Tamil Nadu state government is all set to launch a 24-hour-helpline
service for people with disabilities in Chennai city. The caller can talk
about their grievances or discrimination that they face. A similar helpline
was launched in the year 2015 but closed down in a few months. Disability
rights groups are now questioning the implementation of this new helpline and
whether it is going to be accessible for people with all kinds of
disabilities.
Getting rights and privileges is not always easy for people with
disabilities. Inaccessible public places and insensitive officials can be a
major hindrance. In spite of stringent laws being introduced, there has been
no change in the existing situation. The Tamil Nadu state government is
gearing up for a change. Reportedly, they are all set to introduce a
helpline number where people with disabilities can call and talk
about grievances in the city of Chennai. The government had introduced
something similar in the year 2015 which was not successful and had to shut
down later. Questions are now being raised whether this one will go well with
the disabled community in Chennai.
According to reports, the new helpline will be operational 24
hours a day. It will help address problems faced by people with
disabilities regarding documentations, getting rights and taking up
complaints. Disability rights groups in the city believe that this is
undoubtedly a great initiative. But the concerned department must also
publicize such a facility so that people with disabilities from all spectrums
of life are aware of it.
Meenakshi Balasubramanian, representing Equals
Centre for Promotion of Social Justice (ECPSJ) says authorities must
ensure that the helpline is accessible for people with all kinds of
disabilities.
My concern would be how accessible it is going to be for deaf people. If
the helpline is merely going to take voice messages, a deaf person will not
benefit from it. They must have sign language services and interpreters if
required. SMS services would also be great and it must be in both English
and local language. An accessible app that can be used on all kinds of
smartphones will be of great benefit. The system must logistically look
into the accessibility aspect-Meenakshi Balasubramanian, Equals
Centre for Promotion of Social Justice
Officials have not revealed more details about when the launch would happen
or what more facilities can be expected from the helpline.
“This is definitely a good move”, said Smita Sadasivam, Member,
Disability Rights Alliance.. “The grievance system should be
effective and accessible to persons with disabilities and across all
requirements. The guidance or assistance must be safe, empowering and
enabling a person with disability to live independently in his/her community
on an equal basis with others. This must be done with respect, dignity, equal
opportunities and zero discrimination. This will also allow the individual to
maintain his highest potential”.
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disability laws after protests
