Dwarkanath S Kamat
As per 2011 census report, out of 121crore Indian population, 2.68 cr people are differently abled, which is 2.21% of the total population.
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We all are aware of the challenges differently abled people face in various areas such as managing activities of daily living, transportation, participation in social activities etc.
The cause of their disability can be musculoskeletal, neurological, congenital, sensory impairment and so on. The severity can range from mild to severe and the disability can be partial or total.
Various organisations are working towards creating a disabled friendly environment. In order to assist our differently abled friends and to make them functional, these organisations have taken initiatives such as setting up an awareness camp and providing assistive devices.
Based on the health condition and the functional status, assistive devices are prescribed to differently abled population as well as they are trained to use these devices correctly.
But mere prescription and training cannot be the way to create a disabled friendly society. For that the focus also must be on identifying the environmental barriers and breaking them.
The major barriers are encountered at various public places, buildings, public transport and sometimes even at home. Environmental modification, use of facilitators and adaptive devices are the ways to break these barriers.
Provision of facilitators like ramps, elevators, railings at Public places is necessary. Ramps can significantly reduce the efforts of a wheelchair bound person while moving from one area to another. These ramps are installed in many buildings like government and non-government offices, Banks etc to facilitate accessibility. But are these the only places people wish to go?
Ramps must also be installed at other places like shopping centres, restaurants, foot paths, public transport and schools.
Railings give a sturdy support to individuals with gait abnormalities or strength deficits in the lower extremities, senior citizens and people having balance issues. Fixing railings is necessary in the house too. These railings should be fixed throughout the length of the staircase, ramps, and walls of the corridor, bathroom and toilet.
One more modification can be done at home is increasing the dimension of the door frame for easy wheelchair accessibility.
To promote functional independence in performing activities of Daily living, various adaptive devices can be used. For instance, to make eating easy, a universal cuff or a built up spoon i.e. spoon with a wider and thicker handle can be used for a person having weak and restricted grip. A weighted spoon can be used for persons having tremors. Other examples are long handle brush for bathing, tap turner for those who have restricted mobility in joints.
Amputation is also one of the main causes of disability. Use of prosthesis and artificial limbs like the Jaipur Foot can make a huge difference to the quality of life.
A good quality, well designed and advanced prosthesis which are flexible and strong enough to withstand high impact stress have not only promoted independence in walking and jogging but also encouraged people to participate in sports like running, badminton, golf, archery etc.at a professional level.
Creation of an accessible and disabled-friendly country is one of the goals we have to achieve. So let us get united and contribute towards it by encouraging, promoting and ensuring Implementation of innovative ideas to break the barriers.
