Empowering Future Civil Engineers to Champion Accessibility: VOSAP Orientation Program Inspires 100 Students
In a landmark initiative to shape an inclusive future, Voice of Specially Abled People (VOSAP) organized a powerful Orientation Program on Accessibility for over 100 Civil Engineering students at the Polytechnic’s Civil Engineering Department, Ahmedabad. This impactful session was spearheaded by VOSAP Volunteer Uday Trivedi, whose commitment to spreading awareness on accessibility is driving real change on the ground.
The session received a special boost as Manisha Pathak, Executive Team Member of VOSAP, resumed her mission of inspiring the youth to join VOSAP in large numbers. She was joined by dedicated volunteers Atul Soni and Dhruv Chavda, who collectively led an inspiring and thought-provoking interaction with the students.
The orientation focused on a core goal: changing the mindset of the upcoming generation of civil engineers, instilling in them the critical understanding that accessibility is not an optional feature — it is a fundamental necessity in all infrastructure projects. Students were sensitized to the challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) due to lack of accessible environments, and were urged to take leadership in integrating universal design principles in all their future projects.
The session also emphasized compassion and individual social responsibility. VOSAP volunteers encouraged both students and their parents to take the Pledge through the VOSAP app, a step toward becoming champions of inclusion in their communities. As a testament to the success of the session, 39 students took the pledge on the spot, committing to be change-makers in building an accessible India.
Beyond technical education, students were enlightened on existing accessibility gaps in public and private infrastructure and were inspired to be part of the systemic change needed in urban and rural planning. The awareness provided by the VOSAP team is truly priceless — a seed planted today in young minds that will grow into inclusive leadership tomorrow.
