This article was written by me two years ago from the realization of the accident. It was not posted in 2023 due to lack of time.
Accessibility is not just about convenience—it’s about ensuring that every individual, regardless of their physical abilities, can move through the world with dignity and independence. Like the many languages and cultures that make our world diverse, accessibility challenges also differ across regions. While developed countries often have well-enforced policies supporting accessibility, many developing nations still struggle due to weak enforcement, outdated infrastructure, and historically inaccessible architecture.
A Personal Wake-Up Call
In 2023, I experienced a leg injury from a road accident. Temporarily losing my mobility gave me a new perspective on the world around me. Everyday tasks that once seemed simple—entering buildings, using public transport, moving along sidewalks—became difficult or even impossible. This experience opened my eyes to the importance of accessible infrastructure and how much work still needs to be done.
Until one faces a mobility challenge, it’s hard to truly understand how critical accessibility features are. Ramps, elevators, and smooth sidewalks aren’t just conveniences; for many, they are lifelines.
The child’s photo is used for accessibility camping by the Bangladesh Local Guide Community with the permission of the parents.
Can Mapping Accessibility Help?
Over the years, I’ve organized several accessibility-themed meetups and placed wheelchair-accessible stickers on buildings to raise awareness. While many appreciate these efforts, I’ve also encountered resistance. Some people view labeling buildings as “accessible” as unnecessary—or worse, offensive. In some cases, the stickers were even removed.
This raises a deeper question: Can simply marking accessible locations on a map bring about meaningful change?
In places like Bangladesh, the challenges go far beyond awareness. Most people with mobility impairments rely on manual wheelchairs and often need help to get around. Motorized wheelchairs are rare, and infrastructure is often hostile to wheelchair users. Sidewalks are uneven, ramps are scarce, and most public buildings remain inaccessible.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
In Bangladesh, the broader social system contributes to these challenges. Public transportation—buses, trains, and roads—is largely inaccessible. Sidewalks are cluttered or broken, and traffic conditions pose serious safety risks for wheelchair users. Shockingly, about 95% of buildings in the country do not meet basic accessibility standards. Even in new constructions, these essential features are frequently ignored.
This issue is not limited to Bangladesh. Neighboring countries like India and Pakistan face similar struggles, indicating a regional problem that demands urgent attention.
What Needs to Change?
While mapping accessibility is a good start, it is not enough. We need a more comprehensive approach that includes:
- Raising awareness at all levels of society—from government offices to schools and universities.
- Enforcing accessibility standards in building codes, especially during renovations and new constructions.
- Improving public transport to accommodate people with disabilities, ensuring bus stops, train stations, and terminals are accessible.
- Changing public attitudes, which is just as important as changing infrastructure. Inclusion must become part of our cultural mindset.
One of the most powerful tools for long-term change is education. By teaching young people about inclusion and accessibility, we can foster a generation that values and demands these rights for all.
Moving Forward
Promoting accessibility in countries like Bangladesh requires more than just good intentions—it requires action, collaboration, and persistent advocacy. We must combine infrastructure improvements with policy enforcement and community engagement.
Let’s work toward a future where accessibility is not an afterthought, but a fundamental part of every design, decision, and development. By doing so, we don’t just help people with disabilities—we create a more inclusive world for everyone.
