BEAUTIFUL! NOT ABNORMAL!

             

Social evolution is the latest progression we all are infatuated with in the present time. We all try to be part of urban societies or cities so that we could  be ahead in the race of modernity. The world is so humongous and it has a population of around 753.04 crores and 85% percent of that population are people who are able to be benefited from urbanisation. But the rest 15% percent of the population are differently abled who are also referred to as PWD or People with Disabilities. PWDs are people who are either physically ( blind, deaf, dumb, limp) or mentally differently abled  people. This 15% of the population tend to remain mostly unaffected by the processes of urbanisation or the latest developments in any sector as it  does not  really benefit them. Often they are excluded or given undue weightage because  the policy makers , planners and urban designers have  the tendency to  cater to the needs of the majority. This leaves the PWD’s behind in the developmental process and further resulting in isolation and unfit. 

PWDs gravely suffer in the arrangements made for abled people. In any urban space, it is usually observed that there is  barely any planning or arrangement made to accommodate the  PWD’s that supports, eases and enhances their livability and meets their day-to-day needs. Urban space here refers to all the places from public spaces  such as roads, footpaths, streets, malls, community centres, culture houses  to  the private spaces. It is very important for the people to realise that these people need more space and amenities to use. We would very rarely find any sideways or alleys made for the convenience of the PWDs. Also, it is very difficult for these physically disabled ones to cross streets or have mobility so there is always a need for a person to help them. The lack of amenities often result in exclusion of these differently abled  people from the independent society and it may lead them to inferiority complex.

  PIC COURTESY : VECTOR STOCK

There have been various studies which prove that there are not enough facilities provided to the differently abled people ( here, physically disabled ). In a research conducted by Inger Marie Lid and Per Koren Solvang, it is very evidently shown by various interviews that the daily life challenges faced by these people are disheartening. A woman, who uses a wheelchair, finds it very difficult to have mobility on the streets as the roads are very busy in Oslo. She says that even in alleys, the streets are very narrow so it is very difficult for her to ride her wheelchair and travel. Another woman who is blind uses a stick as her guidance to walk and travel. She uses her sense to move or walk. But when it becomes noisy, it is very difficult for her to cross or walk on the lanes. The lack of amenities have left these people vulnerable and open to accidents and danger. Grieving their loss or feeling pity is not the solution.  But what may be much better is to construct link bridges for their mobility. PWDs also use wheelchairs which one cannot ride on the roads so it is very important to keep in mind the needs for pathways for PWDs in any urban space. People always ask them to just stay in their home as there is no need for them in the outside world. So, as they are expected to be caged, it becomes very convincing for the planners to not plan any project keeping in mind the perspective of PWD. 

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Inger Marie Lid and Per Koven Solvang 2016,(Dis)ability and the experience of accessibility in the urban environment 

Anjlee Agarwal and Andre Steele, 2016, Disability Consideration for Infrastructure Programmes 

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable development clearly states that disability is no excuse for not providing these differently abled people with basic necessities. So, the Government has made a clear point that various SDGs ( Sustainable Development Goals ) are organised which ensure the amenities being provided to these differently abled people. These SDGs cover up the domain of education, health, social protection, employment , social justice and equality and opportunities, sanitation, transportation and mitigation of disasters. There are also rights made for the protection of these people and they are:

• The Right of Persons with Disabilities ACT, 2016

•  PWD ( Equal opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation ) Act, 199T5.

Even though there are so many policies and welfare schemes to benefit the PWDs but they often fall short when it comes to their availability. The medical facilities provided are very meager and not available to everyone. As these PWDs moreover belong to the poor section of the society, they are not made aware of the facilities, schemes and policies provided for their survival. Introducing new themes and providing new facilities is just the 30% of work. The rest 50% of work is to make the citizens aware of them and make them accept these blessings in disguise just as we all are. They may be different in the physical prospect, but they too have the same heart and feelings. Acceptance is the greatest bliss for all differently abled people. Do not let them believe they are a curse on their family and society. It is unbearable to even think of it rather alone impose this on someone. Differences are not abnormal, they are beautiful. 

PIC COURTESY: STOCK VECTOR