CBM Global Nepal, under the IGNITE Project, successfully conducted a two-day Accessibility Audit Training for key stakeholders from 32 working municipalities across eight districts of Madhesh Province. The training brought together municipal engineers, representatives of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), members of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Response Groups, and Safety and Wellbeing Defenders (SWDs).
The training aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding and capacity to assess and promote accessibility in public infrastructure and services. Participants received foundational knowledge on universal design principles, accessibility standards, disability-inclusive services, and practical tools and methodologies for conducting accessibility audits.
Across Nepal, including Madhesh Province, many government facilities continue to lack basic accessible infrastructure, limiting the participation and access of persons with disabilities. In addition, limited awareness and sensitization among stakeholders on disability inclusion often result in inaccessible environments and service delivery systems that fail to address the actual needs of persons with disabilities.
Addressing these challenges, the training emphasized the importance of creating inclusive and accessible public spaces and services. Through interactive sessions, participants learned how to identify physical, communication, and attitudinal barriers that hinder the participation of persons with disabilities in public life.
Following the training sessions, participants conducted field assessments in selected educational, health, protection, and local government facilities across all 8 districts. These practical exercises provided participants with hands-on experience in applying accessibility audit tools and assessing the accessibility status of public facilities.
The initiative is expected to contribute to improving accessibility and inclusion at the local level by equipping municipal stakeholders and community representatives with the knowledge and skills needed to identify barriers and advocate for inclusive infrastructure and services. Through such efforts, the IGNITE Project continues to support the creation of safer, more accessible, and disability-inclusive communities across Madhesh Province.