Friday, November 22, 2019 - 11:14 Leo Olivero

People with disability often face tough challenges when trying to find employment, use public transportation, find suitable housing, attend private and public activities, and deal with architectural barriers on roads. Everybody has a right to access and use public places, such as shops, restaurants, business premises, educational institutions and entertainment venues.

Though the situation has improved in the last 10 years with the introduction of legislation particularly at the planning stage. The unfortunate fact remains, that people with disability in Gibraltar are still often denied these rights either because of still insufficient legislation aimed at guaranteeing their accessibility rights or lack of enforcement of existing legislation!

The voice of these persons is often weak and drowned in the frequent cacophony of political rhetoric that dominates the local public communication scene!

Dozens Of Areas Physically Not Accessible For People With Disabilities

A look around, doesn’t take long to find premises and business in many areas that are physically not accessible for people with disabilities. Perhaps even worse, are the long sections of pavements, which do not only have architectural barriers for persons in a wheelchair, but also often threaten the safety of such persons?

Illegal ramps leading to garages, broken pavement tiles, and potholes are some of the hazards that persons in a wheelchair have to tackle when they use public roads and areas.