Today is the International Day of Disabled Persons. Barrier-Free Environment and Accessible Transport Group (BEAT), an informal coalition comprising sixteen NGOs of disabled persons, marked this day by appealing that public transport operators, specifically Rapid KL, make all their buses accessible. Without access to public transport, disabled persons are not able to lead a meaningful life. They are not able to participate in social, political, economical, educational and cultural activities in society. They become marginalised and isolated.

BEAT members gathered at the Rapid KL Jalan Tun Sambanthan Bus Stop at 10.30am today to demonstrate how impossible it was for wheelchair users and the mobility-impaired to board the buses. When getting into the buses take gargantuan effort for those with good upper body strength, it would be virtually an impossible task for those who are paralysed from neck down. How then are people who are severely disabled supposed to travel?

The disabled persons present at the bus stop held up placards with messages that reflect their frustrations. How will this reflect on the government when disabled persons have to resort to such measures to get their voices heard? Something is not right somewhere. Dare I say that people who should be doing their jobs are not? Malaysia can no longer plead ignorance to such issues as we are a signatory to the Biwako Millenium Framework, having given our commitment to creating an inclusive barrier-free and rights-based society for people with disabilities in Asia and the Pacific. Are we any closer to fulfilling the targets set by the framework? The campaign this morning tells it all.

Under the shadows of Malaysia’s modern landmarks…

Everyone enjoys the ease of moving about in the city, almost…

Except wheelchair users and disabled persons…

They are frustrated…

Malaysia Boleh?

This is what they have to go through…

This is what they have to do. What about those who cannot?

So they express their frustrations and disappointment…

Through the only way they know how…

Hello, is anybody listening?

New Straits Times Property - December 2, 2006.
Click on image to enlarge.

The New Straits Times ran an objective piece regarding accessible facilities for disabled persons by G. Umakanthan in its weekly Property pullout today. Umakanthan is the Copy Editor for NST Property. This is in conjunction with the International Day of Disabled Persons that falls on December 3 every year as declared by the United Nations. Reading that article made me wonder how long more disabled persons have to wait before they can move about freely and safely in society.

As it is now, we have to brave life and limb whenever we go out. The modern concrete structures that symbolise Malaysia as a developing country is as good as a jungle still. Every step of the way is fraught with danger for disabled persons. Uneven and inaccessible walkways force wheelchair users onto the roads where they are at risk of being knocked down by speeding vehicles. This is just one of the many perils that disabled persons have to face every time they go out.

Legislation that was drawn up to ensure that disabled persons enjoy equal rights where accessibility is concerned is all pure hogwash. Without commitment and enforcement , it is as good as impotent. Time and again, we have listened to sweet promises from government officials that were never fulfilled. Truly, it was all nothing more than hot air. How long more before Malaysia can claim to be a fully inclusive society? Time will tell. And time is one thing that some of us do not have much left of.

The International Day of Disabled Persons is celebrated on December 3 every year. The theme for 2006 is E-Accessibility.

Source: UN Enable - International Day of Disabled Persons 2006

E-Accessibility

Access to information and communication technologies creates opportunities to everyone in society, but perhaps no-more so than for persons with disabilities. No longer do the societal barriers of prejudice, infrastructure, and inaccessible formats stand in the way of participation. When available to everyone, information technologies foster individuals to reach their full potential, and for persons with disabilities it allows them to play their part in society’s development.

At the First World Summit on the Information Society in 2003, Governments expressed their commitment to build a people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented information society, where everyone can create, access, utilize and share information and knowledge. Despite the vision, many persons with disabilities remain unable to take full advantage of the Internet as most websites are: inaccessible to the blind and visually impaired, heavily dependent on using the mouse, and training is often conducted in inaccessible formats and venues. As persons with disabilities are amongst the most marginalized in society, many do not have access to information technologies at all. Even those with access to information technologies may not be able to utilize them effectively, as available adaptive equipment cannot keep pace with innovation.

Persons with disabilities are at a considerable disadvantage by not being able to access information technologies. For instance, as education becomes increasingly dependent on information technologies, not being able to access the Internet for example limits the learning potential of persons with disabilities.

Several places already have legislation and regulations requiring websites to be fully accessible. At the international level, standards and guidelines on website accessibility are being developed. Once adopted and ratified, the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will require entities ensure that persons with disabilities can access information technologies. It specifies that measures should be introduced to eliminate obstacles and barriers to information and communications, and to promote access for persons with disabilities to information and communications technologies, including the Internet.

Making information technologies available to persons with disabilities is not only a matter of human rights, it also makes good business sense. Studies suggest that accessible websites appear higher up the page rankings of search engines and can save costs on web maintenance. It also allows companies access to a largely untapped customer base. Many websites, however, remain inaccessible for the visually impaired and the blind. A recent study of the FTSE 100 companies in the United Kingdom showed that around three-quarters of company websites did not achieve basic levels of accessibility. By not making their websites accessible, UK companies are forfeiting £80 billion in lost revenue.

The theme for this year’s International Day of Disabled Persons (3 December 2006) is accessibility to information technologies, and the day will be referred to as E-Accessibility Day. Through its efforts, and collaboration with others, the United Nations aims to raise appreciation among Governments, private entities and the public of the significant benefits to persons with disabilities and society when they are empowered with increased access to information technologies.

Related links:
International Day of Disabled Persons - 3 December 2006
Themes and observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons