<p>In a gripping moment from Netflix’s recent TV show Maamla Legal Hai, Ananya, one of the leads, confronts two lawyers who have set up their workstations on a wheelchair-accessible ramp outside a courtroom in the district court premises. With some incredulity, she asks, “How can you work on this ramp? Can’t you see the signage?” The signage in question—a universal accessibility symbol—is displayed upside down, leading the lawyers to misinterpret it as “CF,” possibly short for “court filing.” Ananya straightens the sign and corrects them: “It’s the accessibility symbol,” she says, highlighting the lack of awareness about something as basic as inclusive design. The scene, while fictional, is a stark reflection of the everyday ignorance that those with disabilities often face, especially in spaces that are meant to cater to everyone.</p>.<p>This moment from the show raises crucial questions about the accessibility awareness in our society. Many residents of Prayagraj may fail to recognize the crucial details that make a big difference in ensuring true accessibility. Over the past few years, efforts to upgrade infrastructure have included the installation of accessibility signage across key areas of Civil Lines, i.e., at the PD Tandon Marg, Stanley Road, and Thornhill Road. The signs are installed on steep footpaths and, in one case, inside a road divider. In another case, a bench is placed right after the sign on the same pathway, rendering the usage of the passage impossible. The placement of these signages leaves it to one’s imagination as to what is being made accessible, how it is being made accessible, and the degree of its accessibility. Rather than promoting accessibility, the accessibility signage contradicts the principles of inclusion, serving as an obstacle for individuals with disabilities trying to use the pathway. This is particularly concerning because Prayagraj is making strides toward becoming a smart city.</p>.<p>Policy-practice discord</p>.<p>In India, accessibility for persons with disabilities (PwDs) and the associated signage are regulated by the Indian Roads Congress Standards (IRC). The Manual on Universal Accessibility for Urban Roads and Streets under IRC clearly states that an accessibility symbol denotes a barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities, older people, parents with prams, etc., besides also stipulating that the guiding principle of ‘universal accessibility’ is to create an obstacle-free environment, encompassing broad-spectrum ideas to create accessible streets, buildings, and environments to the maximum extent possible. Similarly, the Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility also highlight the importance of accessibility signage in public spaces, adding that information and direction signs should be provided at junctions of circulation routes and key destinations, and directional signs should readily identify and provide a logical sequence from a starting point to a point of destination and a clear indication of return routes to named exits.</p>.<p>As Prayagraj hosts the Maha Kumbh Mela, the impassive development of the city may pose significant challenges to the well-being of individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, including the elderly. The placement of the signages raises several questions requiring urgent resolutions. In this context, it is important for the concerned authorities to review the authorisations for such structures and signage within the city. This evaluation should also encompass the nature of audits conducted during their construction and the criteria established for carrying out these audits. The want is to think through the negligent placement of symbols in the city and right the inconsistencies in the infrastructure as they stand today. These measures are essential to establish accountability mechanisms that promote a truly inclusive society.</p>.<p>Accessibility signage serves as a hallmark of trust for individuals with disabilities, informing them that the structure around them is navigable, and empowers them to navigate their surroundings with ease and independence. These signs embody principles of universal design. The upside-down accessibility symbol in the show mirrors a real issue: even as we work to improve physical infrastructure, the correct usage and clear communication of accessibility needs are often overlooked. Just as the lawyers misinterpreted the signage, the makers of the TV show also got the universal accessibility signage wrong (the accessibility sign faces rightwards, not leftwards). The confusion behind the purpose of the signage underscores a wider lack of awareness. As India’s disabled population continues to strive for equal participation in the economy, it is essential that these projects are designed with inclusivity at their core. </p>.<p>(The writers teach law at the Jindal Global Law School, O P Jindal Global University, Sonipat)</p>
<p>In a gripping moment from Netflix’s recent TV show Maamla Legal Hai, Ananya, one of the leads, confronts two lawyers who have set up their workstations on a wheelchair-accessible ramp outside a courtroom in the district court premises. With some incredulity, she asks, “How can you work on this ramp? Can’t you see the signage?” The signage in question—a universal accessibility symbol—is displayed upside down, leading the lawyers to misinterpret it as “CF,” possibly short for “court filing.” Ananya straightens the sign and corrects them: “It’s the accessibility symbol,” she says, highlighting the lack of awareness about something as basic as inclusive design. The scene, while fictional, is a stark reflection of the everyday ignorance that those with disabilities often face, especially in spaces that are meant to cater to everyone.</p>.<p>This moment from the show raises crucial questions about the accessibility awareness in our society. Many residents of Prayagraj may fail to recognize the crucial details that make a big difference in ensuring true accessibility. Over the past few years, efforts to upgrade infrastructure have included the installation of accessibility signage across key areas of Civil Lines, i.e., at the PD Tandon Marg, Stanley Road, and Thornhill Road. The signs are installed on steep footpaths and, in one case, inside a road divider. In another case, a bench is placed right after the sign on the same pathway, rendering the usage of the passage impossible. The placement of these signages leaves it to one’s imagination as to what is being made accessible, how it is being made accessible, and the degree of its accessibility. Rather than promoting accessibility, the accessibility signage contradicts the principles of inclusion, serving as an obstacle for individuals with disabilities trying to use the pathway. This is particularly concerning because Prayagraj is making strides toward becoming a smart city.</p>.<p>Policy-practice discord</p>.<p>In India, accessibility for persons with disabilities (PwDs) and the associated signage are regulated by the Indian Roads Congress Standards (IRC). The Manual on Universal Accessibility for Urban Roads and Streets under IRC clearly states that an accessibility symbol denotes a barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities, older people, parents with prams, etc., besides also stipulating that the guiding principle of ‘universal accessibility’ is to create an obstacle-free environment, encompassing broad-spectrum ideas to create accessible streets, buildings, and environments to the maximum extent possible. Similarly, the Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility also highlight the importance of accessibility signage in public spaces, adding that information and direction signs should be provided at junctions of circulation routes and key destinations, and directional signs should readily identify and provide a logical sequence from a starting point to a point of destination and a clear indication of return routes to named exits.</p>.<p>As Prayagraj hosts the Maha Kumbh Mela, the impassive development of the city may pose significant challenges to the well-being of individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, including the elderly. The placement of the signages raises several questions requiring urgent resolutions. In this context, it is important for the concerned authorities to review the authorisations for such structures and signage within the city. This evaluation should also encompass the nature of audits conducted during their construction and the criteria established for carrying out these audits. The want is to think through the negligent placement of symbols in the city and right the inconsistencies in the infrastructure as they stand today. These measures are essential to establish accountability mechanisms that promote a truly inclusive society.</p>.<p>Accessibility signage serves as a hallmark of trust for individuals with disabilities, informing them that the structure around them is navigable, and empowers them to navigate their surroundings with ease and independence. These signs embody principles of universal design. The upside-down accessibility symbol in the show mirrors a real issue: even as we work to improve physical infrastructure, the correct usage and clear communication of accessibility needs are often overlooked. Just as the lawyers misinterpreted the signage, the makers of the TV show also got the universal accessibility signage wrong (the accessibility sign faces rightwards, not leftwards). The confusion behind the purpose of the signage underscores a wider lack of awareness. As India’s disabled population continues to strive for equal participation in the economy, it is essential that these projects are designed with inclusivity at their core. </p>.<p>(The writers teach law at the Jindal Global Law School, O P Jindal Global University, Sonipat)</p>
