Monday, July 14, 2008 Cebu ‘not friendly’ to persons with disabilities
CEBUANOS still need to improve their awareness of the plight of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and eliminate an attitude of “indifference,” the Organization of Rehabilitation Agencies (ORA) said.
ORA president Geral-dine Ruiz said Cebu might be increasingly PWD-friendly, but it still needs to improve.
Ruiz said there are many laws protecting the rights of PWDs, but most of these need to be fully enforced.
“We have a lot of laws, in fact, we are a leader in Asia, but we are not diligent in the implementation of these laws,” said Ruiz.
Ruiz blamed this on the “indifference” of people to PWDs.
Among the laws for PWDs, Ruiz mentioned the Accessibility Act or BP 344.
Ruiz said that although most buildings in Cebu already have ramps for the orthopedically-challenged, their interior designs are not sensitive to PWDs.
Hotels
“Most establishments have ramp outside, but that’s it. Once inside, they are no longer PWD-friendly. Even in hotels, there are rooms which are not PWD friendly,” she said.
Important
Ruiz said this only showed that the law is not entirely followed. It is important that the building is entirely PWD-friendly and not just its exterior, said Ruiz.
Ruiz said bathrooms in many establishments need to be sensitive to PWDs, especially since most accidents involving PWDs happen in the restrooms.
“Ninety-five percent of accidents happen in the bathroom,” said Ruiz.
The failure in implementing the Accessibility Act fully shows a prevailing attitude of insensitivity towards PWDs, said Ruiz.
Ruiz said every time PWDs can’t enter a building because of its design, their rights are being violated.
“Everyday, our rights are being violated,” said Ruiz, who is bound to a wheelchair herself.
ORA yesterday launched the annual National Disability Week to raise awareness of the rights of PWDs.
PWDs are also fighting to get children with disabilities to regular schools.
Yesterday, children from various special education centers showcased their talents in singing and dancing.
“The activity is to highlight the rights of persons with disabilities and highlight also their abilities,” said Ruiz. (EPB)
