Designing for inclusion

In just ten years we will see a 50% rise in the number of our senior citizens! Even the younger generation is hit by an alarming increase in road accidents, man-made and natural disasters and less apparent debilitating medical conditions such as arthritis, back, knee and hip problems, uncontrolled diabetes, etc.

With increasing numbers going blind or experiencing diminishing eyesight, right now an estimated 25% of Sri Lanka's population live with an inevitable drop in physical abilities. It could be for a shorttime or a long time, often suddenly and for many different reasons.

Nearly five million in total – at this moment experience difficulties in walking steadily or climbing even two steps which we often take for granted. Undoubtedly they form the biggest minority group of Sri Lanka. The potential anyone runs in being excluded from society through 'man-made' public buildings and places due to short-sighted design, are high, as they silently fight an uphill battle in attending to common daily living activities.

'Disability' is no more regarded as a medical condition. 'Disability', in fact, is a 'disadvantaged state' which you may never appreciate until trapped in that vicious position. We need to find ways to recognize and re-involve 'all people equally' in developmental processes. 'Designing for inclusion' is the effective way to arrest waste, and make everyone 'equal partners' in development.

Why Sri Lanka should fast track access? Several reasons. Accessibility minimizes unwanted dependencies, reduces poverty through enhanced employment opportunities, and has the potential to make everyone productive. It promotes everyone equally to be as independent as possible with dignity in attending to daily activities, such as banking, marketing and recreation. These are essential prerequisites for national development.

Access to buildings, facilities and services is a democratic right. 'Denial of access', is a fundamental human rights issue that has already caused a gravely rising social problem threatening to hit potentially everyone. Designing physical environments that are 'truly enabling for everyone', means making available more opportunities in life, not only to individuals and families, but also to society and the entire country! It is a 'winning way' to everyone and also a vital national need!

Business professionals should make certain that all business premises the public need to access in daily life welcome all and deny none. Every potential customer is a business opportunity. Regulations for access to public buildings and places were gazetted on October 17 2006 under the reference: 1467/15 and received parliamentary approval. Hence accepting and respecting them is a mandatory requirement by law and a moral duty of every law abiding citizen here.

As such, 'Accessibility' has become a national issue. Effective implementation is what is now crucial. Until and unless that happens, the wide range of benefits they bring in will not be realized. In fact they would make the 'disadvantaged people' feel that they too are' Equally Able and Not 'Differently able'.

However, there is a dearth of architects, designers and builders who are truly competent to do a meaningful job for 'inclusively of all'. 'IDIRIYA', a registered humanitarian service organization with proven competence for 'Designing Buildings for Inclusion', has come forward to fill this void and advise, guide, campaign and stimulate interest on this crucial subject.

"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, BUT, because of those… who look on and only talk, doing nothing." - Albert Einstein.

The writer Dr. Ajith C.S. Perera, became a paraplegic in 1992 when a wayside tree crashed on to his car. Since 1997, he has been the 'pioneer campaigner' in Sri Lanka for 'Enabling Environments for Everyone' and a well-known advocate on disability issues.