Being able to drive your own vehicle and move around freely is undoubtedly a
way of being independent. Thanks to latest technologies, people with
disabilities are able to drive around. But one of the biggest challenges
faced by disabled people in India is lack of accessible parking in public
places. From malls to parks, theatres and even hospitals, disabled friendly
parking still remains a distant dream.
Apart from other laws, even Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act,
2016 has given prime focus on importance of providing disabled
friendly and accessible parking spaces. But we all have come across people
without disabilities parking their cars and bikes at exclusive accessible
parking spaces. This is clearly a violation of the law. Lack of stringent
punishments is what makes people do this in spite of laws being introduced.
Prajith Jaipal is a disability rights
activist from Kerala. He had visited the United States last year to
take part in an accessibility expo. Jaipal is bringing down the expo to
India, mostly by next year. Jaipal recently introduced a plan to make a
public space in Kozhikode accessible. Funds have been generated and
construction of the parking space will begin in a couple of weeks. He says
that even hospitals lack exclusive parking spaces. Often, disabled people
have to seek help from others to go to a hospital.
There must be strict punishments for if a non disabled person parks their
vehicle at the disability parking space. There are government provisions
for accessible parking. But it is not implemented. This is just plain
ignorance. Even multinational companies and corporate companies fail to
have exclusive parking spaces for disabled people. Why does the government
ignore rights of people with disabilities? I have felt that authorities
need to be pushed so that they can implement our rights. You must approach
them and make them aware so that they can implement it
rightly-Prajith Jaipal
Jaipal also points out that the only way to make people stop such
malpractices is by providing awareness on the importance of
accessible parking spaces. For that, he already has a few plans lined up. One
of Kerala’s most popular disability rights activists who works for
accessibility, Jaipal is sure that he can bring in a difference.
Last month, the Disabled Association of Chandigarh in Punjab
had submitted a proposal to the Social Welfare Department asking for special
colour stickers to be introduced so that they can easily park their vehicles
without being discriminated. If this is introduced, other states can also
follow suit. Introduction of such stickers will make things easier for people
with disabilities, especially those who have loco motor disabilities.
In many western countries, parking vehicles at spots for disabled parking is
a punishable offence. They have to give a hefty fine and their vehicles will
even be towed away. In spite of strong laws, why is the Indian government
turning their heads towards the rights of disabled people?
Sarath PS is a wheelchair user from Kerala. He says that
wheelchair users are forced to pay money at toll booths in spite of them not
paying road tax.
“The Disability Act of 1996 also points out that all public places must be
made accessible and they must also have disabled friendly parking spaces.
They must also ensure that there are wheelchair ramps which most of the
places don’t have. The central and state governments had agreed to all
these provisions. Now, if a disabled or elderly person has to go a hospital,
they have to undergo so many hassles. That is not fair”, says Sarath.
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Source: https://newzhook.com/story/21298
