Improving Accessibility And Inclusion At Workplaces

Despite the legal safeguards and policies in place to encourage the hiring of people with disabilities (PWD), the truth is that considerable barriers remain in the workplace that hinder PWD from getting hired and thriving in their professions.

It is critical that we ensure that all people, including those with disabilities, have equitable access to employment and success in the workplace.

While talking about the hiring with PWD Aparna Balakrishnan, Co-Chairperson for the APAC able@uber, UBER said at BW People ‘Ask Insights Disability Positive Summit’ that the company wants to reimagine as beyond gender diversity, beyond others and it also includes people with disabilities.

While talking about challenges that people with disabilities face during elections, such as police barriers Deepali Masirkar, IPS, Director (Election Planning; Accessibility & Inclusion Section and Uttar Pradesh Section), Election Commission of India. 

“The commission has taken steps to make polling booths accessible, such as providing ramps and wheelchairs, and introducing postal ballot facilities for PWDs with benchmark disabilities of more than 40 per cent,” she said. 

She said that they have also offered to visit the houses of PWDs to collect their votes.

Manisha Kumari emphasised the importance of learning basic sign language and providing interpreters at places like police stations and hospitals for deaf people. She also suggested training sessions to educate people about sign language and deaf culture.

Dr Anil Jain, Head & Director, Santokba Durlabhji Memorial Hospital, discussed the improvements made in calibres, which are used to support people with disabilities while walking.

“The new calibres are lighter and more comfortable, and people can choose shoes of their choice,” he added.

Mohammed Asif Iqbal from PwC said that the barriers people face are often in their minds, and shared a story about how he was able to run after being cheered up by a friend.