommendations register has to be filled by the front desk staff)

2. Administrative staff needs to be sensitized or trained to the needs of hearing impaired (using
SMS to communicate timing of meetings etc). Let this info be available in the manual.

3. For visually impaired: We request signage to be put up in Braille signage in key areas such as
restrooms. For Low vision persons: all glass doors/walls should have a strip which alerts them to
the presence of glass wall (may be useful for even sighted persons!)
Safety/ERT 1. Orientation for visually impaired to fire exit on each floor
recommendations
2. Procedure for disabled is to go along with a buddy. For physically disabled in wheelchair – they
will have to be carried down. Designated members have to be responsible for this
Overall long term 1. Please intimate builder on accessibility requirements so that any future changes do conform to
recommendation the guidelines

2. Create a handbook to be given to employees with disability Include disability training for all
employees as part of induction (5 mins max on what facilities are available)

3. Have instructions/manual - some training for support staff, shared service, outsourced staff on
their roles and responsibilities towards disabled staff. (Swabhiman can provide these on
payment of fee)

47
SWABHIMAN
State Disability Information and Resource Centre
A/98, Budha Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha – 751006
Email: swabhiman.bhubaneswar@gmail.com
Website: www.swabhiman.org
48