Challenges People with Disabilities Face

There are a number of barriers that come in the way of people with disabilities being integrated into the community.

Physical barriers such as kerbs, stairs and other physical structures that prevent them from going to or entering certain places are one of the kinds of challenges people with disabilities face.  Narrow and uneven pathways and roads pose a problem for wheelchair users, who at times also find it hard to get into lifts and trains because of others pushing past them to get in first.

Having facilities such as tactile tiles and disabled toilets built specially for them either blocked, locked or used by non-disabled people, and having to contend with using things such as ATMs and shopping carts that are not designed to meet their needs are other problems people with disabilities deal with every day.

Mental barriers can hamper people with disabilities from participating in activities.  It stems from a personal belief that they are not able to do the activity.  Others in the community may think likewise, and this may contribute to a person with disabilities being hesitant to step out.

Social barriers largely result from both mental and physical barriers, which hold people with disabilities back from stepping out and being seen and involved in activities in the community.  Because of this, others may see less of a need to cater to and include them.

We need to remove the barriers preventing people with disabilities from participating in all areas in the community.  Like anyone else, they should have the freedom to participate in every facet of life.