There are over 16 million people in Bangladesh living with a disability [Source: centre for Disability in Development]. That is close to 10 per cent of the population or one in every ten individuals.
When such a large segment of the population suffers from some form of disability, isn’t it our priority to make our workplaces accessible?
Accessibility is the removal of any form of barriers so that everyone has equal access to something.
In this day and age, it is evident to all that Bangladesh is moving forward. Yet one of the key areas that seem to be overlooked is accessibility for all.
There are many areas that need to be considered to have an accessible workplace. It starts from transportation where it needs to be considered whether a person with disability has the proper access to roads and transportation for them to be properly able to travel to work. Sometimes, even the entrances to buildings, or access points, have steps or abrupt level changes that make it harder for some one with a disability to enter.
Access ramps are rarely to be seen in most buildings, and even so, are not always properly graded or have hand rails. Proper pathways are sometimes lacking and doors are sometimes not wide enough for someone with a wheelchair chair to travel through.
Companies should always consider making key areas such as human resource office accessible to all individuals, and access to restrooms, water fountains and public telephones must be easily accessible.
There are numerous areas of concern in Bangladesh. If we can start from each and every workplace and home to be accessible to those with disabilities, Bangladesh will be one step closer to development.
