Mind Assets, in collaboration with Y-Center, riidl, and Somaiya School of Design, hosted a transformative hands-on workshop titled “Equity by Design” on 25th May 2024. The event aimed to explore ways to make academic, corporate, and public spaces more inclusive for individuals with disabilities. Moderated by Maitri Shah, Co-Founder of Mind Assets and an alumnus of K J Somaiya College of Engineering (Class of 2016), along with Rohan Goswami, COO and Global Strategy Head of Y-Center, the workshop attracted participants from diverse industries. These interdisciplinary attendees gathered to discuss the root causes of the exclusion of persons with disabilities and to design sustainable solutions tailored to the Indian context.
The workshop’s immersive approach set it apart, as attendees were divided into smaller teams of 4 to 6 members. Each team was tasked with a problem statement aimed at enhancing the way differently-abled individuals interact with and experience the world. To deepen understanding and empathy, one member from each team volunteered for an immersive activity—either using a wheelchair or being blindfolded for the duration of the workshop.
This experiential pedagogy included interactive sprints, design thinking frameworks, and the sharing of lived experiences from people with disabilities. The use of assistive technology devices further sensitized participants, providing them with a tangible understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Through these activities, the workshop emphasized the importance of empathy in designing inclusive spaces.
The success of “Equity by Design” lies in its ability to bring together diverse perspectives to address a critical issue. By fostering collaboration among academia, corporate sectors, and public spaces, the workshop paved the way for innovative solutions that promote inclusivity. The insights gained and solutions proposed during the workshop hold the potential to significantly impact how society accommodates and values differently-abled individuals.
“Equity by Design” exemplifies the power of collaborative and experiential learning in driving social change. As participants left with a heightened awareness and practical ideas for inclusivity, the event underscored the vital role of empathy and innovation in creating a more equitable world for all.
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