I wish for a world safe for the disabled
My recent and first tour to the US opened my eyes to a whole new world which was absolutely disabled-friendly. I wonder why we in India cannot think the same way! It is not so much about the economy or the wealth a nation has. I am sure it has more to do with the culture itself — with the way we think and look towards the disabled.
Nearly everyone I crossed on the streets of America – in the shops, on the ship, in the desert — everywhere — had the same regard for the handicapped and gave way for priority access to the disabled at the cost of waiting a little more for their turn. It was one of the most humbling experiences in my life.
I am thankful to all those people for the courtesy they extended and made my wheelchair-bound mom feel equal in every way.
It was the tourist season at the time when we were there and therefore many times we were part of large groups at entry and exit points. People from all over the world were there and yet everyone was polite to the disabled and extended a helping hand when it came to assist them.
I feel sad to see the state of things back home. We have somehow forgotten our basic culture of being courteous and give respect to everyone.
The attitude towards this small group of society (of the disabled) is of neglect, ignorance, and indifference. Shameful to say the least! While towns are turning into cities, businesses are willing to spend millions on lavish decor and swanky lifts but not on creating ramps and easy access within their offices, shops or malls.
It is nearly impossible for a disabled or wheelchair bound to navigate in India – we do not have proper pavements, roads are uneven, there is absolutely no way a wheelchair bound can cross a road and get onto a pavement (we do not have those wheelchair ramps on any traffic light), most malls and shops have stairs at the entrance as the initial access point, and certainly no one wants to wait or give way to the disabled. In fact mostly people take advantage of the slow speed of the disabled and run ahead to take their spot. That’s sheer apathy in action.
I am not sure how such Indians will ever change and imbibe empathy. I am not even sure how to make my countrymen understand the importance of being nice and being considerate. All, including the governments, seem to be busy attaining something except cleanliness, hygiene, health, quality of life, ease of access, and empathy.
The difference between us and America is that there it is a law to create ease of access for the disabled and that law applies to governments, shop owners, infrastructure agencies who build roads, hospitality industry, everyone. So every service is meant first for the disabled and then made available for the able. The key is – the law is enforced to the core. Honestly. Because the intent is to make everyone in society feel equal and safe.
Will any government in India ever be able to enforce such a law and lead that change? Will my people ever realise what society they are creating by choosing apathy over empathy? I love my country and I wish that someday this world of mine becomes safe for the disabled.
