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Dr. Ajith C. S. Perera, a Chartered Analytical Chemist, a former Test-match panel Senior Cricket Umpire and a former Senior Training Manager in the Pharmaceutical Industry, today as a wheelchair user is a reputed Disability Advocate and a Member of the newly appointed National Council for the Disabled People and has since 1999, spearheaded the campaign for "All Inclusive Built Environments" in Sri Lanka.

by Dr. Ajith C. S. Perera

It's most encouraging that regulations have been gazetted on November 14, 2005 and within weeks will be passed in parliament to ensure that all new public buildings and public places, by law, shall provide adequate facilities for the disabled people to conveniently access and use them as much as possible independently.

This Disabilities Regulation No (1) of 2005 is important because the biggest minority group here is made up of a wide range of people with restricted mobility, having difficulties in moving from one place to another. Also more than 30% of the population will soon be senior citizens. However, all categories of buildings continue to come up rapidly without giving any consideration to this vital human aspect.

As Laws are not yet in place to do anything here, almost daily, we see more and more people getting forcibly isolated and marginalised from society, in being unable to gain access and use man-built environments.

In fact large numbers of them are still productive people and such social exclusions cause waste of precious human potential and bring-in loads of added unwanted burning social problems.

However, these regulations once implemented and enforced, will make certain that by law future constructions of all public buildings (residential, commercial, industrial, recreational, educational, etc) and public places (parks and leisure centres) and even public communication (telephone booths and post offices) and transportation services, shall be accessible and useable equally and as much as possible independently, by everyone.

It is a misconception that only Wheelchair users need Barrier-free Environments. Accessibility is NOT just an issue for disabled people. These regulations once enforced and implemented, would benefit enormously not only the disabled persons but shall empower a diversified wide range of people.

It will make participation far easier and more effective equally to both young and elderly, pregnant mothers, disabled parents, people with heavy luggage and small children, and even to those with difficulties in seeing, hearing and moving.

In fact these regulations will give by law equal opportunities to everyone to enter and use any part of a built environment, and participate equally in mainstream activities, independently, with choice and with dignity. Their implementation will bring immediate benefit to over 60% of our population.

In 1996 an Act was passed in parliament to protect the rights of the Disabled People. Ten years have passed since then but we all know millions of disabled people received no protection at all..

Will it succeed?

There are TWO main reasons however, to convince me that these Regulations of 2005 will most certainly be implemented and enforced to arrest the grave human rights violation issue of forcible social exclusion of millions at man-made physical environments.

For the first time in this country, a political leader has given serious thought to this rising social problem of National importance.

Through 'Mahinda Chinthana' His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapakse has given us the following key pledges. (a). "To take action to enact legislation to protect the rights of the 'disabled' people". (b). "To ensure that convenient access facilities for 'disabled people' be provided as a matter of priority in all public buildings". (c). "To treat all 'disabled people' respectfully and without any discrimination". (d). To offer 3% of employment opportunities to the Disabled People. To make these pledges a reality, it becomes mandatory for those in service to implement these "Regulations to Access".

We now have a wonderful TRIAD at the top to lead the team. In the Hon. Mr Douglas Devananda, the Minister responsible for this area of work, I see a true leader who works with a sense of urgency and commitment to this cause.

In the Secretary to this Ministry Mrs V. Jegarasasingam, we have someone with enthusiasm, dedication and a decade of experience on this vital subject, honestly keen to see words turn into action.

Thirdly we have a dynamic new Director as the head of the Disability Secretariat Dr.(Mrs.) Neela Gunasekera. Mrs Jegarasasingam was not there and we were stuck for the past two years in getting these Regulations gazetted. Within a short period of 12 weeks of assuming duties Dr Gunasekera's untiring efforts saw these hurdles cleared swiftly. We also have an enthusiastic Deputy Minister Jagath Pushpakumara to back us with understanding.

They no doubt shall form the four pillars on which we shall build a firm launching pad. But don't forget the driving force of the National Council!! We members of this year's new team, shall take all possible measures and give the thrust from behind, to make things happen.

Of course to make this dream a reality Policy makers, Investors, Architects, Builders, UDA personnel, Municipal Councillors and Business leaders along with Media Personnel, should start to think and act differently and responsibly. We need their active support very much, than ever before!

Other benefits

It is neither practical nor healthy to prolong charity based social welfare work beyond a minimum. This is what even most of our business organisation still do under the false belief of corporate social responsibility. Such will only create unwanted further burdens on society.

The international community too through ongoing efforts of the United Nations have repeatedly stressed that the rights of the 'Disabled People' require much more attention than in the context of community based rehabilitation, and corporate social responsibility and welfare, (which CBRs and CSRs have only been doing so far).

The gateway to make the 'Disabled People' truly productive and full fledged citizens, is to provide "Opportunities rather than Charity", to unlock the potential they posses with the wealth of experience and knowledge. Thus we must soon provide the individualised support, encouragement and morale boost each would require to get back 'on their feet' again and make them as much as possible independent and productive citizens and equal partners in Development.

These Regulations will create the appropriate environments for these to happen.

Many of us still act on old habits and outdated beliefs, as our brain is 'wired' to notice "Ability Differences" and react accordingly to label injuriously some of us as 'Differently Able'! In fact in our ever-widening diverse world, 'Everybody's Different'. These Regulations will pave the way to make the 'Disabled People' feel that they too are EQUALLY ABLE and NOT "Differently Able".

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