PANAJI
Goa’s leading government-run centre for art and culture in the capital, Kala Academy, lacks provisions and facilities for the differently abled,
causing them immense difficulties to access the cultural institution.
Vishant Nagvekar, who faced difficulties at Kala Academy, wrote to the Director of Art and Culture, with copies to the Commissioner for Persons with Disability at the Directorate of Social Welfare, the Member Secretary of Kala Academy, Campal, and the President of the Disability Rights Association of Goa.
The following problems are faced by the differently abled at Kala Academy:
Reserved parking for the disabled is kept at a great distance from the entrance of the structure, unmaintained door of the wash room and lack of accessibility to the indoor auditorium.
Addressing the issue of reserved parking, Nagvekar’s letter reads, “The slot has been marked for Reserved Parking at Kala Academy. However, it is miserable to note that Reserved Parking for officials is placed closest to the building, however, for those who cannot walk (persons with disability) the parking has been kept at (a great) distance (from the entrance).
Nagvekar also noted that the auditoriums and the office are not accessible to the differently abled, particularly those using a wheelchair. “Due to lack of handrails it becomes even more difficult for the elderly and the differently abled to access the auditorium and also the office,” wrote Nagvekar. He also pointed out that the stages of these auditoriums at Kala Academy are not at all accessible to certain differently abled people.
Nagvekar suggested that the reserved parking be shifted to the closest spot possible in order to reduce the walking distance and the hardship and inconvenience caused to differently abled people.
He also urged the authorities to repair or replace the door of the toilet inside the Kala Academy.
