Persons with disabilities interacted with A. Sivagnanam, joint chief electoral officer, Tamil Nadu, at an event organised by the Adding Smiles Foundation on Saturday.
Participants raised questions about accessible polling booths, facilities for visually impaired residents, taking in an attendant to vote and making information accessible to all.
Mr. Sivagnanam explained that efforts had been taken to make all the polling booths accessible, and that a brochure had been brought out for persons with disabilities, in addition to the many camps held for them to apply for registering them for voting. “We have also trained polling officials on assistance that may be needed by persons with disabilities and are asking residents to register online in case they need a wheelchair and also to register with their EPIC number on 1950 so that we can provide any other facilities needed,” he said.
How the process would work for those with visual impairment was brought up, and Mr. Sivagnanam said ballot papers were being brought out in Braille with the list of candidates, and a number beside each.
“The EVMs will have these numbers in Braille and the voter can read the Braille ballot paper at the booth, decide on the candidate and then vote. In case the voter cannot read Braille, they can take an attendant, who will have to sign a declaration form and will then be able to help the voter vote,” he said.
