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Unable to welcome the disabled?
 Although
the message 'atithi devo bhava' that India Inc proudly promotes is a short,
three-word phrase, it encompasses many ideas within itself. It welcomes one
and all - rich and poor, man and woman, national and foreigner. But does it
even consider the disabled traveller?
After listening to the unfortunate personal accounts of two such travellers
who use the wheelchair for mobility, I am convinced that tourism in India conveniently
and unapologetically lacks the basics required for catering to this segment.
What Neenu and Sunita revealed to me were shocking facts about the turmoil and
stress they go through while travelling in India. From uncomfortable glances
to no wheelchair facility and zero services for the hearing and speech impaired,
the disabled have to fight a battle at every step.
When the legendary physicist Stephen Hawking visited the country a few years
ago, officials actually installed temporary ramps at tourist sites. This in
itself does not call forth our resentment. But when such infrastructure is not
extended to other disabled travellers, it becomes an issue.
All, however, is not lost. There are organisations that are working towards
this cause. ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) for instance held a stirring
seminar on Accessible Travel to address the concerns of the disabled travellers.
Participants also expressed their concern about the unfair treatment meted out
to them as citizens despite being official taxpayers. So inspired were we at
Express TravelWorld by ASTA’s initiative that we decided to dedicate our
cover story to this cause.
It isn't that NO tourist spot or hotel is disabled-unfriendly; the Vivekananda
Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari is probably one of the most friendly tourist destinations
for such travellers. Its committee redesigned the place to suit the needs of
the disabled when it was being renovated.
It is not that we are unable to welcome the disabled. If the will is in place,
the way will open up by itself. The will however must come not only from the
ministry but also from the private sector and us individuals - because a change
in mindset is necessary to make a difference.
Reema Sisodia
Editor
editorial.etw@expressindia.com
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