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Do more to smoothen path of the disabled
Sat, Dec 22, 2007 The Straits Times
I REFER to the article, 'Obstacles at every turn for disabled' (ST, Dec 18). At this time of the year when malls are crowded, many shoppers with disabilities find it extra hard to cope with the Christmas rush. Many of them face the inconvenience of having to wheel or walk extra distances to get from one place to another, even when their destination is just across the road. One perfect example is getting to the Orchard MRT station from the Tangs mall. People with disabilities, wheelchair users, mothers with prams and the elderly have found the underpass going to the MRT station very inaccessible. The only way to get across is to wheel or walk about 400m to Takashimaya, cross the road, then backtrack another 400m to the MRT station.

Notwithstanding this, reports said that the survey drew a lukewarm response from the building owners. They see no urgent need to upgrade or renovate as their businesses are doing well.

The Disabled People's Association (DPA) is a voluntary welfare organisation which seeks to be the voice of people with disabilities and to help them achieve full participation and equal status in society through independent living.

In conjunction with the International Day of Disabled Persons, DPA launched its campaign for accessibility in the form of Zocards bearing the call: 'The move towards a truly global city calls out for universal and inclusive design in buildings and facilities.'

It hopes that the BCA survey would make building owners realise the necessity of providing barrier-free access and disabled-friendly facilities.

More importantly, the Government has taken steps towards a more inclusive society for people with disabilities by offering incentives to do renovations and ensure the accessibility of edifices.

Leo Chen Ian
President
Disabled People's Association