`Differently abled persons still facing problems`

IMPHAL, October 17: Differently abled persons in the State continue to face various problems, said State Commissioner for People with Disabilities, L Nabakishore. He was speaking at the inaugural function

IMPHAL, October 17: Differently abled persons in the State continue to face various problems, said State Commissioner for People with Disabilities, L Nabakishore.

He was speaking at the inaugural function of the 8th Fortnight Barrier Free Campaign 2015 which was jointly organised by the Handicapped Development Foundation and State Commissioner for Person with Disabilities held at the Manipur Press Club today.

As part of the campaign, various awareness program will also be conducted.

He continued, several organisations have submitted letters to the concerned authorities to ensure disabled friendly infrastructure for easy access in hospitals, office buildings, market places, however, there has been no positive response so far.

He further expressed hope that the government will soon make avail the provisions under the People With Disability Act 1995 (Equal Opportunities).

Under the Act, the government should provide easy access for people with disabilities in the transport systems and provide ramps in public buildings including hospitals, banks, offices, etc. and slopes on road pavements, surface engraving on Zebra Crossings for the blind or those with low vision, he said.

He said that differently abled persons will be able to be free from barriers only when the facilities under the Act are implemented effectively.

Secretary seneral, Handicapped Development Foundation, Dr Sapam Jasowanta said several awareness campaigns have been conducted towards understanding the differently abled persons.

Posters and leaflets to create awareness on the issue were also released during the function.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/10/differently-abled-persons-still-facing-problems/