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by Ajith C. S. Perera

For too long, protection of the essential basic rights and related vital issues that concern the 'Disabled', have not been addressed adequately and effectively by any of the ruling parties of this country. These vital issues have never been high on the agenda for such action, nor seen fit enough to be included in the constitution. Another general election is fast approaching and cries have been made to say that 'December 05th shall be a crucial day for making decisions for a brighter future'. It also almost coincides with another 'International Day of the Disabled'. But even a ray of hope still remains a disillusion for the Disabled!

What is disheartening to note is that all political parties and candidates, in their manifestos, incredibly say absolutely nothing about the Disabled, nor propose to offer anything significant for them. Aren't they the decision-makers of tomorrow for us? Yes, they are, but every-one of them disdains the fact that the DISABLED, a greater percent of whom are the youth - the life force of any country, are 'a rapidly increasing disgruntled sector' in Sri Lanka. It so happens not only because of the on-going war in the northern province, but for various other reasons, including the violation of the basic road rules.

I have made valiant attempts to bring to the awareness of some of the political contestants for the governing power, the dismay and the disastrous hidden plight of the disabled. Regrettably and inequitably, these endeavour have all fallen on 'Deaf ears and Nelsonian eyes'. Although they continue to talk of equal rights and equal opportunities for every-one, their incompatible short-sighted attitudes, reflect the disinclination and disinterest of these inconsiderate decision-makers of tomorrow, about providing and protecting even the essential basic facilities and rights for the Disabled in this country.

Connected legislation, no wonder, will continue just to be only on paper.

Many people have functional limitations to varying degrees, physical, sensory or mental or perhaps a combination of these. Life never stops when so impaired, but takes a drastic change. As fate is no respecter if persons or positions, the politicians fail to realise that any such thing could happen equally to any-one, at any time.

All one could and should do then, is to find alternative ways and means to lessen the burdens thrust upon one, to still cherish ambitions and achieve objectives, to prolong living as fruitful citizens, without being added burdens to society. But the negative attitudinal barriers of politicians and decision-makers are the 'true obstacles' to clear the few critical physical blockages in our environment, which in turn continue to isolate us from mixing with society and serving it again.

However, the basic first step in the correct direction, was taken by the PA Government in passing an Act (No:28) in Parliament and also establishing a 21 member National Council, towards speedy implementation of the needy action. That was in 1996 October. However, nothing of any real value could be initiated on many significant aspects but still there is hope for us that after 05th of December some significant things will happen! The worst affected and totally neglected to-date, is the alarmingly increasing sector of those totally confined to wheelchairs.

More than anything else, access to physical environments and mobility, are the two factors that determine many things in the life of a Disabled.

Statistics reveal that more than 95% of those confined to wheelchairs, in spite of any greater background merit they possess, remain 'unemployed with no steady income' in the denial of this essential basic human right.

To what percentage of this sector for example, has gainful employment been afforded? Hardly any state or private sector organisation exists, even with the electronic media, that offers true caring opportunities and assistance,fearing falsely that the required minor structural changes will cost them dearly.

Telephones hence become our only means of external communication. Once again the local telephone call rates are likely to go up. Although effective concessions have been promised for the disabled professionals in this area for obvious reasons, nothing has yet happened.

In spite of 'gainful employment being denied of' in view of such critical shortcomings, the disabled too are equally compelled even by SLT, to pay the defence levy and other taxes. Not only the Internet but also even the basic telephone facilities for us, have thus become a luxury, hardly affordable any more.

None of the up and coming key buildings are even designed to overcome the physical access barriers and cater to these basic human needs. The problems thus magnify many fold, as opportunities for recreation, periodic updating of knowledge, welfare and socialising, etc., all get denied for the same reason. This in turn has a very great life-long adverse impact in many ways extending to entire families, and even the dearer and nearer friends around us as well, which could easily lead to further unrest amongst the youth.

Although impaired either physically and/or sensorily, still everyone of us are differently able, experienced and competent in many things.

However, the indolent negative attitudes prevailing in our society are certainly the real stumbling blocks, denying us opportunities of making worthwhile contributions to the society in which we live. True the politicians should with sincerity take the initiative to implement and expedite action plans.

But leaders from various sectors in this Country from government, non-government and social service organisations and professional bodies, should no more allow these cries to go unheard and wait rather ineptly until things become mandatory by law. They should take the initiative to recognise and accept the expertise of the 'differently able' sectors and offer encouraging assistance to worthwhile proportions. Remember, "the time is always right, to do what is right and needed".

As this Act No:28 correctly identifies, there is a critical need of, deliberately planned periodic on-going awareness programs through print and electronic media, to educate Society with respect to all matters concerned with the 'Differently Able'. These only can create proper awareness and thus eradicate false belief and injurious attitudes in our society. They should become the essential urgent first step, to address the burning problems of this sector, which I am told is a good 9% of the total population to-date.

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