- The disabled need our practical solidarity. We need freedoms, legislation and accessibility to places and businesses. They demand respect and nothing more
Twenty-eight years ago, the United Nations established December 28 as World Day of Persons with Disabilities to broaden public awareness by promoting the rights and well-being of people with disabilities in all aspects of public life.
My belief is that in order for any interventions to be meaningful for today's World Day, they must be accompanied by concrete proposals that will promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities in all aspects of public life. In this context and in the light of today, I made contacts with the Pancyprian Federation of Associations of Parents of Children with Special Needs, as well as with several personalities-experts on the subject, in order to be informed about the difficulties and obstacles faced by people with disabilities.
- Especially for children, the following needs were recorded:
- Creation of day care centers and 24-hour accommodation
- Ensuring the continued operation of the Special Comments
- Providing textbooks in electronic form: It has been proven that students with disabilities can have better results through electronic means (computers, tablets, etc.). E.g. visually impaired students can enlarge the texts and / or listen to them on their computer.
- Specialization of teachers in teaching children with disabilities.
- Creating a camp area for the disabled
Furthermore:
- Proper technical specifications for sidewalks, sidewalks, squares, public buildings and businesses need to be adopted. The creation of ramps in public places, the ramps at the entrances of houses / apartment buildings, the widening of doors, the functional houses are some of the issues that are put to those in charge.
- Accessible buses are needed
- It is imperative that we respect the parking spaces for the disabled, but also the spaces they need. That is, do not park cars on sidewalk ramps or at entrances that block access. Always keep in mind that at one point a wheelchair can pass, just like a mother with her child in a stroller.
- The sanitary facilities of the disabled should not be turned into warehouses.
- It is time for the state to prepare a housing plan. Both to cover the cost of conversions after obtaining a disability, but also to acquire a home.
- To consider the possibility that the institutional agents / officials of the state should always have next to them a person who communicates in sign language.
- Instead of Disability Day, the possibility of introducing a Disability Month may be considered, during which events and seminars will be held and people with disabilities will be given the opportunity to talk about their experiences.
Not only today, but every day, each and every one of us must realize that people with disabilities are equal citizens and people with disabilities who need infrastructure to participate in social life as equals. They need our practical solidarity. We need freedoms, legislation, space and accessibility. They demand respect and nothing more.
Nikos Georgiou
DISY Famagusta District Secretary, Larnaca Municipal Councilor