“Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for allâ€.
Is the theme for this year.
The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3 in 1992. It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of on the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. Further, India signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and subsequently ratified the same on 1st October, 2007. The Convention came into effect on 3rd May 2008. Being a signatory to the Convention, India has an international obligation to comply with the provisions of the Convention.
Is that all ?
In 2015 the Accessible India Campaign was launched by central government. A new term divyang was made popular by Government of India. The new Rights of persons with disabilities Act – 2016 bill is passed in both the houses and became a law.
Is this enough?
When it comes to implementation, the results are not promising. Â As one of the core missions of Accessible India campaign to make public spaces accessible, by July 2016 all international airports need to be made accessible and by end of 2018 all the domestic airports need to be made accessible. I have not found any accessible self check-in Kiosks. On contrary airports are turning into silent airports making it difficult for blind passengers to get the information in voice. When we ran a quick accessibility check on Accessible India campaign, the website itself is not disability friendly. Read
What’s Next?
Every one of us have a shared responsibility to make world a better place. Let us try to make barrier free environment first before making it accessible. Â Start making an impact by doing simple things such as providing the captions you share on social networks. If you own a digital asset such as a website or if you can influence the website owner do a simple accessibility check and give a shout out to make it accessible.