13 hrs ago
Kerala Launches First Elder-Friendly Certification for Public Offices
Kerala has created a new program to make public offices easier for older people to use.
It applies to government offices and other public institutions.
Inspectors will check offices using the same clear standards.
Offices that meet the standards can receive Gold, Silver or Bronze certificates.
The program aims to reduce problems such as long queues and difficult stairways.
It also considers whether forms are easy to read.
Counters and toilets must follow accessibility guidance.
The program was inspired by examples from other countries and international organizations.
Kerala has launched India’s first Elder-Friendly Office Certification for government offices and public institutions.
The Department of Senior Citizens’ Welfare is administering the certification scheme.
Offices will be assessed against common standards and receive Gold, Silver or Bronze certificates.
The program addresses barriers including long queues, stairways without handrails, small-print forms and inaccessible counters.
Its standards draw on international models and Indian disability-accessibility guidelines issued in 2021.
- Who
- Kerala’s Department of Senior Citizens’ Welfare launched the certification program for senior citizens.
- What
- The Elder-Friendly Office Certification assesses public offices for accessibility and convenience for older people.
- Where
- Kerala, India.
- When
- The article does not provide a specific launch date.
- Why
- The program aims to address difficulties senior citizens face when visiting public offices, including queues, stairs, small-print forms and inaccessible counters.
Key facts
- Program
- Elder-Friendly Office Certification (EFOC)
- Launch location
- Kerala, India
- Administrator
- Department of Senior Citizens’ Welfare
- Certification levels
- Gold, Silver and Bronze
- Assessment basis
- Clear, common standards
- Accessibility standards
- Technical standards for ramps, signage and toilets follow national guidelines issued in 2021 under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act
- Models referenced
- Sharjah’s model, the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Cities network and the Certified Age-Friendly Employer programme in the United States
Quotes
Department of Senior Citizens’ Welfare
Kerala government department responsible for the elder-friendly office certification programme
“The Sharjah model in the UAE, the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Cities network, and the Certified Age-Friendly Employer programme in the United States served as models for EFOC.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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