Dear Supporters,
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year 2017! We hope this year brings much goodness to the GlobalGiving family and we hope to strengthen our relationship with you even more.
As we approached this new year, we made certain resolutions to highlight and enhance mobility and accessibility of persons with disabilities alongside our focus areas – education and economic empowerment. The highlights of this period were as follows:
Prototype development and sponsorships
The Accessible Cycle Prototype has been developed by Automobile Corporation of Pakistan, our Design Implementation Partner for the Accessible Cycle Project, and tried by our team members with lower-limb impairments to iron out any issues. It will now be sent to one of our esteemed Jury Members - Mr. McCambridge at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for testing. We have also been fortunate to find a local production partner who will develop the first batch of Accessible Cycles to be given to our initial beneficiaries. Financial support for this project is still underway and your smallest contributions add to this effort! We look forward to having the prototype tested, in regular use of our beneficiaries and finally in the market for all persons with lower-limb impairment in Pakistan.
Miniature vehicles/replicas
As part of winter festivities, our team exhibited our signature miniature Rickshaws at a local mall called The Forum. Both the product and their efforts were much appreciated. Moreover, the miniature Accessible Cycle wooden replicas (that were mentioned in the previous report) have been developed and we cannot wait for our sponsors to have them on their work desks! Contact us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/NOWPDP) to save yours!
External and Internal sessions
Our efforts to raise awareness/mitigate attitudinal barriers and advocate for mobility and accessibility of persons with disabilities has taken the shape of both internal and external sessions. While we use creative outlets like art, music and dialogue to interact with the audience, we are ensuring the sessions are tied to tangible outcomes for persons with disabilities and are also recording the insights received for betterment of the initiative.
Information Hub including mobility devices/services for persons with disabilities
We have been occupied with verifying existing services for persons with disabilities from which categories like assistive devices (wheelchairs for persons with physical impairment, walking cane for persons with visual impairment etc.), accessible restaurants and public spaces etc. are crucial with respect to mobility and accessibility.
Supporter testimonials
“I loved being here at your stall and this rickshaw is my favourite.” – Asfandyar, child who visited our stall at The Forum
"Without mobility devices, people with disabilities are imprisoned in their homes, when they could be using their strength and skills to contribute to their communities. Hand propelled cycle in particular offer the opportunity to move throughout the community, covering long distances to reach work opportunities or carrying items for sale" - Mr. McCambridge, Instructor D-Lab MIT and Jury Member Accessible Cycle Design Challenge
As always, your valuable support and input is what allows us to reach newer heights in placing persons with disabilities in the driving seats of their lives!
Dear Supporters, Greetings!
The past 3 months went by real quick as we pulled our socks to work on some very interesting aspects regarding mobility and accessibility for persons with disabilities.
We realized that not only does the accessible cycle prototype need to be built and external sessions delivered but there needs to be an internal space as a pre-requisite to the advocacy plan and also an information hub for mobility of persons with disabilities. An elaboration of each element is as below:
Prototype development and sponsorships: After the event recognizing winners of the accessible cycle design, we ensured the development of both prototypes (winning design by Taufeeq from Abottabad and most innovative design by Daim, Bayan, Ahsan and Danish - students of NUST Karachi) by our Design Implementation Partner – Automobile Corporation of Pakistan. While the winning design has been developed, the runner up design is under development and we wish to see that soon. Testing of prototypes will be done by a panel of experts locally and globally and we will also have our 40 deserving beneficiaries try it. This is essential to iron out any possible issues so that a world-class product is provided to persons with disabilities which facilitates their independence and empowerment instead of providing them with a temporary and defect-laden solution (which was the motivation behind this project as mentioned before). Simultaneously, it was vital to find partners from the corporate sector who would be willing to provide funding and visibility to us hence we reached out to 20 companies out of which we have 1 on board and are awaiting the other 2-3.
Wooden miniature vehicle replicas: As a token of appreciation for our supporters investing in the accessible cycle project, we decided to add accessible cycles to our wooden miniature vehicles fleet! Our vendor developed a very delicate and brilliant replica of the winning design and our team is working enthusiastically on adding decorative elements. Simultaneously, the rickshaw replicas decoration continued on an order basis. These replicas work best for decoration and workplaces and allow you to connect with a disenfranchised group of persons with great potential!
External and internal sessions: Given our experience from earlier public and formal sessions and the CHIEF survey, we decided to develop a comprehensive strategy that would allow us to better advocate the mobility of persons with disabilities. Hence we have decided to resume the public sessions as per usual but complement that with sessions at our office premises so that we are able to build a formal network of individuals and organizations that enable us to further our cause of inclusion and allow us to advocate better on the mobility front.
