Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) is a non-political, non-religious, not-for-profit Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) established by blind and partially sighted (BPS) youth in Nepal. It was founded in 2011, registered with the District Administration Office in Kathmandu in 2012, and affiliated with the Social Welfare Council of Nepal. It is the only organization established by BPS youth in Nepal. Currently, BYAN has more than 500 members, organized into 10 district chapters located in Jhapa, Morang, Bara, Kathmandu, Chitwan, Kaski, Rupandehi, Banke, Surkhet, and Kailali districts. Memberships and chapter expansion are ongoing. As a rights-based organization, BYAN intends to play a proactive role in formulating, amending, and implementing legal provisions related to youths with disabilities. It also focuses on organizing and capacity-building of youths with disabilities across the country. BYAN has strong networking and cooperation with different government and non-government stakeholders working in various domains of disability. Additionally, BYAN is a member of the National Federation of the Disabled-Nepal (NFDN), which serves as the umbrella organization for organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) in the country.

Consultancy Service for Physical Accessibility Audit of Municipal Buildings

Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) is a youth-led, rights-based organization established in 2012, working with and for children and youth with disabilities in Nepal. In partnership with CBM Global Disability Inclusion, BYAN is implementing the YATRA Project (2026–2029) in Bagmati and Madhesh Provinces to strengthen grassroots, youth-led Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and promote the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in local governance and public service delivery.

Municipal offices are essential public institutions responsible for delivering services such as disability identity cards, social security allowances, vital registration, recommendations and other administrative services. However, persons with disabilities may face physical barriers when approaching, entering and moving around municipal buildings or accessing service counters and other facilities. These barriers can limit their ability to obtain public services safely, independently and with dignity, often resulting in dependence on others or additional difficulties in exercising their rights.

Although Nepal has legal and policy provisions promoting accessibility, including Article 42of the Constitution of Nepal, Act Relating to Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2074 (2017), the Directive for Accessible Physical Infrastructure and Communication Services for Persons with Disability, 2069 (2013), and Nepal National Building Code, physical accessibility gaps may persist in public buildings. Without a systematic assessment of the existing infrastructure, it is difficult for municipalities and other stakeholders to identify specific barriers, determine the improvements required and prioritize resources for making public facilities accessible.

Therefore, a physical accessibility audit is needed to assess the actual accessibility conditions of the main municipal office buildings in six selected municipalities. The audit will identify and document barriers through on-site inspections, measurements and the participation of persons with different types of disabilities. It will assess whether the buildings and their relevant facilities meet applicable accessibility requirements and examine how existing barriers affect access to municipal services.

The findings will provide each municipality with practical, evidence-based and prioritized recommendations to address identified barriers. These recommendations will help local governments identify immediate improvements and longer-term infrastructure modifications, plan and allocate resources, and progressively improve the accessibility of their offices and public service environments. The assignment will also strengthen the engagement of persons with disabilities and their organizations in promoting accountable, inclusive and accessible local governance.

In this context, BYAN seeks to engage a qualified consultant or consultancy team to conduct physical accessibility audits of the main municipal office buildings in Ratnanagar, Jeetpursimara, Chandrapur, Hariwan, Bardibas and Mithila municipalities. The assignment will produce six municipality-specific audit reports and a consolidated report to support evidence-based decision-making and practical action towards ensuring that persons with disabilities can access municipal buildings and public services on an equal basis with others.

2. Objectives of the Assignment

To assess the physical accessibility of the main municipal office buildings in six selected municipalities and provide practical, evidence-based and prioritized recommendations to improve accessibility and enable persons with disabilities to access public services safely, independently and with dignity.

The audit will cover the main municipal office of the following six municipalities

(Note

There could be minor changes which will be determined during the contract process.)

The selected consultant or consultancy team will undertake the following tasks

The consultant shall submit the following deliverables within the agreed assignment timeline

All reports will be submitted in Word format.

It is estimated that the assignment shall begin from 26th Oct. 2026 and should have completed by 7th Nov. 2026.

The consultant will report to the Project Coordinator, YATRA Project, BYAN.

BYAN will send official letters to the six municipalities, arrange access to the buildings and connect the consultant with local OPDs.

BYAN will cover the travel and refreshment costs of the OPD participants.

Payment will be made after the satisfactory completion of the assignment.

The budget must include consultancy fee only. Assignment related field travels, accommodation and OPDs consultation will be managed by the BYAN itself or be determined based on the consensus between both parties.

8. Qualification and Experience

The consultant/firm undertaking the accessibility audit should meet the following minimum qualifications and experience:

Note: Individuals or firms with demonstrated experience in participatory accessibility audits and the application of national and international accessibility standards will be given preference.

Interested consultants should submit

Applications should be sent by email to [email protected] with the subject line “Application for Accessibility Audit of Municipal Buildings - YATRA Project”.

Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Persons with disabilities and women are encouraged to apply.

BYAN reserves the right to accept or reject any application without giving a reason.

Submission Deadline

17 October 2026

Note: The TOR is subject to revision/change based on discussion and mutual agreement with the selected consultant/consulting firm. Only shortlisted applicants will be invited for further selection processes, including interview/presentation if required.

https://www.jobsnepal.com/terms-of-reference-tor-consultancy-service-for-physical-accessibility-audit-of-municipal-buildings-144589