Guidelines & standards
Indian law as the floor. European standards as the ceiling.
Certification is anchored in what is legally enforceable in India, then raised toward international best practice. The Indian standards define the minimum every asset must meet; the European and international standards define the aspiration that earns the highest tier.
The enforceable base — India
The RPwD Act 2016 and its Rules make accessibility a legal duty. New public buildings cannot receive an occupancy certificate without meeting accessibility standards (s.44); existing buildings and services must be made accessible within the notified timelines (s.45–46). The Harmonised Guidelines 2021 are the notified technical standard for the built environment; IS 17802 and GIGW 3.0 govern digital.
The enhancement — Europe & ISO
EN 17210 (with technical criteria in CEN/TR 17621) and ISO 21542 set the functional benchmark for the built environment; EN 301 549 and WCAG 2.2 for ICT. Design for All (EN 17161) frames accessibility as an organisational process — the model for our highest tier.
A note on accuracy
Standards evolve. EN 301 549 is transitioning from v3.2.1 (WCAG 2.1) toward a v4 aligned with WCAG 2.2; the European Accessibility Act's obligations applied from June 2025; and RPwD Rule timelines have been amended (2019–2024). Every audit is conducted against the current notified and published versions at the time of assessment, and the applicable version is recorded on the certificate.
How to read a guideline
Functional intent before fixed number
European standards state the outcome a design must achieve; Indian and ISO standards add the exact dimension. We audit for both — the measurable specification, and the human outcome it is meant to deliver.
The requirement
What the standard specifies — a ramp gradient no steeper than 1:12, a door clear width, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1.
The intent
Why it exists — a wheelchair user can ascend unaided; a person can pass through without turning sideways; text is readable with low vision.
The verification
How we confirm it — measured on site, tested with assistive technology, and walked by a person who depends on it.
Universal Access
Universal design and accessibility audit & certification for India's public places, services and digital systems.
Convened by
The Institute of Human-Centred Design
IUCDS, Mahatma Gandhi University
Governance
Aligned with the RPwD Act 2016 and the Accessible India Campaign
Also serving the UAE ↗
dic@hcd.institute
© 2026 Universal Access — a joint initiative of The Institute of Human-Centred Design and the Inter University Centre for Disability Studies, Mahatma Gandhi University. Aligned with the RPwD Act 2016 and European accessibility standards.