Information hub with mobility information for persons with disabilities: In the past we had developed a directory of information for persons with disabilities as part of the I Am Karachi Campaign. NOWPDP has decided to revive it, given its obvious advantages, and will include an essential component related to mobility of persons with disabilities. This includes everything from mobility aids, devices to assistive technology and services that are accessible/disability-friendly mobility wise. The aim is to highlight those products and services and keep adding more so that choice is there and persons with disabilities are at ease when it comes to fulfilling their mobility and accessibility needs.
Beneficary quotes, testimonials and stories
“We appreciate your efforts for the accessible cycle and are happy to support your organization. Hope you keep up the good work!”, Maha from Engro Corporation (supporting the Accessible Cycle Project)
“Your organization is an inspiration and this talk was quite beneficial with the analogies drawn from the lives of persons with disabilities” – Azam, student at Karigar Training Institute who attended our session
“I am impressed with how well this special talent is engaged and what tremendous results are obtained. Wish you Godspeed”- Akber, Regional Manager at Ufone (regarding wooden miniature replicas)
We hope you follow what we try to do and look forward to your consistent support and love in making our journey of placing persons with disabilities in the driving seats of their lives, impactful!
Dear Supporters,
We are getting closer and closer to placing persons with disabilities in the driving seat of their own lives. Your continuous and generous support has enabled us to work tirelessly in order to change and ease the existing mobility-related hardships they encounter on an everyday basis.
The highlights of the period March-June along with their details are as follows:
Short-listing the top entries for Accessible Cycle Design Challenge 2016 and Selection of Competition Winner
The Accessible Cycle Design Challenge (ACDC), a nation-wide design competition for engineering and architecture students and professionals to come up with innovative cycle solutions for persons with lower-limb impairments, began on 1st January this year as mentioned in the previous report, and continued for the busy but exciting period of three months, ending on 31st March. Out of 58 cycle design submissions, 10 of the best entries were short-listed through the internal jury team from The Tree House and Automobile Corporation of Pakistan. The main jury then selected the Competition Winner and Most Innovative Design.
On 2nd June 2016, we hosted the ‘Moving People, Changing Minds’ event to inform the public about the need and importance of accessible transport for persons with disabilities, as well as to announce the ACDC competition winners. This event became a great platform for bringing together representatives from the government, the corporate sector, non-profit organizations, the media, and educational institutes. Taufeeq, an aspiring entrepreneur from Abbottabad, attained first position in the competition, and brought home the grand prize amount of Rs 200,000. Furthermore, The Most Innovative design was also recognized and awarded Rs. 100,000 prize money to the team of students from PNEC NUST Karachi consisting of Daim, Bayan, Ahsan and Danish. The top 30 designs from the competition were also exhibited at the event. Our very own Imran, Program Supervisor and person with disability, also developed a cycle prototype which was displayed and given an honorary mention.
As mentioned in the preceding report, the Accessible Cycle Design Challenge is the first phase in this larger journey that we’ve embarked on titled “Accessible Cycle Project”; a journey motivated by your gracious support. Second and third phases would be the Prototype Development of the winning design and the Market Availability of the accessible cycles, respectively. However, before they are mass produced and marketed, 40 of the winning design’s cycles will be developed and provided to deserving persons with lower-limb impairments, which they will keep free of cost, to gauge the effect on their lives.
CHIEF Survey conducted among those with physical, hearing, and visual impairments
The Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors (CHIEF) Survey was developed in 1997 to provide a new type of instrument that allows the quantification of Environmental Factors and leads to a better understanding of the degree to which elements of the environment impede or facilitate the lives of persons with disabilities through the assessment of societal, infrastructural, and policy barriers. We conducted this survey from March to May among 90 persons with physical, hearing, and visual impairments and are in process of compiling a comprehensive report for future interventions.
Facilitating research for Access Exchange International
We drafted a chapter for Access Exchange International’s Guide for the Transport of Children with Disabilities to Schools and are in the process of developing another.
Rickshaw Replicas
Our team continued adding artistic elements to the rickshaw replicas, which features short stories of them and their peers with disabilities, and symbolizes our message of mobility. Furthermore, this time round a big corporate order was received and our team enjoyed playing with colors and elements to give it the perfect look.
Advocacy Campaign for mobility and accessibility
We have outlined, prepared, and carefully organized an extensive and essential advocacy campaign for mobility and accessibility of persons with disabilities. Coalition and network building, grassroots organizing and mobilization, social media campaigns, guerrilla awareness activities and policy research are some of the ways we intend to bring about mobility and accessibility changes that will benefit persons with disabilities.
