Shillong, Feb 18: In order to draw government’s attention towards accessible transportation facilities for the specially abled or Persons of Disabilities (PwDs), a group of organizations for PwDs on Friday organised a signature campaign at Khyndailad (police bazaar) in Shillong city.
Managing Director of Blind Lead Trust Organization, Jitendra Dkhar, said the signature campaign is to demand for accessible of transportation for not only persons with disability but also for senior citizens, pregnant women and several others who face difficulty.
Dkhar added that for PwDs, especially the visually impaired, worry about travelling alone due to lack of footpaths and the presence of potholes, which is a risk to their lives.
Besides the Blind Lead Trust Organization, the signature campaign was also joined by Meghalaya Deaf Association, Khasi Disabilities Association, Meghalaya Liberation for Visually Impaired, Barefoot Trust, National Center for Promotion and Empowerment of Disabled People.
According to the Social Welfare Department website, there are approximately 44,000 persons with disabilities in Meghalaya.
The organisations are hopeful that Meghalaya will incorporate ‘Barrier free design’ to make civic facilities such as roads, parks, gardens and other places, accessible to disabled persons.
