Physically challenged come out with wish list

Feeling let down by the candidates in the electoral fray for ignoring their demands, some of the physically challenged persons made a fervent appeal to all to safeguard their privileges and bring pressure on the powers-that-be for legislation for revised Disability Act without diluting the provisional bill.

“We are disappointed at lukewarm response to our cause but still we are making a fervent appeal to all concerned to support our cause. We need implementation of reservations and identifying jobs for different disabilities like mental retardation and providing quotas in those categories,” Dilip Patro, director of The Ability People said.

He said they wanted ramps to be built at some polling booths as well as shopping malls and cinema theatres and construction of more number of wash rooms especially for them.

Providing grievance redresses system at district, State and Central level headed by judicial officers was one among important demands made by them.

“Though there is reservation for us to travel in buses, some of the conductors charge more for the wheelchair. There should be uniform concession for all modes of transport including bus, train and flight,” P.M.K. Rao, president, Ashadeep (an association of parents for mentally challenged children).

He said there should initiative for development comprehensive active rehabilitation services with assistive technology and vocational centres for challenged persons and financial aid for NGOs working for their welfare.