Ensuring accessibility
Dev not possible leaving behind people with disabilities: speakers
Country's overall development will not be ensured if persons with disabilities are left behind, no matter what development project the government initiates, rights activists said at a discussion yesterday.
In almost every stage of society, a differently-abled person is deprived of rights. And if that person is a woman, she has to suffer more due to the existing social attitude towards her, they added.
Women with Disabilities Development Foundation (WDDF), an organisation of differently-abled women, organised the discussion on “Access to justice of women with disabilities” at The Daily Star Centre.
Sheepa Hafiza, executive director of Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), said the government's projection to achieve Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 will not be fulfilled if people with disabilities remain neglected.
The government should ensure equal access for people with disabilities to all social services such as infrastructure, communication, transportation, information and technology. It will help them become self-dependent, she added.
About access to justice, the rights activist said, “Dilly-dallying in case disposal and culture of impunity are some of the major problems in the country now, which should be addressed and resolved immediately,” said Sheepa.
Speaking as chief guest, Aroma Dutta, a member of parliament [reserved seat] and executive director of PRIP Trust, said issues of persons with disabilities are not raised widely.
WDDF Chairperson Shirin Akhter and Executive Director Ashrafun Nahar Misti also spoke at the programme.