'Other countries show concern for disabled'

'Other countries show concern for disabled'

The government has stipulated that by the end of 2003, all
government buildings must provide access for people with
disabilities. However, people living with disabilities still
struggle with discrimination, are unable to enjoy many public
facilities or find meaningful work. The Jakarta Post talked to
some people about the issue.

Nina, 25, is a child psychologist who lives with her parents
and elder sister in Cinere, south of Jakarta:

The facilities for the disabled are limited. The government
should provide a special living allowance for them.

There are only a few places provided for the disabled to
develop skills, and even when there is one, it is not of good
quality. People often underestimate the talents and abilities of
the disabled. These kinds of things make me pity them.

If we compare the facilities here with foreign countries'...
Abroad they have all kinds of facilities. A public lavatory
always includes a specially designed stall for people in
wheelchairs, for example.

Hessy, 23, as an employee in a production house in Pancoran,
South Jakarta, which produces a television show. She lives in
Cawang, East Jakarta, with her parents:

I do think the city really lacks the facilities for disabled
people. I've never seen a restroom in a mall or office designed
specifically for the disabled, let alone the crosswalks or
footbridges. The only place that has a few ramps and such is the
international airport, I think, but anyway that is Banten
province.

I guess it's because the administration doesn't have the money
to build such facilities or merely doesn't really bother about
the existence of disabled persons. Foreign countries have more
concern and facilities for the disabled as far as I know.

I've never encountered, though, any physical discrimination
against them. But have you ever seen any disabled person who runs
a business? I haven't. I think it's a form of public ignorance
about what disabled persons might have to offer.

--The Jakarta Post