Why do we need to ensure
access for people with disabilities?
In many countries,
it is the law.
Many countries have
either passed specific laws concerning the rights of people with disabilities,
or have enshrined those rights in their constitutions.
It is a matter of fairness and respect.
People with disabilities
have the same rights as others, including the right to fully participate in
community life. Everybody has a right to live as normal a life as possible.
Failing to do so wastes talent and energy.
Many people with
disabilities in all walks of life are competent at important jobs, and some do
remarkable work. Denying people access to employment, education, or services
wastes human resources and makes society poorer.
It makes good business and economic sense.
For commercial operations of any kind,
accessibility means that people with disabilities can become customers,
increasing sales volume and profits.
Furthermore, if a firm is a good place for customers with disabilities
to do business, the word will get around.
Many people with disabilities already have a difficult
life.
It’s simple human decency
not to make it any harder than necessary.
People with disabilities add
to the diversity of the community, and that diversity makes everyone’s life
richer. If they can mix normally with the rest of the community, they will have
more friends and acquaintances, and more people will have the opportunity to
know them.
Access for people with disabilities improves access for
everyone.
Making public spaces and facilities physically
accessible for people with disabilities also makes them more accessible for
people who may not have disabilities, including families with baby strollers,
skateboarders, and bicycle riders. Making ramps a built-in feature of the
environment is good for everyone.
Think Inclusively... Act Inclusively..... Build an Inclusive Nation