Beneficiary quotes, testimonials and stories
ACDC:
“There are very limited competitions that are so elaborate that they involve a lot of teamwork, motivation, skill and social welfare. To top it off it has a prize on it to create that immense competition that something is really bound to come out of it.” – Abdullah & Team, ACDC participants
“Your organization is really an inspiration for those who set the same vision as yours. I am proud of myself to take part in this competition.” – Rubab, Student at NEDUET Karachi and ACDC participant
“While working on this project I realized that disability was just a perspective because we have failed to integrate those individuals into our society. Had it been easier for them to mobilize, we might have not ended up alienating them. No one can call me disabled despite my faulty vision because these glasses help me cross that barrier.”– Taufeeq, Winner ACDC
CHIEF Survey:
“I live in Korangi and have worked for 6 years in [the] packing industry. I had a lot of colleagues who were people with disabilities but we all got laid off since our company could not afford our transportation to and from the factory.” – Eliyas, person with visual impairment said.
“The biggest hurdle that I face in my life is to step outside of my own home. Even today, I am not empowered with respect to my mobility. I have to ask my family for transportation and that is not taken well. Such [an] attitude is really disheartening.” - Person with a physical impairment said.
Our ongoing efforts in our continuous endeavour to mobilize persons with disabilities is driven by our unyielding vision to facilitate and ensure their equal access to opportunities and integration into society. Your contributions are greatly appreciated and your continuous support shall aid our aim in the greatest possible way. Thank you!
Links:
Dear Supporters,
Your support has been a great source of motivation in enabling us to truly ‘Put Persons with Disabilities in the Driving Seat’. Ever since our Project has graduated into a full-fledged Program, we have been striving to address the various mobility issues faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs) and spread awareness about and advocate their needs and rights. We are immensely thankful to you for your time and contributions and hope you will continue to support us.
The highlights of the November-February quarter are as follows: The Rickshaw Project focused on final planning and execution of the ‘Accessible Cycle Design Challenge’, continued facilitating research by Access Exchange International on ‘Transport to Schools for Children with Disabilities’, continued with sensitization sessions, executed a series of impromptu and informal public awareness-raising sessions titled ‘Baithaks’ and made critical decisions on the legislative front.
Final Planning and Execution of the Accessible Cycle Design Challenge 2016
With some Partners and esteemed Jury Members already on board for the Accessible Cycle Design Challenge, many more exciting aspects came into being this quarter. The aim was to disseminate awareness about the Challenge and to elicit maximum registrations and engagement throughout Pakistan with the support of generous Partners.
Our promotional partners have been of great support throughout especially FM91, ADA Magazine and Pakwheels, who generously provided us coverage on radio, print and digital media. With the immense support of our Campus Engagement Partners, AIESEC and IEEE, not only were more than 20 Engineering and Architectural universities engaged across Pakistan, but ambassadors were also selected from them to facilitate the Design Challenge sessions at their respective universities and disseminate awareness. The Rickshaw Project team visited 14 universities across the country, where promotional sessions for the Accessible Cycle Design Challenge were conducted. Some of these universities include:
Although the Jury had almost been finalized by the last quarter, some more esteemed experts were added to the Jury panel, namely:
The digital launch of the Design Challenge began from 1st January 2016, before which teasers were shared to stir up curiosity amongst audience regarding our upcoming campaign. On 13th January 2016, a Media launch was held at a private hotel in Karachi to disseminate information about the Challenge and NOWPDP, among representatives from the Corporate, Government, Non-profit, Media and Educational sectors. Great support was witnessed from the attendees especially Mr. Tuaha Farooqui - Secretary Transport and Mass Transit – Government of Sindh, and Mr. Shahid Abdulla, our esteemed Jury Member; both of whom expressed how essential accessibility is to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the mainstream society. The event was covered by a number of media outlets.
The registration phase of the Accessible Cycle Design Challenge ended on February 15th with more than 150 registrations (60% group, 40% individual) and over 350 participants. Weekly sessions with registered participants were held at the NOWPDP premises to keep them engaged, clarify any queries they may have pertaining to aspects such as design elements, production cost etc. and ensure submission good quality of designs.
It was also decided to name the Project this Design Challenge was the first phase of, the “Accessible Cycle Project”. As mentioned in the previous report, the Challenge would be followed by Prototype Development and Market Availability of the accessible cycles. This way the final product will be made available to its beneficiaries and its impact on their lives gauged with necessary tools.
