Some ‘friendly’ suggestions to empower people with disabilities

There are thousands of people in the city with visible and invisible disabilities. Undeterred by their disabilities, they fight back and with time and perseverance, many have managed to live life according to their terms. December 3 is observed as the International Day of Disabled Persons and this year’s theme is empowering people with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality. On this occasion, three differently-abled individuals share with us how the city has become inclusive for disabled persons.

City-based media professional Salesh Dipak Fernando was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth and it was a constant struggle of acceptance right from that point for him. He opines, “Though there are constant efforts from the government to provide us with jobs and facilities, there is a wide gap between what people think we need and what we actually need. There is a social stigma up until we achieve something and it is only after we get to the point of recognition that people realise we have done something unique. Today, I am glad that it has started to change; earlier, we didn’t even know there was a day to celebrate disabled persons. More and more people are coming out, saying they do not wish to treat differently. That dialogue itself is an important step forward.” 

He also feels that kids should be taught to not look at differently-abled people in a ‘different’ way.

“The government should take efforts in ensuring that the schools teach the kids to show love and empathy instead.” Most corporates talk about being inclusive and creating a sense of belonging, but there too, the gap is wide and open. Salesh believes this can be rectified only if the companies try and cater to the individual needs of disabled persons. “When people have different disabilities, you cannot expect the same facility to cater to everyone’s needs — facilities need to be customised. For example, there should be separate restrooms for disabled people. These simple things matter the most and it will definitely go a long way,” adds Salesh.

Madhavi Latha is not only a medal-winning swimmer but also heads the Wheelchair Basketball Federation of India. She has been actively working for the promotion of sports for the disabled since 2010. “Fitness is a neglected area when it comes to disabled persons. Fitness trainers in the city should be given coaching on how to train a disabled person. I am glad to see how Chennai is moving from a welfare approach to a rights-based approach. Earlier, the attitude was different, but now it’s not the case. Though there are a lot of positive changes, I strongly feel that we have a long way to go. Like any other person, I should be able to go to a hotel or watch a movie. Whatever facilities are provided for normal people should be provided for disabled people also. Disabilities don’t define us, there should be more campaigns to raise conversations about disabilities,” says Madhavi.

The swimmer states that the TN government has been supporting sports for the disabled in a big way. “A hydrotherapy pool has been constructed near Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, with world-class facilities and a fully accessible environment. It’s not only for the disabled, but also for senior citizens. To the extent of my knowledge, such a pool with good facilities is not built anywhere in India. There is even a unisex toilet facility, which is a blessing for people in the wheelchair and the person who accompanies them,” she says.

GJ Siddharth, a banker, observes that Chennai has become a lot more inclusive than most other cities in the country because of the people. “Chennaiites are becoming sensitive and aware of the needs of disabled people. They happen to know how to deal with a person with disabilities and in that sense, the awareness level is on a higher side. Though we have started giving employment opportunities for people with disabilities, the initiative has only begun and has a long way to go before realising its full potential. But unlike before, certain companies have become a lot more sensitive in their approach.

“They have started believing in the skills of differently-abled people. I am also glad that the government has increased the reservation from 3 per cent to 4 per cent for differently-abled with learning disabilities, autism and victims of acid attacks. But from what I know, only 1 per cent vacancies are filled. And the challenge lies in bridging the gap. The government needs to realise that we are ready to employ more disabled persons,” he says.