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.
