Financial Times

New focus on the disabled
This country has largely ignored a significant section of its people who happen to suffer from some sort of disability but recent efforts by the corporate sector to pay attention to their special needs and offer them employment augurs well for the future.

Some have taken to calling this unfortunate section of society 'differently-abled' in an apparently well-meaning attempt to remove the adverse connotations that are associated with the word disabled. Whether or not this is the right attitude remains to be seen, but the fact remains that the needs of these people must be addressed in a more practical and organised manner by both the government and the private sector.

We cannot boast about our achievements in economic and social advancement, about our rising income levels and industrialisation if we continue to neglect this section of society and their families who must necessarily share their suffering.

A startling 10 percent of our population is said to be categorised as disabled - those who suffer from some form of disability or the other. This figure is probably so high because of the large number of people - civilian and soldier - who have lost their limbs or suffered some other form of disability owing to the Eelam war. This figure is also important from a productive as well as a consumer point of view. It is an accepted fact that disabled people have many talents and some have proved themselves better than those without disabilities in doing their work. They are a productive force, as well as consumers in their own right, but need special attention to help them fulfil their potential and should not remain marginalised.

In much the same way as the corporate sector the world over was late in realising the special needs and consumer potential of distinct sections of society, such as women and gays, the disabled too have long been neglected, especially in Third World countries such as ours. The industrialised West and the newly industrialised countries of East Asia have been ahead of us in paying attention to and catering to the special needs of the disabled.

Public amenities in these countries are now routinely designed to accommodate the needs of those with disabilities - such as regular access by wheel chair. But it is only in recent years that our public amenities - both public and private sector - provide such sloping ramps that allow access by wheelchair at entrances to buildings and some road junctions.

This is a legitimate fundamental right of the disabled but we still have a long way to go in altering our infrastructure to accommodate the needs of the disabled.

As a writer points out elsewhere in this newspaper, catering to the needs of the disabled could also have direct economic benefits - such as fledgling efforts by the hotel industry to cater to wheelchair-bound travellers. A survey by the writer revealed the lack of such essential facilities for disabled guests by hotels in and around Colombo.

A few hotels have made a start, though. Likewise, a small group of firms also have made a start voluntarily, urged on by Employers' Federation of Ceylon (EFC) and the silent efforts of a few activists concerned about the welfare of the disabled and their families. These activists are trying to change social attitudes towards the disabled.

A recent job fair arranged by the EFC led to the employment of a number of disabled people with varying forms of disabilities - from missing limbs to impaired hearing - by this small group of firms. The voluntary nature of their support is significant and should serve as an example for others to follow.

Back to Business