Building for all

A genuinely inclusive society requires the recognition and acceptance of disability as a reality and provides the necessary support structures that would enable all people to be fully integrated into society.

Many public buildings here have hitherto not been accessible to the disabled but in this Year of Accessibility declared by the Government, many organisations are realising the need for change. Three of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) branches now have ramps at their entrances, reserved parking slots for the disabled with clear signage, some chairs with rubber stoppers rather than wheels and without arms, modified toilet facilities with sinks at a lower level, collapsible bars; and grip bars at their ATM units.

Such measures would be implemented in the remaining eight HSBC branches over the year to ensure easier access for customers who face issues of mobility.

It is an encouraging development to raise awareness amongst the general public of the large number of individuals who are physically disadvantaged owing to reduced mobility. Individuals who fall into this category are the elderly, those with impaired vision and debilitating medical conditions, expectant mothers, individuals with baby carriers as well as those with mobility accessories such as wheel chairs, canes and braces, as a result of a medical condition or even a permanent or temporary injury.
At the official ceremony marking the alterations at HSBC branches, CEO David J.H. Griffiths said, “We hope that the initiative taken by HSBC will encourage other businesses to also adopt the concept of creating an environment that is accessible to everyone so that we are one step closer to establishing a society that does not marginalise or discriminate against people with limited mobility.”

The modifications made at the branches in Colpetty, HSBC Premier Centre and Negombo are on the advice of Dr. Ajith C.S. Perera, chief guest on the occasion and an active campaigner for ‘Enabling Environments for All.’ Commending HSBC in their 115th year of operation in Sri Lanka and their role in making their vision a reality, he said, “It is a recognition of the entire section of community I represent.”

The pioneering campaigner who has been responsible for gaining accessibility to various other banks and post offices stresses that access determines everything: recreation, marketing, shopping, banking and not just daily living activities. Citing the example of how many living with reduced abilities are prisoners in their own home, he urges everybody to consider access as an investment to ensure that disability does not become a problem.

Every individual with rights and responsibilities has an active role to play, he emphasises. And hence no one should be left out in the present or in future from participating or contributing.

Reiterating their inclusive approach, Mr. Griffiths says, “Equal opportunity has to mean something. As important as it is not to discriminate based on gender or ethnic group, we cannot discriminate because of disability.” He said that the bank was always looking for opportunities to deliver something tangible to the community and make a difference to people’s lives and not just talk about it.