The Indian government on Wednesday asked the states and the union territories to ensure availability of basic physical accessibility for persons with disabilities as per reasonable accommodation in COVID-19 testing centres, quarantine facilities and hospitals.
In a letter to the chief secretaries of the states and UTs, department of empowerment of persons with disabilities (DEPwD) Secretary Shakuntala D Gamlin said the current COVID-19 crisis poses a greater threat to persons with disabilities not just due to their lesser or compromised immunity and ability to perceive or comprehend information but also due to the non-availability of accessibility features in the physical environment and eco-system provided at coronavirus-related facilities.
The DEPwD, under the Union Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry (SJEM), has already published guidelines concerning information dissemination in alternative accessible formats, priority treatment for the persons with disabilities and provisions of safety, healthy living and hygiene, attendants, care-givers and accessible service providers, like sign language interpreters, she said.
“In addition, it is also necessary that basic physical accessibility features are ensured, as per reasonable accommodation in the centres for COVID-19 testing and quarantine facilities as well as for treatment at hospitals and health centres,” Gamlin added.
States/UTs are requested to urgently initiate necessary action to ensure these basic features of accessibility are provided so that persons with disabilities and those dependent upon attendants/caregivers are not inconvenienced further, especially during the times of this pandemic, the senior officer said.
