Firms look to ensure safety of disabled staff

VidyaSagar, the organisation that helped Praveen to overcome his learning disability to become an earning member of the family, does have a set of guidelines, including carrying an emergency contact number in case of an emergency. 

This may be a tag that can be worn, or stitched to the clothing or bag.

“However, we have to consider that they do get hassled and may act hostile if their routine is disturbed. The best thing to do the is to call an organisation that has people who know how to deal with the situation,” said Rajasekharan, co-founder of V-sesh, an NGO that works among people with disabilities.

Transportation has always been a point of concern for both the parents and the employers. “We can make the best use of technology. There are mobile apps that shows the real-time location. Or a buddy system where a colleague is responsible for ensuring that the person has boarded the right bus or train and keep the family informed through SMS,” added Rajasekharan.

Following Praveen’s death, the organisations that are proactive in hiring disabled persons are looking to not only improve their working conditions internally, but also work on their overall safety. A senior manager at a star hotel that has employees who are emotionally vulnerable said, “We have a boy with autism in our team.

The security personnel allow him to step out of the premises only after a family member comes to pick him up, and the boy is required to send me a text once he reaches home. However, after the recent incident, we are planning to reach out to the MTC so as to request the bus crew to take extra care of him,” he said.