A number of disabled rights groups, including the Federation of Tamil Nadu Differently Abled Associations, requested the Election Commission to improve access to polling stations.
Senior officials on Tuesday held discussions with the representatives of the groups on how to offer better facilities for persons with disability during the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April 24.
Their demands include well-designed ramps in all polling stations, audio-enabled software for illiterate persons with disability, permission to use vehicles to reach polling booths, priority in casting votes, implementation of Braille signage for voting and wheelchairs at all polling stations.
They also sought permission for persons accompanying the disabled to cast votes immediately and exemption for persons with disability from poll-related works. They demanded compliance with provisions of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.
Special Chief Electoral Officer A. Karthik assured the representatives that efforts would be taken to allow vehicles of the disabled till the booth entrance. Persons on wheelchairs would also be permitted near the EVM. Those escorting persons with disability need not stand in the queue. District Election Offices would train the officials and police personnel to treat the disabled with dignity, he said.
