I read with great interest on the Singapore Government’s willingness to engage the public on formulating its ‘Barrier-free Accessibility’ plans. I immediately posted a feedback on BCA’s website.
Thank you for making the effort in creating a barrier free environment here in Singapore. It would be great if BCA engage The Society of the Physically Disabled and the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicap as consultants to this project. Rather then just get their feedback, work with them, perhaps even paying them for consultation services and let them try the access methods that are current and future models. These Hands On feedback will be invaluable to BCA in formulating plans and policies. I had on one occasion, tried using a wheelchair to wheel myself up on a ramp constructed in a HDB estate and I have to say it was incredibly difficult even for a able bodied person like myself. Even my fiancee’s aging father had to get off his wheelchair to walk himself up. The inclines are just to great regardless of expert opinion. So please, try very hard to engage these disabled people, along with your executives and go to the ground and try it out.
Also, although it might not be in BCA’s purview, perhaps you might like to recommend and influence for a more stringent policy on people who park or block at designated disabled lots which is unfortunately pretty indiscriminate now.
I’ve often find ‘expert opinions’ for construction of buildings and areas very wanting. It would be great if they followed Professor Tommy Koh’s ‘friendly advice’ and sit in a wheelchair for a day to feel what its like. If ramps are constructed, it seems to me that its done just for the sake of it, like making a statement that its handicap friendly. Often, they are too steep and/or the areas leading to them aren’t too accessible.
It would be great if some business model can be made from consulting The Society of the Physically Disabled and the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicap. That way, real practical advice and feedback can be solicited and they can earn some well needed cash.
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