Lack of disabled-friendly infrastructure is a hurdle

Hyderabad: Disability is not a hurdle for youngsters who like to be independent and explore the world without being dependent on anyone. However, the lack of disabled friendly infrastructure in Hyderabad is making it difficult for them to be independent in the city.

G. Vikram, a visually challenged post-graduate student from the city said, “Even though I want to travel independently without having to ask someone to accompany me every time, it becomes impossible to do so. Almost none of the bus stands have an audio announcement system so that I know which bus has arrived."

"Whenever I travel alone I have to keep asking people about the buses. Also, there are no announcement systems in place inside the buses. FOBs are rare. If even the basic systems, which need to be in place for everyone, are in place, it will be a start towards making the city friendly for the disabled.”

While bus stands are missing from many areas in the city, even the existing one do not have ramp facilities. While other cities do not score much higher than Hyderabad in disabled friendliness, at least initiatives are being taken. In Chennai some of the junctions have got audio traffic signals which makes crossing roads safer for the visually challenged.

In Mysuru railway station, tactile layout maps with directions to utilities like washrooms and eateries in the station, platform numbers in braille on staircases and menu cards in braille in the canteen will soon be made available. In the city, even some of the most high-end hotels do not have menu cards in braille. Tourist spots do not have basic features like toilets or audio guides for the disabled.