ReachAble

As a part of the ReachAble inclusion initiative, a Santa on wheel chair representing the differently able society of India against discrimination is traveling through various prime roads of Bangalore, spreading the message of disability awareness and importance of inclusive society. Persons with a disability in developing countries often face discrimination and stigma. They are more often excluded from many mainstream public services including basic mobility. Using “Santa clause on wheelchair” as a prop (with no reindeers to pull but supporting people behind to push forward) spreading the message of importance of having an “inclusive society “ with universal design strategies helping even the growing senior citizen population, children, ladies and even those pushing the prams with babies on the road

Though Bangalore is one of the fastest developing city in the world, Brigade road, one of the prime roads of it, which also represents the modern culture of developing Bangalore are less disabled friendly including the footpaths and the prime brands outlets around. The culture of the society could be quickly picked out by any foreign nationals visiting some of these prime roads of our cities in India. Even prime multinationals are ignoring the global norms of inclusive culture in setting up their outlets in India (Though they are very committed about these factors in developed countries.) The society is unaware of these factors and they hardly react to these factors, until and unless they themselves or their family members come across an accident and have trouble with mobility issues including using a wheelchair or any support mechanism to move around.
The usability of the built environment for people with disabilities is dependent on the level of barrier-free access provided. Unfortunately, it is common for the built environment to be planned, designed and constructed without consideration for the needs of all users. This is usually unintentional and due to a lack of awareness. The list of barriers in our society is endless and includes attitudinal barriers that prevent full community participation by people with disabilities. It is important to acknowledge that it is a combination of physical, attitudinal, communication and systematic barriers that prevent people with disabilities from leading active and independent lives. People or the society needs to be oriented or else they may remain numb about what is happening around them including the needs of the people around them. It’s important to raise awareness throughout society and combat stereotypes and prejudices relating to those persons with disabilities. The need is to promote a greater social awareness and recognition of their skills, merits, abilities and contributions. Reach Able uses creativity and new media to reach out to society with orientation and awareness about the importance of the needs of an inclusive society especially during the city development phase. So, let's join hands together for an inclusive society with www.reachable.org