ICCI Brings Designers, NGOs and Special Persons Together for Inclusive Spaces

WNAM REPORT: Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has taken an important step towards promoting a more inclusive society by bringing together its Special Persons Welfare Committee and Interior Designing Committee to develop practical solutions for creating accessible, inclusive and barrier-free spaces for persons with disabilities.
The joint session was chaired by Rabia Raheel, Chairperson of both committees, who stressed that accessibility must no longer be treated as an optional feature but should become an essential component of modern building design, commercial development and urban planning. She said that truly inclusive spaces enable persons with disabilities to participate independently and equally in economic, professional and social life.
Representatives of various NGOs, along with visually impaired and hearing-impaired members, actively participated in the session and shared valuable firsthand experiences and practical recommendations on accessibility, mobility, communication and inclusive infrastructure. Their participation provided an important perspective on the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing workplaces, markets, public buildings and other facilities.
The participants discussed a range of new initiatives aimed at promoting disability-friendly infrastructure and encouraging architects, interior designers, businesses, developers and relevant institutions to incorporate accessibility standards into their projects from the planning and design stage. It was agreed that the proposed initiatives would be pursued through coordinated efforts to convert these ideas into practical and sustainable measures.
Rabia Raheel said that an inclusive society is one where every individual can enter a workplace, commercial centre, public facility or community space with dignity, safety and independence. “Accessibility is not merely a welfare issue; it is a matter of equal opportunity, dignity and social inclusion. We must design our buildings and cities for everyone, not just for those who face no physical barriers,” she remarked.
She expressed gratitude to ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood, Vice President Mohammad Irfan Chaudhry, representatives of the Ministry of Interior, NGO representatives, designers and members with visual and hearing impairments for their valuable participation and support. She said the joint initiative reflected ICCI’s commitment to promoting an inclusive business and social environment where accessibility becomes a shared responsibility and no one is left behind.