The disabled unfriendly city<\/p>\n
Every individual has the right to feel safe and at home in the
\ncity where they live. Whether the person belongs to the minority
\nor the majority of the population, the ultimate goal of life is
\nto be happy. But a city's infrastructure must support one in
\nliving comfortably and safely.<\/p>\n
Bandung's current condition does not reflect this ideal, and
\nJakarta is no exception. On the road, people encounter
\ncongestion, traffic jams, jaywalking etc. It seems that motorists
\nknow how to move their vehicle, but don't know how to drive.
\nFighting for a seat on a crowded city bus or other public
\ntransport, especially during peak hour, is a common scene during
\nthe week.<\/p>\n
On the sidewalks, vendors selling their goods occupy more than
\nhalf of the space, making it difficult for passersby.
\nAlternatively, they walk along the edge of the road. Drivers are
\nnot only to be blamed for this chaos, but pedestrians as well.<\/p>\n
When crossing the street, they assume drivers' are responsible
\nfor their safety. Modern buildings, often marked by glossy
\nstaircases without railings, are the highlight of this developed
\ncity. Perhaps for physically able people, the city's
\ninfrastructure can be tolerated. They can cope with the poor
\ninfrastructure and road users' poor discipline. They can easily
\nstep up and down the high curbs, cross the streets whenever they
\nfeel like doing so, or jump over the goods on the curbs.<\/p>\n
But these problems become intolerable when the disabled and
\nelderly have to put their safety and feeling of security at risk.
\nThe city then becomes the unfriendly city, inaccessible for
\ndisabled and frail people. They are usually conscious of their
\nphysical disability and hence, especially careful when in a crowd
\nor public space.<\/p>\n
If they believe some places are inaccessible, they will either
\nchoose to avoid the place or do the best they can to cope. As
\npart of human nature, independence is a virtue that people strive
\nfor. Despite their disability, they are eager to live
\nindependently with the minimum help. They strive to handle
\nvarious situations by themselves as much as they can.<\/p>\n
But do today's city amenities uphold this value? The city's
\ninfrastructure and modern buildings are often constructed without
\ntaking the needs of disabled people into account. Let us examine
\ncurbs. Their height and the absence of ramps makes it impossible
\nfor disabled and elderly people to access. How can people in a
\nwheelchair gain access to the curb without a ramp? Consequently,
\nthey are confined to the street's edge where there is the chance
\nof being hit by passing vehicles.<\/p>\n
Crossing the street is another problem. How often do we see an
\nelderly person waiting for a kindhearted driver to slow down and
\nstop, allowing the person to cross the street. Most drivers are
\ntoo occupied with themselves that they disregard pedestrians'
\nneeds. Waiting a few minutes until the heavy traffic subsides is
\nfutile.<\/p>\n
Some modern high-rise buildings are equipped with ramps,
\nescalators and lifts, making it easier for disabled and elderly
\npeople to access these buildings. But many buildings do not have
\nsuch facilities, deterring them from entering shopping centers,
\nbanks and public offices. Are they merely confined to home? Do
\nthey have to live surrounded by four walls for the rest of their
\nlife because the outside world is inaccessible? Is the city
\ndestined only for the young and healthy?<\/p>\n
I recall a visit to Australia. On many occasions I saw elderly
\nand disabled people going about their business alone. At parking
\nlots, a special space is allocated for the disabled and any able
\nperson daring to put his or her vehicle in this spot is liable to
\nsanction. I hope that equal opportunities and integration will be
\ngiven to each citizen. Understanding the needs of the disabled
\nand elderly will make life brighter for them.<\/p>\n
INGE KOMARDJAJA<\/p>\n
Bandung, West Java<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/the-disabled-unfriendly-city-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }