“Games venues not disabled friendly”

A ticketing audit done by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) has revealed that accessible seating is available only for mainstream sports in the Commonwealth Games and not for the 15 para-sporting events, which are for disabled sportsmen and are more likely to draw disabled spectators.

The audit also found that there is only one outlet at Tolstoy Marg to buy tickets for accessible seating, which the NCPEDP said makes it difficult for a disabled person staying far away to buy tickets.

In a letter to the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi, Disabled Rights Group convenor Javed Abidi, a wheelchair user, said he had looked forward to the sale of tickets but was disappointed with the facilities made available to disabled persons.

Mr. Abidi said he was disappointed that the OC had arranged accessible seating for disabled persons only in the ‘C' and ‘D' categories, which are the lower denomination tickets.

“What if I want to buy a premium ticket? Isn't that my right as a citizen of this country? ‘' Mr. Abidi asked.

In his letter, Mr. Abidi also pointed Mr. Kalmadi to the 2006 Commonwealth Games website - http://www.melbourne2006.com.au/m2006/footer/accessibility

Website

The website of the Melbourne Games had a dedicated link named ‘Accessibility' on the home page unlike the Delhi Games website.

It provides a person with disability answers to questions like parking, alternative mode of transport, shuttle buses, accessible toilets and facilities for other disabilities like hearing impairment.

“Your website does not even say anything about the needs of other disabilities like hearing or visual impairment!” noted Mr. Abidi in his letter, which he concluded hoping Mr. Kalmadi would provide answers for the failure to provide the disabled with the required facilities.