The employee of the Apparatus made a trip to one of the sanatoriums of the republic
Despite significant achievements in the integration of persons with disabilities into society, they face many difficulties in the realization of their rights, as evidenced by the appeals addressed to me.
Recently, the Commissioner received an appeal from a citizen of L., in the interest of his father, on the lack of conditions for the free and unhindered movement of persons with disabilities in one of the sanatoriums of our republic. The appeal reported that the entrances of the sanatorium building are not equipped with ramps, the corridors of one level are connected by stairs, there is no way to overcome this obstacle to the disabled, the residential rooms doors are built with thresholds, Sanitary rooms are not equipped with holders for the disabled, there is no room for wheelchairs in the rooms. The complainant’s father was settled on the first floor, with the dining room on the second floor of the building.
Of course, the content of the appeal could not have left indifference to the situation. Today, on the instructions of the Commissioner, an employee of the Apparatus visited the said sanatorium. Unfortunately, the arguments set out in the appeal were confirmed.
Paradoxically, a sanatorium is the place where a person with motor disabilities could get full-fledged treatment, rehabilitation, was simply in an inaccessible environment: it is impossible to get to a room, shower and toilet, as well as to offices for treatment.
The sanatorium management explained that the food of the complainant’s father was brought to the room, the necessary health treatment was also organized in the room. It turns out, because of the lack of conditions for movement had to be constantly in the room, isolated from other visitors, and was dependent on the help of outsiders.
All organizations, regardless of their legal organization, must create conditions for unimpeded access to and movement within sites.
It is important to understand that an accessible environment is a whole range of activities that remove all barriers and hazardous sites for persons with disabilities. Even if the adaptation begins with a ramp - it does not end there. It is very important to equip facilities with all kinds of accessibility, for all categories of persons with disabilities.