Idiriya: Difference between revisions

IDIRIYA
	File:IIDIRIYA LOGO - 1.jpg
Formation	2005
Type	Non-Profit
Location	Sri Lanka;
Chief Executive / Secretary-General	Dr.Ajith C. S. Perera

Browse history interactively

← Previous edit Next edit →

Content deleted Content added

VisualWikitext

Inline

Revision as of 17:25, 8 April 2010

IDIRIYA ^[1], is a not-for-profit registered humanitarian organisation focusing on disability rights that fully understands disability related access issues that affect a wide range of people.

Based in Sri Lanka, IDIRIYA comprises a group of professionals in diverse fields who give their services voluntarily.

Their work ^[2] is all about making a positive difference to human lives of able people who are disadvantaged or marginalised by dis-abling society as they experience, for different reasons, restricted ability, mobility in particular.

Although IDIRIYA do not seek to represent such people, they support and strive to empower them to lobby individually and collectively for change, to benefit their own day-to-day productive lives.

Their aims are not to make profits. In fact, all members work in an honorary capacity, in continuing to be exceptionally responsive towards designing for inclusion of all and thereby emPowering everyone through 'increased opportunities' in daily life, to be more productive and gainful, healthier and full-fledged citizens.

However, the organisation, not an affluent body, receives no outside funding from any source and has been kept functioning actively, with commitment and integrity, by voluntary contributions of time and resources, mainly by its members.

History

IDIRIYA was founded in 2005 ^[3] by disability rights activist Dr. Ajith C. S. Perera. It was born from Perera’s (i). Passion for creating an environment that is accessible and user-friendly equally to everyone, enabling choice and with dignity and (ii). Desire to make a consciousness-raising eye-opener on accessibility to built environments.

IDIRIYA have identified ISBN 978-955-1914-00-4 two prerequisites for a formidable and sustainable national economy: Viz. (i). Arresting the waste of productive human potential through mobilising the productive value of all people, able-bodied or otherwise, and (ii). Minimising unwanted dependents through empowering people.

They believe that construction of environments for inclusion of all people is cost effective and the effective way to arrest colossal waste of precious assets, enhances gainful opportunities for an increasing wide range of people and make everyone meaningful equal partners in Sri Lankan National development.

They realise the need for a new and more positive understanding and changing reactions to dis-Ability and its related key issues.

This requires opening of minds to the social model of disability that explains how it's the social environment that renders a wide and diverse range of people dis-Abled.

Vision

IDIRIYA’s vision is: Enabling the people who are severely ‘disadvantaged’ or ‘marginalised’ in day-to-day normal life due to continuing poor building design and thereby establishing a society that does not discriminate against people with limited mobility - an inevitable fact as life unfolds.

Mission

Creating awareness, Engaging support and Catalysing change actively ISBN 978-955-1914-00-4 to promote built environments that can be used equally and safely by all sectors of society, with choice, with dignity and without any hindrance.

The Simultaneous focus here is on two key aspects.

1. To design and conduct educational and awareness programmes ^[4]^[5]^[6]^[7] as an on-going process, to stimulate the interest - and thereby induce a positive change in attitudes - to deliver better living environments and thereby to make communities liveable by everyone.

2. To provide the right guidance and proper advice ^[8], if required, to those who desire to construct or modify environments or even a mixture of both, so as to be enabling equally for everyone.

Significant Contributions

IDIRIYA recognise the fact that disability related internationally accepted regulations in building construction and design of key building parts by professionals in this vital industry often run high risks of failure in terms of practical implementation, if not backed by a good understanding of its intricacies and practical experience, as theory without practice is blind.

As such, authorities undertaking such tasks of National importance may well need expert guidance from those with insight and proven competence as to how best to do this Humanitarian work rightly.

To ease the difficulty of finding the right help, IDIRIYA, as a trusted friend, has also stepped in here.

Several Organisations in Sri Lanka, both large and small, who desire to design and deliver better environments that can be used equally and safely by all sectors of society, with dignity and with safety, have already benefited to get what they want here with the right guidance of IDIRIYA - a good testimony to their sincere commitment and proven competence ^[9]^[10]^[11].

IDIRIYA in 2007 also initiated action and paved the way in the establishment and launch of the first Sri Lanka Standard for design in building construction by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution - SLS ISO TR 9527:2006 - taking into consideration diversity in ability of people.^[12]^[13]

Major achievements

Accessibility to built environments is an indispensable inherent basic human right.

Laws to require public buildings and facilities to be made accessible to dis-abled persons were established in Sri Lanka in 1996 and further strengthened by the introduction of accessibility regulations under this law in 2005 and thereafter, receiving unanimous Parliament approval.

