What Should Be Done to Make India More Wheelchair Friendly?

The task of transforming India into a more wheelchair-friendly society may seem straightforward at first glance; just allocate funds to upgrade transportation and construct accessibility ramps. However, the reality is much more complex. Building infrastructure is only the first step; a supportive environment that includes all members of society is crucial. This often requires a paradigm shift that takes significant effort and time, but it is vital for creating an inclusive society.

Planning and Inclusive Design

A holistic approach towards planning is essential. Imagine a well-built road with a ramp leading into a building; the person in a wheelchair eagerly enters only to find non-compliant toilets. This scenario illustrates the fragmented nature of current infrastructure, which is often insufficient even when individual components are well-designed. The key is to ensure that every aspect of a person's journey from home to work and back is considered and appropriately supported. This involves:

Encompassing the entire journey: From the moment a disabled person leaves their home, through transportation, and all the way to their destination and back. Integrating multiple services: Roads, buses, trains, ATMs, and buildings must be interconnected and designed with accessibility in mind.

It's not enough to have isolated areas with good infrastructure; a seamless experience is necessary for real inclusion.

Teaching Civic Sense

Even with well-planned infrastructure, its effectiveness depends on the civic behavior of the community. Consider the scenario where buses and trains have low platforms, yet the general attitude is one of chaos. People need to be educated on basic civic concepts such as queuing, yielding to people with disabilities, and respecting others regardless of their age, gender, or social status. This education must be widespread and continuous, covering every part of India, and addressing social norms that currently contribute to barriers for disabled individuals.

Such education requires a long-term commitment, at least a decade, and significant societal change. It is crucial for ensuring that infrastructure is not just built but used effectively and respectfully.

Building Affordable and Accessible Infrastructure

Creating accessible infrastructure is a vital step. This includes:

Wheelchair-friendly vehicles: Ensuring public transportation is designed to accommodate people in wheelchairs. Suitable building designs: Ensuring that public and private buildings are accessible for all. Accessible ATMs and other public facilities: Ensuring that essential services are within reach.

These measures are not only beneficial for individuals with disabilities but also contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.

Empowering Disabled Individuals

A less obvious but equally important strategy is to empower disabled individuals. In India, most disabled people are often hidden away or isolated. In contrast, in the United States, you would find them in public spaces such as offices, grocery stores, and theme parks. Empowering disabled individuals has several benefits:

Reducing stigma: When disabled people are seen as colleagues in the workplace, it reduces sympathy and promotes a sense of equality and respect. Increasing pressure on the government: When disabled individuals have more opportunities, they become more active in demanding better infrastructure and services from the government.

For example, if more jobs are available for disabled individuals, they will demand better public transportation, infrastructure, and facilities. This demand-driven approach ensures that the infrastructure not only exists but is continuously improved and maintained.

Conclusion

Transforming India into a more wheelchair-friendly society requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves meticulous planning, continuous education, and the construction of accessible infrastructure. By adopting these strategies, we can build a truly inclusive society where every individual, regardless of their physical condition, feels valued and included.