Exhibition celebrates the spirit of the disabled from India and Sweden and shows the wayto creating equal opportunities for the disabled for inclusive growth
Mumbai, September 20, 2016: The Consulate General of Sweden along with the Swedish Institute hosted the preview of the Swedish design exhibition titled Design for Dignity along with a photo exhibition titled AccessAbilty at Prin. L N Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research (WeSchool) this evening. Design for Dignity, curated by Ace designer Ms. Margarita Bergfeldt Matiz, showcases 22 diverse innovative Swedish products that include foldable ramps, first generation of prisma pedestrian signals for those with impaired hearing or vision, easy-to-carry shower and toilet chair , a listening system that uses
digital signal processing technology to filter out background noise and
enhance speech, a hassle-free Braille printer for high volumes of
braille production,the super-light wheel chair , tetra packs for
those with reduced hand functions, cutlery for easy eating, comforters
to remain calm and many more.
While Design for Dignity highlights the importance and benefits of being inclusive when developing products for the future, AccessAbilty
speaks of everyday stories of Swedish and Indian individuals with
disability, their hopes, dreams and aspirations. The preview was
attended by project
stakeholders from Sweden and India, researchers, manufacturers,
doctors, academia, representatives from NGOs along with students and
faculty from WeSchool.The exhibition will be open to all from Sept 20th – Sept 29th, 2016, Tue - Thur, 11.00 am - 4.00 pm.
While welcoming the gathering, Prof Dr Uday Salunkhe, Group Director, WeSchool said, “WeSchool is pleased
to collaborate in this initiative of bringing in awareness and
sensitization about living life with disability and design for dignity
for people with disabilities. As responsible citizens I believe that it
is our responsibility to provide an ecosystem that gives persons with
disability a true opportunity to contribute using their abilities as
this will play an important role in boosting their confidence as equal
partners in society and enable them to leverage their abilities. As
WeSchool we are pleased to bring in this sensitivity among our students,
and open their mind and heart to ensuring they create enabling
environments as future leaders when they take their place in the world
of work.”
While applauding the efforts by Swedish Consulate in hosting the event in collaboration with WeSchool, Advocate Mr. S.K Jain, Chairman, LMC, WeSchool and Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali said,”
As more and more of the millions of disabled in India aspire to join
the mainstream workforce to contribute their mite to the nation’s growth
story, it becomes essential to create an environment with
enabling systems and solutions where persons with disability are able to
have access to education, opportunities for careers and lead lives of
dignity. With its focus on design and innovation and the spirit of We Link and Care, WeSchool is committed to
nurturing the global Citizen leaders not only through its academic
programs but also by changing their lenses so that they are able to work
with sensitivity and empathy for the benefit of all stakeholders in the
global society.”
Consul General of Sweden Mumbai, Mr. Nils Eliasson, Consul, Consulate General of Sweden in Mumbai said, “It
is a great pleasure to be associated with a very sensitive initiative
that provides solutions to persons with disabilities. The products
showcased today will help specially-abled people to lead a quality
life.”
The expert curator of the exhibition, Ms. Margarita Bergfeldt Matiz spoke about the history of Swedish design and the importance
of the right for an equal and dignified life for all while introducing a
different perspective on the concept of disability. “In
Sweden we haven’t yet fully won the battle for equality for disabled
people, and the participants’ stories say a lot about the Swedish
disability policy. Giving everyone a chance to be seen and heard is a
step along the way to not seeing people with disabilities as a
homogeneous group but as individuals with different needs. The personal
stories of this exhibit and the design products on show can hopefully
initiate discussions and strengthen cooperation internationally on
accessibility, dignity and disability policies.”
Acting Consul General of Sweden in Mumbai, Mr. Jan Campbell Westlind said “Design isn't just about image; it’s about practical solutions, improving experiences and enriching the quality of life
for the disabled. This exhibit highlights the importance and benefits
of being inclusive when developing products for the future.”
After
its stint in Mumbai, the exhibition is scheduled to travel to other
countries like Singapore, Macedonia, Belarus, Latvia and Brazil.
Warm Regards,
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