Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) and Accessibility

1st Asia-Pacific CBR Congress, Bangkok Feb 19, 2009 Session B2: 15.30-17.00

C. Mahesh CBR Forum

CBR and Accessibility

This presentation is based on the work of CBR Forum and our partner NGOs However, this presentation may not cover all aspects of access

Highlight of this presentation

This presentation focuses on Article 9 Accessibility of CRPD - Living Independently and Being Included in the Community Highlights some of the barriers faced by persons with disabilities in rural areas Practices/ strategies adopted by CBR programmes in catalyzing change

CBR Forum, Bangalore, India

Established in 1996 (12 Years ago), engaged in promoting CBR in remote/ rural/ least served areas Our purpose is to work with
all Persons with Disabilities, their families, communities, organizations and institutions on empowerment and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities by facilitating disabled peoples organizations to address the gaps that exist at various levels

Currently we are working in partnership with over 80 Partner NGOs in 17 states, reaching out to approximately 40,000 Persons with Disabilities

The major Barriers to Access are

Attitudinal Barriers - Family/ Community Physical Barriers in the internal and external environment Availability of Information/ Communication in accessible formats Institutional Barriers E.g. Rules/ Practices of educational/ financial institutions, barriers in accessing social security schemes such as Employment Guarantee/ Poverty alleviation Programmes

Among persons with disabilities, the rules are not the same

Gender, age and the type of impairment are factors that directly influence level of access

Accessible Environment means Creating and maintaining environments in which people can participate In a dignified way With maximum independence and In an environment that is Safe and Affordable

Following are Some Experiences from the community

Access within/ outside the house is limited for a majority of persons with disabilities

There are instances where houses have been adapted to promote greater independence

There are instances where houses have been adapted to promote greater independence

Non-Availability of Appropriate Rehabilitation Services further restricts/ limits access and affects self esteem

Shared/ Public Transport most often is not available for persons with disabilities

Despite much advancements, the humble Tricycle/ bamboo stick is the only available resource that fuels independent living for the poor in rural areas

Systems at Block Development Office where persons with disabilities have to go for their social security benefits are often insensitive

Lack of Access Leading to Dependency For greater accountability payments of social security schemes are routed through the Banks, however a majority of the banks are inaccessible. Eg. In Lohardaga, Jharkhand, the only bank in the entire district is in the first floor

Education for All Campaign has resulted in greater access for children with disabilities to Primary Education

Due to limited access to secondary/ higher education/ vocational skills persons with disabilities have limited or no sustainable livelihood

In some Cities/ Towns, innovations in private transport such as the Modified Scooters/ Bikes have greatly enhanced mobility and changed lives

Access in Hilly terrain is a major challenge CBR Programme in Aizawl, Mizoram

Solutions that have worked and being tried in CBR

Organising persons with disabilities at various level and developing critical thinking

Making use of the Laws/ Policies/ Guidelines

1. CPWD Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier-Free Built Environment in1998 2. Persons with Disabilities Act 1996 Chapter VIII, (sections 44 to 46) - Non-discrimination transport/ environment - within economic capacity 3. National Building Code (NBC 2005) Bureau of Indian Standards - for all construction Annex D Clause 12.21 Special Requirements for Planning of Public Buildings Meant for use of Physically Challenged 4. 11th Five Year Plan (2007-12) 3% Annual Outlay of all Dept./ Ministries for PWDs Setting up - National Institute of Universal Design Amending building bye-laws across the country 5. India Signing and Ratifying UNCRPD

Enabling/ Ensuring Persons with Disabilities speak up for their Rights through Block Level Advocacy Programmes

Dialoging with Govt. Officials by the DPOs

Getting the support from the media

When local DPOs have demanded, barriers to access have been removed
Some examples: Enrolment of children with disabilities in Govt. school and provision of appropriate support in the school Home based education Change of class room to ground floor Employment for persons with disabilities under National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme Demanding and Ensuring barrier free access in primary schools, Block Development/ Dist. Collectors Office, Health Centres District authorities scheduling one day in a month to address grievances of persons with disabilities

To conclude:
In a CBR Programme, a lot can be achieved when
We believe in the abilities of poor persons with disabilities Persons with disabilities from the local community are in the forefront of all advocacy and lobbying actions By building a vibrant disabled peoples organisation at various levels starting from the village By being optimistic By collective actions By framing the demand and taking up actions within the legal framework

Thank you
Namaste

For further details or information please contact:

C. Mahesh Advocacy Coordinator CBR Forum 14, C.K Garden, Wheelers Road Extn., St. Thomas Town Post, Bangalore 560 084 Tel: +91-80- 2549 7387 advocacy.cbrforum@gmail.com admin@cbrforum.in www.cbrforum.in