ACCESSIBILITY

What is accessibility?

In the context of disablility,"accessibilty" refers to how easily, safely and independently an environment can be accessed by all people. It aims to create an environment free of barriers to to movement for everyone. For example, a person with disability who requeres a whellchair to move around cannot enter a building independently, freely and perhaps even safety if there are stairs at the entrance. If they have to be carried in this is not easy or independent, and may not be safe for them or their helpers.

An environment is said to be barrier free if every part of it is accessible, even for people with disability :

• Streets
• Public places
• Transportation
• Private buildings

A building is said to be accessible if everyone including people with disability can :

• Enter the building
• Move inside
• Use all the facilities
• Leave the building
  

Accessibility is a Human Right
A barrier free environment benefits everyone. It's a key factor in creating an inclusive society. But above this, accessibility has been declared a universal Human Right By the United Nations and this has been incorporeated into Indonesian law (UN resolution of 20th Desember 1993, art 19 of UN convention project and Indonesian law : no 4/1997 and no. 28/2002).

Why is accessibility improtant ?

• Better accessibility a significant part of the population that suffers from reduced mobility : according to the WHO, people with disability represent from 5% to 10% of the global population. If we add people "in situation of disability" (people with temporary disability, elderly pregnant women and children) this statistic reaches 50% of the whole population.
• Accessible places prevent accidents from happening.
  
• Incorporating accessibility into the original design of a building only the price slightly.
• But later modifications of the building are much more expensive.
• Taking accessibility into account in construction plans facilitates the practice of a sustainable development.

Obstacles or barriers in the environment become barriers for a person in achieving their rights.
What's up concerning accessibility?
Lauching of a 6 months Awareness Campaign "Access for all" June to december 2007 by the NGO HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL with the support of the Municipality of Banda Aceh (project financed by la chaine du bonheur, Swiss Solidarity).

For 6 months, public facilities of Banda Aceh are going to be audited in terms of accessibility. Following the audits, an accessibility map will be created showing accessible and non-accessible buildings as well as friendly areas. This map can be used as a guide by users of public facilities and policy makers. Accessibility awards will be offered to the most accessible buildings. There will be different categories of awards for : health facilities, commercial buildings, accommodations, schools, banks, markets and more.

Let's work for an accessible society for all
Sources : By Marjorie Unal, Inclusion Coordinator, Handicap International Banda Aceh, Health Massenger.