However, inept bureaucracy failed to establish a formal mechanism to implement and pursue the legislation and thereby to deliver practical effect, even in respect of NEW public buildings.^[14]

Violators roam scot-free, significant setbacks to gainful opportunities of disabled people, increasing numbers hence driven towards poverty affecting even their immediate families, waste of human potential, etc., and thereby reduce our limited resources causing substantial losses to the country.

Even after 13 years this malady continues as the non-disabled decision makers fail to recognise this National disaster.

Seeking redress for physically disabled persons accessing new public buildings, a fundamental rights application [Ref: SCFR: 221/2009] aimed at preventing further colossal losses the country incurs, was filed by IDIRIYA at the Supreme Court in March 2009.

Dr. Ajith C. S. Perera – Hony.Secretary-General of IDIRIYA appearing in person on a wheelchair, argued the need to have the disability access laws and regulations already enacted some years ago, fully enforced and implemented with respect to new public buildings in Sri Lanka. ^[15]

The bench headed by the country's Chief Justice, in delivering their unanimous judgement on 14 October 2009, issued landmark orders (See External links.) having the potential to reverse these adverse trends and reap over 30 rich dividends for the country and its people - disabled and non-disabled alike.

This has been recognised in Sri Lanka as a significant achievement towards equalisation of opportunities, 'not simply' but the hard way, by the dis-abled for the dis-abled.

References

^ IDIRIYA on a national mission, The Island news, Retrieved on 28th November 2008
^ Brimming possibilities in the disabled, Sunday Island features, Retrieved on 25th November 2007
^ IDIRIYA launch - Enabling the 'Able yet Unable', Sunday Observer features, Retrieved on 02nd April 2006
^ Access Ability For All, Island Midweek, Retrieved on 04th June 2008
^ Designing to Include, Sunday Times Plus, Retrieved on 22nd June 2008
^ Enabling Environments for Better Health, Daily News Health Watch, Retrieved on 23rd September 2006
^ Accessibility is a national issue, Sunday Observer Features, Retrieved on 01st June 2008
^ Random thoughts on ‘World Human Rights Day’ . Daily News, Retrieved on 10th December 2008
^ Ability within Disability,The Nation, Retrieved on 30th November 2008
^ An Enabling Environment for All, The Island, Retrieved on 09th October 2007
^ Achievers Recognised and Appreciated, The Nation, Retrieved on 29th June 2008
^ "Design to include, not exclude, all people" (Press release). Organisation of Professional Associations (OPA). 2007-11-29. Retrieved 2009-03-15. …. the Government (of Sri Lanka) has declared 2007/08 as the 'Year of Access' and the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (on an initiative made by this writer) responded expeditiously to establish a Sri Lanka Standard for building construction (reference: SL/ISO/TR/9527:2006.)
^ Perera, Ajith C. S. Access Ability For All - Why You?. Colombo: IDIRYA. p. 111. ISBN 978-955-1914-00-4 date = 2008-05-04. Chapter 18: Meeting the Building Needs of Disabled People by Dr. A. R. L. Wijesekera."
"I am very happy to confirm that it was the initiative taken by IDIRIYA and its Secretary-General Dr. Ajith C. S. Perera, in proposing to the SLSI on 1 February 2006 and following-up matters thereafter on 15 March 2006 in addressing the SLSI sectoral committee as to the vital need of developing our own building standard in this regard, that paved the way for this achievement of national importance. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help); Missing pipe in: |isbn= (help); Text "edition first" ignored (help)
^ "Supreme Court order propels 'accessibility for all'". Features - Page 16. Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited – Daily News. 2009-11-13. Retrieved 2010-01-24. Perhaps for the first time, the unassuming but able voice of disabled persons praying for 'justice to access public facilities' echoed loud and clears at the country's apex court. "
" A fundamental rights application aimed at preventing further colossal losses the country incurs, was filed at the Supreme Court by Dr. Ajith C. S. Perera. Submissions were made on behalf of IDIRIYA by this disabled petitioner appearing in person. It was a significant achievement, 'not simply' but the hard way. "
" Laws to require public buildings and facilities to be made accessible to disabled persons were established in 1996 and further strengthened by the introduction of accessibility regulations under this law in 2005 and thereafter, receiving unanimous Parliament approval. "
" However, inept stagnant bureaucracy failed to establish a formal mechanism to implement and pursue the legislation and thereby to deliver practical effect, even in respect of new public buildings. "
" "The Court recognised that in terms of the 'Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities' Act No. 28 of 1996 and accessibility regulations made there under, no person should be discriminated on the ground of disability and their mobility restricted in a manner which precludes or impedes them from gaining reasonable physical access to public buildings and facilities provided within such buildings, especially the toilet facilities. "
".Accordingly, the Court ordered the following. "
".1. All new public buildings as defined in the accessibility regulations No.1 of 2006, should provide 'reasonable access' to persons with physical disabilities. "
" 2. All authorities that are empowered to approve building plans or issue any 'Certificate of Conformity' for public buildings should refrain from doing so in respect of any building which would violate this court order. "
" 3. Failure to comply would draw punitive repercussions as set out in the law (which would very soon be made more stringent) . "
" 4. The proceedings were terminated with liberty to you to file a motion, if there is any violation of the court orders. "
" Clarification of court orders . "
" What's acceptable as 'reasonable access'? It means the following key parts of a new public building stipulated by the accessibility regulations in force, not just the entrances, should be designed in accordance with the minimum design requirements there: floor surfaces, pathways and corridors, doors and entrances, steps and stairs, hand rails and grab bars, ramps (where needed), lifts, toilets, car parks and signage. "
" Design requirements provide the basic essential architectural needs that address the diverse mobility needs of the widest possible range of persons.
^ Ockersz, Lynn (2009-11-08). "Landmark Supreme Court ruling – A fillip for accessibility rights of disabled". News - Page 17. Upali Newspapers - The Sunday Island. Retrieved 2010-01-26. The right of the disabled to have unhindered access to public buildings received a substantial boost when the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka ruled on 14 October 2009, that, among other things, all new public buildings in the country should conform fully to already enacted disability access laws and regulations. "
". Buildings in the commercial, recreational, social, educational, residential and industrial categories are expected to come under the purview of these laws, which were included in the statute book some years ago, but which have come to be seen as not fully and energetically implemented."
" In terms of the SC order, made in respect of case no. SC (FR) 221/2009, these categories of buildings should render their facilities accessible to the disabled, including toilets', said Dr, Ajit C. Perera, the disability rights activist, who personally represented matters for the disabled before the SC, subsequent to him petitioning the Court on the need to have the laws fully enforced and implemented. "
".He said that in addition to toilets, the following 'key parts' of buildings should be constructed in accordance with 'design requirements' set out in the law: entrances, floor surfaces, pathways and corridors, doors, steps and stairs, hand rails, grab bars, ramps, lifts, car parks and signage. "
".The SC order further states that all authorities who are empowered to approve building plans or issue any 'Certificates of Conformity' for public buildings, should refrain from doing so in respect of any buildings which violate these orders. "
".'Any violations of the court order would incur punitive repercussions and would be seen as Contempt of Court', Perera explained.

