The Tamil Nadu Association for the Rights of All Types of Differently Abled and Caregivers (TARATDAC) has written to the Chief Minister M K Stalin seeking a disability audit of the Kalaignar Karunanidhi bus terminus in Kilambakkam.
According to S Namburajan, state vice president, TARATDAC, tactile floor for visually impaired people has not been fully set up in all places. “It is there inside the terminus, but we need it from outside. Besides, we need audio/visual display inside providing details about the arrival and departure of buses. This will benefit visually, hearing and speech impaired people too. There should be some arrangement for the disabled to park their vehicles near buses and board them,” he said.
As per the directions issued by the Madras High Court in April this year, bus stops should be scientifically designed to suit the requirements of the differently-abled.
“To ensure this an audit of the terminus is a must. The design should be inclusive,” said Vaishnavi Jayakumar, member, disability rights alliance. She explained that non-slippery flooring is a must for not just disabled or elderly, but also for passengers in a hurry.
Disability rights activists said that clear, intuitive, wayfinding to consistent layouts, unisex unlocked toilet allowing for bilateral wheelchair transfer, tactile warning should be present before doors, steps, elevators, boarding platforms etc.
“Hence the Chief Minister should order an audit with participation from representatives of TARTADAC, senior officialss of the Department of Persons with Disabilities, and the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority,” explained Namburajan.
A CMDA official said that the facility is inclusive and is accessible by wheelchair. Tactile flooring has been done and the toilets are also accessible.
