Improve treatment of disabled people (Forum letter)

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The International Day of Persons with Disabilities yesterday reminded us to celebrate, reflect on and continue our efforts towards making Singapore an inclusive community.

It is heartwarming to see the outcome of advocacy efforts translated into improvements in access to buildings, public transportation and employment opportunities.

It has been liberating for many people with disabilities to participate and be integrated in the workplace and community life, and I am very grateful to our leaders for working closely with the advocates to make this possible.

However, there are still barrier issues, as pointed out by Maruah president Braema Mathi ("Break barriers for the disabled"; Monday).

Wheelchair users continue to struggle to enter banks and post offices, and to access ATMs.

Also, we frequently see disabled drivers struggling to get in and out of their cars with their wheelchairs in Urban Redevelopment Authority carparks, which have little provision for such drivers. They also struggle when their wheelchairs get caught in aeration slabs lining the ground of open carparks.

The provision of appropriate signage would help many people with disabilities who wander around looking for proper access.

Many ramps and pavements have not been designed with the safety of users in mind. Many have tripped over kerbs with badly designed flared sides; the unevenness of walking surfaces along East Coast Parkway has caused many wheelchair users and pedestrians to stumble. So it is not surprising that many wheelchair users find it safer to wheel along the roads than to use the walkways.

While there have been improvements with physical barriers, there are major attitudinal barriers among us.

Disabled athletes do not get the same recognition as their able-bodied counterparts. People with disabilities may perform to the same standards as their co-workers, but many employers do not hold them in the same regard when it comes to opportunities for advancement.

People with disabilities do not expect special privileges, just equal opportunities. There is no room for complacency but plenty of room for improvement.

William Tan (Dr)