External links

Supreme Court orders 2009 October - ‘Accessibility for All’ at public buildings.
http://www facebook.com/ajithcsperera We are ABLE]
[1]

[1] IDIRIYA on a national mission, The Island news, Retrieved on 28th November 2008

[2] Brimming possibilities in the disabled, Sunday Island features, Retrieved on 25th November 2007

[3] IDIRIYA launch - Enabling the 'Able yet Unable', Sunday Observer features, Retrieved on 02nd April 2006

[4] Access Ability For All, Island Midweek, Retrieved on 04th June 2008

[5] Designing to Include, Sunday Times Plus, Retrieved on 22nd June 2008

[6] Enabling Environments for Better Health, Daily News Health Watch, Retrieved on 23rd September 2006

[7] Accessibility is a national issue, Sunday Observer Features, Retrieved on 01st June 2008

[8] Random thoughts on ‘World Human Rights Day’ . Daily News, Retrieved on 10th December 2008

[9] Ability within Disability,The Nation, Retrieved on 30th November 2008

[10] An Enabling Environment for All, The Island, Retrieved on 09th October 2007

[11] Achievers Recognised and Appreciated, The Nation, Retrieved on 29th June 2008

[12] "Design to include, not exclude, all people" (Press release). Organisation of Professional Associations (OPA). 2007-11-29. Retrieved 2009-03-15. …. the Government (of Sri Lanka) has declared 2007/08 as the 'Year of Access' and the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (on an initiative made by this writer) responded expeditiously to establish a Sri Lanka Standard for building construction (reference: SL/ISO/TR/9527:2006.)

