The definition of civilization includes a relatively high level of cultural and technological development. The façade of civilization is tall buildings, paved streets and perfectly groomed gardens.
Nevertheless, these features are only exterior signs of advancement. One difference between a progressive society and a non-progressive one lies in the ability to take care of its helpless citizens. With generous efforts of charity by many philanthropists, it is clear that the Saudi community does not lack integrity.
Nevertheless there is a section of society which does not deserve mere charity but the right to live as normal a life as possible. I am speaking of our handicapped citizens who are obliged to use wheelchairs.
In the past, people who were disabled were confined to their homes or they lived abroad. Our society was not prepared to deal with them. They were avoided and misunderstood. The community, however, has changed tremendously over the years, and so has our level of tolerance and understanding. Handicapped people no longer feel the need to hide. They have gone beyond the walls of their homes and special facilities and joined others in schools and in the work place. In light of these advances, the surroundings that we live in should also be developed. The needs of the physically challenged must be addressed.
Our public sector must cater to those who are physically challenged. Every public building and establishment built in the future should be required to accommodate the handicapped. Restrooms must have larger stalls. At present most restaurants, malls and hospitals have lavatories which an average adult has difficulty using. These errors should not be repeated. Maneuverability should be made easier between floors whether it uses elevators or ramps. Sometimes two-story and even three-story buildings lack elevators.
Many assume that since the handicapped are dependent on others, they have no use for public accommodations. These false ideas are unfair as well as unrealistic. Thus people in wheelchairs are denied access to socializing, learning and interacting. Inaccessibility of Saudi Arabian housing estates, shopping malls, institutions of learning, office buildings and other important public places are great obstacles faced by people with disabilities.
Changes in fundamental design and construction requirements should be made so that provisions are given not only to people with physical disabilities but also to the elderly, persons with visual impairment, children with disabilities and families with infants and young children.
(Hadeel Shaikh is a poet, freelance writer and an advocate of children’s rights. She is based in Jeddah.)