Enhancing accessibility for persons with disabilities discussed in Ladakh
Multiple steps for betterment of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) were discussed during a high-level meeting in Leh. The meeting was attended online by Shashanka Ala, Secretary, Social & Tribal Welfare Department; Bhupesh Chaudhary, Secretary, Transport Department; Michael M D’Souza, Administrative Secretary, Public Works Department (R&B); and Bhanu Prabha, Secretary, School, Technical and Higher Education Department.
Among others present were Leh DC Santosh Sukhadeve and Senior Superintendent of Police Shruti Arora.
Major issues concerning the welfare of persons with disabilities across Leh and Kargil districts were discussed during the session. Key areas highlighted included enhancing accessibility in public spaces, establishing disability resource centres, integrating Braille and sign language support in education, strengthening grant-in-aid mechanisms for NGOs, improving transport accessibility, providing reserved parking slots, and conducting a UT-wide disability census. Shashanka Ala emphasised the importance of digital issuance of UDID cards to streamline service delivery and scheduling.
Bhupesh Chaudhary assured that the Transport Department would work towards simplifying the registration process for adapted vehicles and enhancing transport accessibility for persons with disabilities and issuance of driving licenses.
Michael M D’Souza informed that an accessibility audit would be conducted for existing buildings, starting with government offices. He also mentioned that signage improvements would be made to support better accessibility in government buildings.
Bhanu Prabha informed that assistive devices for students would be provided as required, along with support measures such as home tuition facilities where needed, and steps would be taken to ensure admission opportunities for students with disabilities in higher education courses.
“Other stakeholders requested the formation of a district disability committee to monitor and facilitate the implementation of disability-related initiatives. The session concluded with a collective resolve to work towards creating an inclusive, accessible, and equitable environment for persons with disabilities across Ladakh,” an official informed.