[13] Perera, Ajith C. S. Access Ability For All - Why You?. Colombo: IDIRYA. p. 111. ISBN 978-955-1914-00-4 date = 2008-05-04. Chapter 18: Meeting the Building Needs of Disabled People by Dr. A. R. L. Wijesekera."
"I am very happy to confirm that it was the initiative taken by IDIRIYA and its Secretary-General Dr. Ajith C. S. Perera, in proposing to the SLSI on 1 February 2006 and following-up matters thereafter on 15 March 2006 in addressing the SLSI sectoral committee as to the vital need of developing our own building standard in this regard, that paved the way for this achievement of national importance. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help); Missing pipe in: |isbn= (help); Text "edition first" ignored (help)

[14] "Supreme Court order propels 'accessibility for all'". Features - Page 16. Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited – Daily News. 2009-11-13. Retrieved 2010-01-24. Perhaps for the first time, the unassuming but able voice of disabled persons praying for 'justice to access public facilities' echoed loud and clears at the country's apex court. "
" A fundamental rights application aimed at preventing further colossal losses the country incurs, was filed at the Supreme Court by Dr. Ajith C. S. Perera. Submissions were made on behalf of IDIRIYA by this disabled petitioner appearing in person. It was a significant achievement, 'not simply' but the hard way. "
" Laws to require public buildings and facilities to be made accessible to disabled persons were established in 1996 and further strengthened by the introduction of accessibility regulations under this law in 2005 and thereafter, receiving unanimous Parliament approval. "
" However, inept stagnant bureaucracy failed to establish a formal mechanism to implement and pursue the legislation and thereby to deliver practical effect, even in respect of new public buildings. "
" "The Court recognised that in terms of the 'Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities' Act No. 28 of 1996 and accessibility regulations made there under, no person should be discriminated on the ground of disability and their mobility restricted in a manner which precludes or impedes them from gaining reasonable physical access to public buildings and facilities provided within such buildings, especially the toilet facilities. "
".Accordingly, the Court ordered the following. "
".1. All new public buildings as defined in the accessibility regulations No.1 of 2006, should provide 'reasonable access' to persons with physical disabilities. "
" 2. All authorities that are empowered to approve building plans or issue any 'Certificate of Conformity' for public buildings should refrain from doing so in respect of any building which would violate this court order. "
" 3. Failure to comply would draw punitive repercussions as set out in the law (which would very soon be made more stringent) . "
" 4. The proceedings were terminated with liberty to you to file a motion, if there is any violation of the court orders. "
" Clarification of court orders . "
" What's acceptable as 'reasonable access'? It means the following key parts of a new public building stipulated by the accessibility regulations in force, not just the entrances, should be designed in accordance with the minimum design requirements there: floor surfaces, pathways and corridors, doors and entrances, steps and stairs, hand rails and grab bars, ramps (where needed), lifts, toilets, car parks and signage. "
" Design requirements provide the basic essential architectural needs that address the diverse mobility needs of the widest possible range of persons.

[15] Ockersz, Lynn (2009-11-08). "Landmark Supreme Court ruling – A fillip for accessibility rights of disabled". News - Page 17. Upali Newspapers - The Sunday Island. Retrieved 2010-01-26. The right of the disabled to have unhindered access to public buildings received a substantial boost when the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka ruled on 14 October 2009, that, among other things, all new public buildings in the country should conform fully to already enacted disability access laws and regulations. "
". Buildings in the commercial, recreational, social, educational, residential and industrial categories are expected to come under the purview of these laws, which were included in the statute book some years ago, but which have come to be seen as not fully and energetically implemented."
" In terms of the SC order, made in respect of case no. SC (FR) 221/2009, these categories of buildings should render their facilities accessible to the disabled, including toilets', said Dr, Ajit C. Perera, the disability rights activist, who personally represented matters for the disabled before the SC, subsequent to him petitioning the Court on the need to have the laws fully enforced and implemented. "
".He said that in addition to toilets, the following 'key parts' of buildings should be constructed in accordance with 'design requirements' set out in the law: entrances, floor surfaces, pathways and corridors, doors, steps and stairs, hand rails, grab bars, ramps, lifts, car parks and signage. "
".The SC order further states that all authorities who are empowered to approve building plans or issue any 'Certificates of Conformity' for public buildings, should refrain from doing so in respect of any buildings which violate these orders. "
".'Any violations of the court order would incur punitive repercussions and would be seen as Contempt of Court', Perera explained.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

@@ Line 98: / Line 98: @@
 *[http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/11/12/Gen45-Accessibility%20at%20Public%20Buildings.pdf '''Supreme Court orders 2009 October''' - ‘Accessibility for All’ at public buildings.]
-*[http://www.facebook.com/people/Ajith-C-S-Perera/616331593 Crusader on Wheels]
+*http://www facebook.com/ajithcsperera We are ABLE]
-*[http://facebook.dj/idiriya/]
+*[http://facebook.dj/idiriya/IDIRIYA]
 [[Category:Organisations based in Sri Lanka]]