Marking the International Wheelchair Day on Sunday, wheelchair users demand accessibility of public spaces in Bengaluru city.
The event was organised by the Special Educators and Rehab Professionals (SERPA), a non-profit organisation. The event was flagged off by Malathi K Holla, an International para-athlete from the city. Access is still a significant issue for wheelchair users in different places. Organisers hope that awareness triggered by the event will nudge a more responsive approach from the government and authorities to improve accessibility for wheelchair users.
“There is need create awareness on wheelchair users issues, such as access to public spaces to ride in the city,” said Padmashri Malathi Holla, a wheelchair user evangelist for equal rights of persons with disabilities.
“Creating awareness and accepting people with disabilities into our midst is the first step to pave for access to public spaces,” said Uma Hrishi, organiser of the rally.
“In a cosmopolitan city like Bengaluru, wheelchair users can’t get onto footpaths, public places or even into buses. The state government should create access to public places by implementing the Public Works Department Act,” said NGO Swaraj Abhiyan’s president Manhohar Elavarthi.
