“Disability need not be an obstacle to success” - Prof. Stephen Hawking
Many people seem not to understand what “accessibility” entails. Therefore the #OneAccessibility posse have decided to create more awareness for fellow Local Guides to appreciate disability and accessibility. Every weekend we shall try to share information about differently able and profile one location with accessible trails. Look out every week for this enlightening post.
What is Accessibility?Accessibility is the word used to describe whether a place , service or product can be used by people of all abilities and disabilities. For example, a train or website is accessible if all people, including abled, disabled and elderly people, can use it.
Accessibility translates to the removal of barriers in accessing places, products and services. People with disabilities face challenges in moving around like normal people. They also experience challenges in accessing education, healthcare, employment, finance and basic needs of life. Accessibility gives everyone (able and disabled) the same opportunity. Common areas barriers include mobility, auditory, neurological, cognitive, medical, psychological and others.
According to the United Nations over one billion people live with disability. The reality is that more people will have some form as disability in the future either temporary or permanently. Increase in forms of disability can be attributed to old age, ill health, mental disorders, physical deformity, accident and armed conflict. For example an 80-year old man, amputee soldier or a child with cerebral palsy would display diverse disability.
Since we know disability is on the rise, it is important that accessibility takes precedence across the world, as soon as possible. Research has shown that people with disabilities don’t consider themselves as being unhealthy. Therefore, making our environment accessible goes a long way to enable them live a normal life.
Accessibility can be improved by installing ramps, elevators, escalators, wide doors, signage, public address systems, Braille, notice boards and dedicated parking spaces. Adding this information on Google Maps will help PwD make the right decisions. The next time you step outside, do look out for such provisions and add them to the maps by taking photos and writing reviews.
The St. Brigid’s Church in a rural community in Ahiazu Mbaise (in South east Nigeria) has a ramp which enables old people, women with arthritis, wheelchairs, pushchairs and people with mobility issues move without hindrance.
Here’s å list of all Accessibility Uncovered Posts
Do you have a question, suggestion or contribution? Feel free to drop a comment below.