Facilitating research by Access Exchange International
Having submitted two schools’ case studies already to Access Exchange International’s (AEI) global research on ‘Transport to Schools for Children with Disabilities’, The Rickshaw Project submitted three further studies and was also featured in their January 2016 Quarterly Newsletter. The Rickshaw Project has been further asked to draft two chapters in AEI’s upcoming Guide for the Transport of Children with Disabilities to Schools, for which its interns are working tirelessly.
Sensitization Sessions
Sensitization or ‘disability awareness-raising sessions’ were held for AIESEC & IEEE Executive Body Members and Ambassadors from Engineering and Architectural Universities recruited through them before they disseminate information about NOWPDP, The Rickshaw Project and Accessible Cycle Design Challenge among their circles. A lecture was also delivered by The Rickshaw Project Team at Karigar Training Institute (where the team drivers had received their training) and NED University of Engineering and Technology’s Urban Day regarding disabilities and etiquettes of engaging with persons with disabilities.
Baithaks
‘Baithaks’ is the name given to the impromptu and informal awareness-raising sessions that The Rickshaw Project team began conducting at public spaces across Karachi in November to generate awareness about the rights of PWDs, and the everyday challenges they face, especially with regards to mobility. Instead of the usual formal session, a guerilla marketing tactic was used which would begin with an argument between two PWDs from The Rickshaw Project team - one in favor of earning a respectful living and the other leaning towards begging. A crowd would gather while the debate would continue and slowly people would start speaking up, leading to a full-fledged discussion on disability and the challenges surrounding it.
The aim is to spread awareness in all towns of Karachi step-by-step. Till date, 30 Baithaks have been held in Baldia Town and Jamshed Town – a total of 12 Union Councils and 410 people reached. Apart from inculcating basic disability etiquettes, these sessions will provide The Rickshaw Project and therefore NOWPDP with an opportunity to collect data pertaining to public perceptions about PWDs and the need for their inclusion in the society.
Legislation
Previously, The Rickshaw Project had decided to take a legal stand by challenging the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965 (which disallows persons with disabilities from getting commercial driving licenses) in court with the support of Public Interest Law Association of Pakistan (PILAP) and a young talented lawyer, Mubariz Siddiqui. Since NOWPDP strongly believes in a collaborative approach and given its strong connections in both the public and private sector, a consultative meeting took place between our team and leaders of the Transport and Traffic Police Department.
The Secretary of Transport & Mass Transit, Mr Tuaha Farooqui, DIG Traffic, Dr Amir Sheikh, Secretary of Provincial Transport Authority, Mr Ghazanfar Ali Qadri and DIG Licensing Branch, Dr Aftab Pathan, along with Mr Amin Hashwani, President NOWPDP and Omair Ahmad, Director NOWPDP were in attendance. The problems faced by persons with disabilities in receiving driving licenses were discussed and how their on-road access can be facilitated. The government officials showed their receptiveness to provide maximum possible support to NOWPDP in their vision to promote an inclusive environment for persons with disabilities. The Rickshaw Project also prepared a comprehensive document for the Government of Sindh’s Transport Department containing recommendations to enhance the on-road access of persons with disabilities in Sindh.
Beneficiary quotes & stories
I hope you enjoyed reading the updates as much as we enjoyed executing the activities. Your continued support is essential in allowing us to take our mandate of on-road accessibility and inclusion as a whole forward. Please spread the word as much as you can and in case of any queries feel free to drop us an e-mail at info@nowpdp.org or find us on Facebook and Twitter (NOWPDP and The Rickshaw Project).
Thank you very much!
Links:
Summary of The Rickshaw Project’s Activities
The Rickshaw Project graduated into a full-fledged program, working on two core elements - Sustainable Mobility Solutions and Legislation for persons with disabilities. Furthermore, it continued its efforts on the community engagement front with the aim to increase acceptability of the two aforementioned elements by sensitizing people regarding persons with disabilities.
The major highlights of this quarter included conducting sensitization sessions and community engagement, facilitating research by Access Exchange International on “Transport to Schools for Children with Disabilities”, preparing to file a petition in court challenging the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965, planning Pakistan’s first Accessible Cycle Design Challenge, and capacity building of The Rickshaw Project team.
Sensitization Sessions and Community Engagement
A series of sensitization sessions titled “The Barriers Made Me Stronger” were conducted across three educational institutes in Karachi, namely Institute of Business Management & Technology (BIZTEK), The Lyceum School, and Institute of Business Administration (IBA). Members of The Rickshaw Project team, who are persons with disabilities themselves, shared their personal stories and interacted with the students and faculty members to minimize the stereotypes about persons with disabilities and also to gain support for legalizing driving licenses for persons with disabilities through signing the petition. The total reach of these three sensitization sessions was approximately 170 students.
