The disabled unfriendly city

Every individual has the right to feel safe and at home in the city where they live. Whether the person belongs to the minority or the majority of the population, the ultimate goal of life is to be happy. But a city's infrastructure must support one in living comfortably and safely.

Bandung's current condition does not reflect this ideal, and Jakarta is no exception. On the road, people encounter congestion, traffic jams, jaywalking etc. It seems that motorists know how to move their vehicle, but don't know how to drive. Fighting for a seat on a crowded city bus or other public transport, especially during peak hour, is a common scene during the week.

On the sidewalks, vendors selling their goods occupy more than half of the space, making it difficult for passersby. Alternatively, they walk along the edge of the road. Drivers are not only to be blamed for this chaos, but pedestrians as well.

When crossing the street, they assume drivers' are responsible for their safety. Modern buildings, often marked by glossy staircases without railings, are the highlight of this developed city. Perhaps for physically able people, the city's infrastructure can be tolerated. They can cope with the poor infrastructure and road users' poor discipline. They can easily step up and down the high curbs, cross the streets whenever they feel like doing so, or jump over the goods on the curbs.

But these problems become intolerable when the disabled and elderly have to put their safety and feeling of security at risk. The city then becomes the unfriendly city, inaccessible for disabled and frail people. They are usually conscious of their physical disability and hence, especially careful when in a crowd or public space.

If they believe some places are inaccessible, they will either choose to avoid the place or do the best they can to cope. As part of human nature, independence is a virtue that people strive for. Despite their disability, they are eager to live independently with the minimum help. They strive to handle various situations by themselves as much as they can.

But do today's city amenities uphold this value? The city's infrastructure and modern buildings are often constructed without taking the needs of disabled people into account. Let us examine curbs. Their height and the absence of ramps makes it impossible for disabled and elderly people to access. How can people in a wheelchair gain access to the curb without a ramp? Consequently, they are confined to the street's edge where there is the chance of being hit by passing vehicles.

Crossing the street is another problem. How often do we see an elderly person waiting for a kindhearted driver to slow down and stop, allowing the person to cross the street. Most drivers are too occupied with themselves that they disregard pedestrians' needs. Waiting a few minutes until the heavy traffic subsides is futile.

Some modern high-rise buildings are equipped with ramps, escalators and lifts, making it easier for disabled and elderly people to access these buildings. But many buildings do not have such facilities, deterring them from entering shopping centers, banks and public offices. Are they merely confined to home? Do they have to live surrounded by four walls for the rest of their life because the outside world is inaccessible? Is the city destined only for the young and healthy?

I recall a visit to Australia. On many occasions I saw elderly and disabled people going about their business alone. At parking lots, a special space is allocated for the disabled and any able person daring to put his or her vehicle in this spot is liable to sanction. I hope that equal opportunities and integration will be given to each citizen. Understanding the needs of the disabled and elderly will make life brighter for them.

INGE KOMARDJAJA

Bandung, West Java