Dear Editor,
I had difficulty finding a piece of legislation that outlines building codes for the specific issue I am about to discuss, so today I'm writing under the assumption that there is such a policy; for if there is none, then it is safe to say that Jamaica is again in violation of human rights. In this case, they are violating the human rights of disabled people by inhibiting their right to freedom of movement.
However, continuing with the assumption that there is a framework that delineates building structures for disabled individuals, it is clear that some establishments ignore those frameworks or, in some cases, follow recommendations with no sort of consideration for the disabled, in other words they do it just to be in accordance with the law, neglecting the "accessibility" and "usability" of the disabled.
The issue of narrow sidewalks has been exhausted by media with the deaths/injury of many confined to wheelchairs. Also the pedestrian pathways topic isn't new.
Many public buildings in Jamaica have ramps made for wheelchairs. These ramps, I suppose, can also be used by people who have difficulty taking the stairs. It is admirable that more and more establishments are ensuring that ramps are present. However, simply having a ramp is not enough. It appears that some companies are more preoccupied with their building being 'up to standard' than caring about the disabled individuals who may have to use the facilities. Often, some of these ramps are incredibly steep to the point that it is difficult for an able individual to walk up with ease, worse the increased struggle for someone who has to push themselves up. In addition, some are situated in the most inconvenient areas.
Disabled individuals, like many other minority groups in Jamaica, are treated like second-class citizens. Their issues are heard and then brushed aside. We have a "if it doesn't affect me, then it doesn't concern me" mentality. We need to rid ourselves of that culture. The issue of ramps does not affect my livelihood in any way, but it could have if I was in a wheelchair. We need to support those who cannot support themselves and help those who are trying.
Dervin Osbourne
Portmore, St Catherine
osbournedervin@gmail.com
More than just ramps
-->
I had difficulty finding a piece of legislation that outlines building codes for the specific issue I am about to discuss, so today I'm writing under the assumption that there is such a policy; for if there is none, then it is safe to say that Jamaica is again in violation of human rights. In this case, they are violating the human rights of disabled people by inhibiting their right to freedom of movement.
However, continuing with the assumption that there is a framework that delineates building structures for disabled individuals, it is clear that some establishments ignore those frameworks or, in some cases, follow recommendations with no sort of consideration for the disabled, in other words they do it just to be in accordance with the law, neglecting the "accessibility" and "usability" of the disabled.
The issue of narrow sidewalks has been exhausted by media with the deaths/injury of many confined to wheelchairs. Also the pedestrian pathways topic isn't new.
Many public buildings in Jamaica have ramps made for wheelchairs. These ramps, I suppose, can also be used by people who have difficulty taking the stairs. It is admirable that more and more establishments are ensuring that ramps are present. However, simply having a ramp is not enough. It appears that some companies are more preoccupied with their building being 'up to standard' than caring about the disabled individuals who may have to use the facilities. Often, some of these ramps are incredibly steep to the point that it is difficult for an able individual to walk up with ease, worse the increased struggle for someone who has to push themselves up. In addition, some are situated in the most inconvenient areas.
Disabled individuals, like many other minority groups in Jamaica, are treated like second-class citizens. Their issues are heard and then brushed aside. We have a "if it doesn't affect me, then it doesn't concern me" mentality. We need to rid ourselves of that culture. The issue of ramps does not affect my livelihood in any way, but it could have if I was in a wheelchair. We need to support those who cannot support themselves and help those who are trying.
Dervin Osbourne
Portmore, St Catherine
osbournedervin@gmail.com
More than just ramps
-->