Prolonged battle

The disabled draw sympathy, but what they need is support and equal treatment. The State is moving in this direction, but the voice of the disabled is not always heard.

For the disabled life is a constant battle against ignorance, indifference and lethargy. Recently, the disabled held a protest outside Institute Menezes Braganza hall in Panaji, even as a lecture series was underway inside, to make everyone aware that the building was not disabled friendly. The ramps are not available and no one seems to be interested in fitting a lift to the first floor, a facility that would be of immense help to the disabled, who now have to climb two flights of stairs or give up even before making an attempt.

The protest was held under the umbrella of Disabled Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) whose indefatigable leader seldom leaves a stone unturned in the fight for equal rights. Sometimes awareness works. Sometimes one has to scream to be heard over the din. But the government has not been entirely indifferent to the needs of the disabled. Many government buildings in the state have ramps and railings while lifts have Braille buttons to assist the visually impaired. However, not all private office buildings have similar fittings.

The fight is a gradual one for the 33,012 disabled people in Goa. Last September the government appointed a State Commissioner for Disabilities, which is the chief forum for voicing grievances. But what is surprising is that only two grievances have been received so far, thus giving the impression that the disabled are being looked after by the State and its departments. Last year the commissioner received ten complaints. The number of complaints does not reflect the injustice and lack of support to this category of citizens and DRAG is of the view that the commissioner plays an important role. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty and the presence of the commissioner is a symbol of hope.

The movement for rights of the disabled started in the India in the 1980s and passage of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act 1995 was a watershed for these underprivileged persons. The law was a result of international pressure which shortened the journey to this achievement. Abroad, the disabled had to wage longer battles for recognition.

Owing to the variety of disabilities that are covered by the act, redressal of grievances and formulation of policy can be a challenge. In Goa for instance, of the total number of disabled persons listed in the 2011 census, 15 per cent have visual impairment, 16 per cent have hearing impairment and another 16 per cent suffer from mobility disabilities. About 16 per cent have speech impairments and the remaining comprise people with mental illness and multiple disabilities. The list is a long one and each category needs a different set of policies and welfare measures.

The disabled draw sympathy, but what they need is support and equal treatment. The State is moving in this direction, but the voice of the disabled is not always heard. Being a small group and scattered across 40 constituencies, they are not a vote bank and any welfare measure that comes their way is hard fought. It is not just about ramps and railings, but job opportunities as well. The disabled have to be integrated into society and to achieve this job avenues have to be created both in the public and private sector. This is where the State Commissioner for Disabilities can play a larger and more proactive role.