The disabled unfriendly city

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