What is the CenturyHeroes Initiative?
The CenturyHeroes Initiative is an annual award winning initiative honours the true unsung ‘heroes of life’.
The CenturyHeroes 2024 initiative stands for more than just innovation in design—it’s a movement towards inclusivity and accessibility. With millions of people in India facing mobility challenges, the need for thoughtfully designed spaces and furniture is crucial. This year, CenturyHeroes celebrates Architects, Interior Designers, and Carpenters who bridge the accessibility gap by creating inclusive furniture that enhances the lives of people with special needs. We believe that inclusivity is not just a choice, but a priority, and through this cause, we aim to inspire a future where everyone can experience the full potential of well-designed, accessible spaces.
Architects and Interior Designers play a key role in creating inclusive spaces for the CenturyHeroes initiative. They focus not just on how things look, but on making environments that are accessible and easy to use for people with disabilities. Architects ensure that features like ramps and doorways meet accessibility standards, allowing easy movement in homes and public places. Interior designers choose furniture and layouts that suit the needs of people with mobility challenges, like ergonomic seating, adjustable furniture, and barrier-free paths. By prioritizing inclusivity, they help create spaces where everyone can live independently and comfortably. Their work ensures that accessibility becomes a natural part of everyday life.
Century Plyboards (India) Ltd., the leading manufacturer of plywood and laminates in India honours the true ‘heroes of life’ through its annual award-winning initiative, ‘CenturyHeroes’ 2024. Since its inception in 2014, the CenturyHeroes campaign has consistently celebrated and supported the unsung heroes of their communities, while also shining a spotlight on issues that deserve greater attention.
Inclusivity is a priority for CenturyPly, and this year’s ‘CenturyHeroes’ initiative aims to foster a broader conversation about creating environments that cater to all individuals, particularly those with special needs. By focusing on such furniture designs, CenturyPly has not only ensured the highest quality in its products but also nurtured thought leadership in a space that urgently requires attention and innovation.
According to the Census 2011, India had 26.8 million people with disabilities, which constituted about 2.21% of the total population.
According to the data around 69% of disabled people live in rural areas, reflecting a significant disparity in access to services and healthcare
Only around 45% of disabled individuals are literate while only 36% of people with disabilities are employed. People with physical disabilities often face barriers in accessing the workforce.
The government has introduced laws and schemes like the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, which recognizes 21 types of disabilities and guarantees rights in areas like education, employment, and accessibility.
Inclusive furniture design is crucial for enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by promoting accessibility and inclusivity. Thoughtfully designed furniture fosters resilience, adaptability, and confidence, allowing individuals to navigate challenges with greater ease. By minimizing frustration and addressing specific physical limitations, inclusive furniture empowers people to engage fully with their surroundings. The CenturyHeroes Initiative exemplifies this approach, highlighting the powerful connection between disability and design. By prioritizing accessibility, we can transform spaces, reduce feelings of isolation, and create environments where everyone feels a sense of belonging and support, enabling them to thrive in their daily lives.
Inclusive furniture can greatly support individuals with disabilities by making everyday tasks easier and more accessible. Designed with their unique needs in mind, such furniture reduces physical barriers, allowing for more independence and comfort. For example, adjustable seating, height-friendly tables, and ergonomic designs help people with limited mobility perform tasks without assistance, boosting their confidence and self-reliance. By creating environments where individuals don’t have to constantly adapt to their surroundings, inclusive furniture fosters a sense of belonging and normalcy. This thoughtful design approach not only improves daily living but also helps alleviate the frustration and isolation that can come from inaccessible spaces.
The CenturyHeroes Initiative is an annual award winning initiative honours the true unsung ‘heroes of life’.
The 2024 theme focuses on "Inclusivity Is Priority," which is a pioneering concept designed to meet the needs of people with mobility issues through thoughtful, innovative design. It embodies their dedication to crafting environments where every individual—regardless of physical ability—can find comfort and ease
Inclusive furniture design prioritizes accessibility and usability for all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities. It ensures that furniture accommodates diverse needs while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Accessibility in interior design means creating spaces that everyone can navigate and use comfortably. This includes considerations like wheelchair access, clear pathways, and user-friendly layouts, ensuring inclusivity for people with disabilities.
Inclusive design enhances the quality of life for people with disabilities by providing them with equal opportunities to engage in activities and access spaces, fostering independence and social inclusion.
CenturyPly’s CSR initiatives focus on social impact through education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. They actively support projects that enhance community well-being and promote inclusivity, aligning with their values of social responsibility.