The way ahead for people with disabilities

I refer to the commentary “Resetting mindsets about disability” (July 25).

I rejoice together with our disabled community that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) will come into effect in Singapore on Aug 18.

It is a watershed for Singaporeans to be able to abandon the Charity Model and embrace the Social Model of disability.

We, as one country and one people, can work on eradicating the physical barriers that hold back the integration of those with disabilities into mainstream society.

Public transport should be made more accessible and convenient to those with disabilities. This would help them become independent and integrated. It can also lighten the onus on their caretakers.

Shockingly, the Society for the Physically Disabled (SPD) at Tiong Bahru is highly inaccessible.

On foot, it takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to get there from the nearest MRT station. There is no bus that goes directly to the SPD. While there are shuttle buses from the SPD, they operate at fixed timings and end before 7pm.

The absence of an accessible route for the disabled community to the SPD is ironic.

When I was doing my undergraduate studies two years ago, I met a wheelchair-bound lady who set up a travel agency catering to those with physical disabilities. Travel arrangements entailed disabled-friendly hotels, restaurants and tourist destinations. These endeavours, however, have gained little traction in our disabled community. Most local travel agencies also preclude them from packages.

Given a more thoughtful and inclusive environment, I am sure our disabled community would not find travelling overseas unimaginable, but possible, comfortable and enjoyable.

It is heartening that Singapore will be ratifying the CRPD. This milestone provides political heft and ratchets up pressure for state and community leaders to recalibrate their policies.

It also spurs Singaporeans like you and me to reconsider our misconceptions about our disabled community.

I hope for greater concern, respect and inclusivity for our disabled community after Aug 18.