Organization calls on architects: Require PWD access in buildings

Government infrastructures ‘not PWD-friendly’

CEBU, Philippines - Government infrastructures are not disability-friendly, a group leader said, as she urged architects and even laborers to require the provision of access to PWDs in every building.

Among others, the provincial Capitol and the Cebu City Hall are not PWD-friendly since both buildings do not have the universal design accessible for all users, said Adela Kono, president of the group Advocate of Barrier - Free and Inclusive Environments.

 "To the architects, laborers, and even the owners, please make sure that the place is disable-friendly," Kono said during the recent Kapihan sa PIA.

She said there are buildings that have ramps and handrails, but are placed or constructed either in an incorrect way or in a wrong area, making it more difficult for the PWDs.

"Grab bars are very important.  Please also make sure it is correctly positioned; there's no use if it's in a wrong way," Kono said.

Sister Eulonin "Ely" Laplana of Hospitaller Sisters, for her part, said establishments should not just focus on physically disabled person, but should also take into consideration those who are mentally challenged.

"We should remember their right of dignity; mentally ill persons are also like us," she said, as she urged everyone to understand those who are mentally challenged.

Kono said there are still cases of mentally challenged individuals being held captive by their own parents to avoid discrimination or any harm to the child.

"There are parents who are still ignorant on whom they should ask for help," Kono said.

Janice Aparri of Cebu Association of Deaf (CAD), together with her interpreter, said one big challenge for individuals like her is the lack of knowledge of their rights.

Another, she said, is when a family is paid just to stay quiet in any issue a deaf-mute encounters.

Aparri, through the help of her interpreter, said that CAD has already partnered with the Philippine National Police and schools in order to raise awareness on PWDs' rights.

Kono added that while there is already a growing recognition of rights, it is not yet enough to provide a louder voice for PWDs. (FREEMAN)