PHYSICAL REHABILITATION: THE CASE OF UNIVERSAL ACCESSIBILITY

Abstract

As specified in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWD), universal accessibility is a crucial element in ensuring that people with disabilities enjoy the political, economic and social rights in full. Basic to the requirement for accessibility in the contemporary development theories that emphasize the inclusive approach, for even with a marginal minority being left out of the development process, true development cannot be said to be have been achieved. Nepal is experiencing historic changes these days, and awareness of disability rights is one important sector where policy planners have been quick to accommodate demands for the rights of PWDs. An interesting instance of this rising awareness could be seen in the building up of an accessibility ramp in the Legislature-Parliament of Nepal. However, it should be noted that accessibility is a concept that transcends the mere building up of ramps and elevators - which nevertheless are too important cornerstones to be ignored in the initial phases of the accessibility drives. Apart from adding the accessibility equipment and tools to public transportation and buildings, it is much more important to formulate building codes that guarantee an in-built mechanism for accessibility. More so in those societies where economic development is witnessing an upward move in countries like Nepal, with the construction of new homes and roads as a more visible element of such advancement. In other countries though, the policy of adaptation will have remain a key component of the accessibility movement. There are several advantages in this approach. First, people with disabilities would be in a position to benefit with immediate effect. Second, massive expenditures for new set ups can be saved. In sum, universal accessibility is a key human rights issue, and its bearing on ensuring the full enjoyment of the rights of people with disabilities cannot be exaggerated.