2.6

PREVIEW

What specific challenges might persons with disabilities face?

Key challenges persons with disabilities face are related to accessibility and stigmatisation.

Inaccessibility includes the lack of physical access to buildings and infrastructure; lack of access to employment and social services, especially education; lack of information; lack of participation in civic and political life, such as in elections. Inaccessibility may be caused by the physical structure of spaces, the attitudes people may have about persons with disabilities, a lack of technologies to assist persons with disabilities, and laws and policies that discriminate against persons with disabilities. 

Stigmatisation refers to a situation when people disapprove of someone and make them feel ashamed of themselves. Having a disability may be seen as a tragedy or negative feature. Some people may believe that persons with disabilities cannot live meaningful and productive lives. People may pity or look down on persons with disabilities and treat them as needy. These behaviours overlook the capacity and abilities of persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities might not want to be around others if they are not respected.

FOCUS ON MYANMAR: 

Challenges Facing Persons with Disabilities in Myanmar

Since 2013, the Myanmar Independent Living Initiative (MILI), a Yangon-based organisation for persons with disabilities, has been raising awareness about accessibility in public places in Myanmar. In 2019 they assessed the accessibility of public places in Yangon. They found several barriers in the physical environment, including stairs, curbs of sidewalks and poles in the middle of sidewalks. 

Following this accessibility check, MILI launched the “Make Yangon Accessible” campaign online and offline that called on the public and the government to help make Yangon more accessible.

In the Facebook comments section of this campaign some people expressed appreciation and support for the campaign. Others praised the courage of the activists leading the campaign. Yet others questioned why this campaign was needed. They expressed prejudiced opinions that persons with disabilities do not need to visit public places, or that government budget would be best spent elsewhere. 

MILI organised an event at the Thakin Mya Park to raise awareness about accessibility and ‘Universal Design’. They disseminated pamphlets and t-shirts with key messages about these issues, among other activities.

Universal Design is the concept that all products, buildings and public spaces should be designed so that they can be usable by and accessible to all people as much as possible, regardless of their level of ability or disability. The seven principles of Universal Design are:

1. Equitable Use: The design is useful for persons with diverse abilities.
2. Flexibility in Use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
3. Simple and Intuitive Use: The design is easy to understand for all people, regardless of their experience, knowledge and language skills. The design can be used without requiring lots of concentration.
4. Perceptible Information: The design communicates necessary information effectively to the person using it, even if they have a sensory disability.
5. Tolerance for Error: The design minimises dangers and accidents.
6. Low Physical Effort: The design can be used efficiently, comfortably and with a minimum of effort.
7. Size and Space for Approach and Use: Appropriate size and space is provided for use for all body sizes and for mobility. 

REFLECTION/DISCUSSION

1. What barriers for accessibility have you seen in your community and in your country?
2. Have you ever used a Universal Design product?