the goan I network
PANAJI
In a huge boost for persons with disability (PswD) in the capital city, a restaurant in Taleigao on Tuesday inaugurated a “hydraulic lift” “ a lift which enables PswD and the elderly to enter the restaurant on their own, without the help of others.
Taleigao-based “Peep Kitchen”, which before this, was accessible only by steps, and was at a height, now has the distinction of being disabled-friendly.
Amey Naik, one of the owners of the restaurant said that the restaurant had been looking to make its premises disabled-friendly for a while, as a lot of PswD and elderly had trouble accessing the place for parties.
So the owners contacted an engineer based in Bombay, who specialises in hydraulic lifts. Even though the mechanism of the lift is really simple, Naik said that the issue lay in that the lift was needed only for a short height from the ground to the restaurant. Lloyd Fernandes, a PswD who uses a wheelchair to get around, and who was the first person to use the hydraulic lift after its inauguration, said that he was pleased at the initiative.
“Even though I came here often, my wife used to order the food and bring a take-away so I could eat in the car. Now that the place is accessible, I’m happy that I’ll finally be able to come here myself,” said Lloyd.
Meanwhile, president of the Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) Avelino De Sa, said that the hydraulic lift would indirectly benefit almost 45% of people.
“15% of our population consists of elderly persons, PswD, and people with limited mobility. Along with their family members, it comes to around 45% of people. If we don’t provide accessible services to them, we are keeping them out of the mainstream,” said De Sa. “The Disability Act mandates that all buildings need to be made accessible. We are happy with the initiative, and hope others will follow suit,” he said.
