April 9, 2019
With Lok Sabha elections round the corner, all state governments are working
in close partnership with the electoral officers in their states to ensure
that disabled people vote with minimum hassles. Disability rights groups in
Thiruvananthapuram, the Kerala capital, are using this heightened focus to
demand greater focus on their needs. They say they will only vote for the
party that fulfils the promises made to the community.
Like in other states, here too there are pick up and drop off services on
voting day. Ambulances, government and private vehicles have been set aside
for this. Authorities have also promised companions for visually
impaired voters so they have assistance throughout. Wheelchair ramps will
also be provided at all polling booths.
Priyanka G, Assistant Collector, Thiruvananthapuram district
has said that a survey was also conducted to find out the exact number of
disabled people who are eligible to vote.
Sindhu Sudevan, President, All Kerala Wheelchair Rights Federation
(AKWRF) in Thiruvananthapuram has commended the efforts taken this
year.
This time, I believe things will be better from before. We even had
panchayat authorities coming and asking us if we want pick up and drop
facilities. This has never been done before. Usually, party workers help us
to get to polling booths. But then, we are forced to vote for their party.
– Sindhu Sudevan, President, All Kerala Wheelchair Rights
Federation, Thiruvananthapuram
People with disabilities also highlight the importance of voting for parties
that work towards empowering them. Kerala’s ruling Communist Party had
promised many programmes and schemes for people with disabilities like
Kaivalya, which enables them to start their own businesses. Many
people say they are yet to see the benefits.
Rajesh S, a wheelchair user from Thiruvanathapuram hopes
that the government that takes charge will work closely with the disabled
community.
“We want a government that will understand the needs and requirements of
people with disabilities and work closely with us. They must also be able to
safeguard our interests. I voted last year. This year, I’am hopeful of
accessible elections because government officials have been taking
initiatives to promote accessibility in polling booths across
Thiruvananthapuram”, he says.
ALSO READ: Accessibility observers to lend a helping hand to disabled voters
in 2019 general elections
Source: https://newzhook.com/story/21912
