MUNIM: “Making people with reduced mobility useful and independent citizens of the society'

Abstract

Disability is a social condition where the ability to perform an activity is compromised. Barrier-free design is term that has been present since a few decades but hasn’t been addressed the way it deserves to. Barrier free means that a building and its facilities can be approached, entered and used by persons with physical or sensory disabilities. A barrier free environment will enable them to carry out their daily tasks, minimize dependence on their families/caregivers and help them become useful citizens of the society. There has been an extensive amount of work done on human body extensions for physically disabled (lower limb), for example, wheel chair, mobility chair, crutches, canes, braces, prosthetics, etc. But there is still a need to improve the designs that focus on accessibility. Hence, we need solutions that are designed for extremes, with ergonomics and aesthetics that are fit for all. By employing a human-centered design approach, we provide accessibility to people with lower limb immobility. The solution will not only build social justice for people with disabilities but also their confidence and bring emotional stability by improving their quality of life. With this they’ll be able to engage in social activities, employment, relationship and everyday life tasks. This design attempts to remove the stigma that is stuck with physically challenged persons. Designing for everyone rather than discriminating the specially-abled is how we improve the “Quality of Life”.