Additionally, the members of The Rickshaw Project team worked to enhance the understanding of disability and persons with disabilities in their communities, and encourage persons with disabilities in their communities to avoid begging and earn a livelihood by pursuing respectful professions.
Research on “Transport to Schools for Children with Disabilities”
The Rickshaw Projected was selected in July 2015 by Access Exchange International (AEI) to become a representative of Pakistan, facilitating the global research on “Transport to Schools for Children with Disabilities.” The project is headed by Tom Rickert, Executive Director, AEI and the project team includes global experts and practitioners on accessible transports from around the world. Interns working with The Rickshaw Project conducted qualitative research under the supervision of The Rickshaw Project team to develop case studies. Subsequently, two schools’ case studies were submitted to AEI.
Filing a Petition in Court to Challenge Restriction Against Driving Licenses for Persons with Disabilities
The Rickshaw Project decided to take a legal stand by challenging the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965 in court. The vagueness in the ordinance restricts persons with physical impairments from getting commercial driving licenses. Additionally, the ordinance also disallows persons with hearing impairments from getting a driving license in Pakistan, despite the fact that more than a 100 countries around the world allow that.
At present, Public Interest Law Association of Pakistan (PILAP) and a young talented lawyer, Mubariz Siddiqui, are helping The Rickshaw Project in bringing this case in the court of law. Danishkadah, a Pakistani NGO which works for people with hearing and speech impairments, has also come on board as one of the petitioners.
Capacity Building of “The Rickshaw Project” Team
Four members of The Rickshaw Project team completed a two-month long Mechanic Training Course at Karigar Training Institute, which was customized for people with disabilities and helped the trainees enhance their understanding of the tools as well as techniques required for effective vehicle maintenance. The Rickshaw Project team members received certificates at an award ceremony, in which they also delivered a motivational talk to more than 50 trainees.
Additionally, three members of The Rickshaw Project team members underwent a three-week English language course delivered by members of the NOWPDP team, in which they learned the words and phrases that helped them in delivering motivational talks.
Planning Accessible Cycle Design Challenge 2016
The idea to launch a nationwide tricycle design challenge was initiated in July 2015. Results of preliminary research conducted by The Rickshaw Project indicated that the current tricycle used by persons with disabilities is highly accident-prone, uncomfortable, incompact, aesthetically unpleasant, and requires a lot of exertion.
Following the research findings, planning of the challenge commenced with some exciting results. In order to enhance its sustainability, the project was divided into three phases – Design Selection, Prototype Development and Market Availability. The artwork was also finalized once the following partners successfully came on board, while talks with sponsors and promotional partners continued:
The Rickshaw Project was also able to have renowned national and international figures join its Jury for this challenge, some of which include:
The challenge, which will be running from January 1st to March 31st 2016, aims to find the most accessible cycle design that enhances the mobility of persons with lower-limb impairments and empowers them by providing them on-road access. The challenge will be open to all however participants must keep the design features (less accident-prone, requires less exertion, comfortable, compact and aesthetically pleasant) and production cost (under PKR. 10,000) in mind.
Rickshaw Replicas
The Rickshaw Project team continued working on adding artistic elements to the rickshaw replicas which also includes their short stories. Various guests visiting NOWPDP were gifted these replicas as a token of appreciation which they highly valued.
Beneficiary Quotes and Stories
Sensitization Sessions:
“The session made me realize that if provided the right opportunities, persons with disabilities can excel like everyone else” (Student at IBA who attended a Sensitization Session)
“Delivering these sessions served as a great confidence booster as I was unable to speak up before. The appreciation received from students and teachers also felt great” (Vishal – Workshop Assistant at The Rickshaw Project)
Community Engagement:
Encouragement provided by The Rickshaw Project team members to persons with disabilities in their respective social circles led to the following results:
Some persons with disabilities in need were identified by Imran, Program Supervisor at The Rickshaw Project, and were provided mobility solutions by the team resulting in the following success stories:
Capacity Building of “The Rickshaw Project Team”
“The training was very beneficial as now we are able to fix any vehicle without worrying. We also learnt what the workshop tools are called in English” (Khalid – Driver at The Rickshaw Project)
“I found the English language course to be very helpful because we go to various places to conduct sensitization sessions and need to use the correct terminology to get our point across” (Anwer – Driver at The Rickshaw Project)
Project Reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you will get an e-mail when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports via e-mail without donating.
We'll only email you new reports and updates about this project.
