A breather for the physically challenged

KOCHI: Finally, the efforts of the Team for Achieving Barrier-free Access in the Environment (TABASE) have borne fruits. The State Government has passed an order amending the Kerala municipality building rules by incorporating access features to create a barrier-free environment.

TABASE is the brainchild and pet project of Sona Jose, a person with cerebral palsy, who is its state coordinator. She along with one of the team members had given a representation to V D Satheesan MLA to amend the building rules by incorporating barrier-free features. And he raised this issue in the Legislative Assembly.

“Access to the physical environment is a big step towards inclusion. This will help the marginalised live with dignity,” says Sona.

She says the state recently ensured barrier-free transportation by introducing both A/C and non A/C buses with international facilities. “My sincere thanks to the KSRTC for introducing lowfloor buses. I love to travel in these buses,” says Sona. Sona points out that these buses have barrier- free features like easily accessible low platform, enough space to accommodate a person on a wheelchair which can be locked, three seats with seatbelts for persons with disability in each bus and glass windows through which signboards can be clearly seen.

“In addition to all these facilities the service of the bus crew is excellent,” she says. The government order to amend the building rules based on the recommendations by TABASE has several features that will ensure access to all. All the buildings that have access to the public must have easy access to the main entrance through a ramp.

The ramps must be built of non-slippery material with appropriate incline and handrails on sides. Public buildings exceeding 1000 sq m and residential flats exceeding 2,500 sq m should have a lift or separate approach through a ramp to each floor. The doors of lifts must be wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair with an assistant.

Public buildings must have at least one special toilet with a wide entrance and sliding doors.

Water closets and fixtures must be located at a height accessible to persons with disabilities.

Toilets should have handrails inside. The locks of such toilet doors must have provision to open from the outside in case of an emergency. These special toilets must be located on the ground floor and at every floor in the multiples of three. At least one washbasin on each floor must have knee space under it.

Parking at municipal and corporation areas must be provided with at least one car park within 30 metres of the building entrance. Walks and paths must be free of grates, and manholes with appropriate surface to ensure free mobility. Walkways must not cross vehicular traffic. Special residential occupancies must be set aside with at least one room per 25 rooms for persons with disability.

All obstructions and projections up to a minimum of 2.1 m height from the finished floor level must be avoided. Appropriate signages must be provided at salient locations for facilitating persons with disabilities. Recoil doors must be avoided wherever there is access to the general public. “Let this be an eye-opener for the PWD to renovate the national highways in Kerala incorporating the features in the national building code,” says Sona.

kochi@expressbuzz.com