Election Commission working with activists to make voting easy for the differently abled
Posted on: 25/Jan/2016 9:28:53 AM
NGOs and activists are working to allow differently abled persons vote comfortably in the country. Incidentally, today is National Voters Day.
The activists presented a 12 point charter. This provides guidelines to make election booths accessible to people with physical, visual and hearing disabilities.
An official from the Election Commission said, (We are) taking steps to make sure disabilities do not restrict voters... We have started an audit of available ramps in buildings and if these ramps can be used. We are now working on signage, trying to make our website more accessible and looking at methods to remove all physical and other barriers to ensure an inclusive election. The website will be the first of its kind in the election department... A video will be circulated to all polling officers with instructions on how to help people without making them feel disabled.
A member of the Disability Rights Alliance said, We have been working with the election department for the past six months because political participation is imperative. This year we are aim to rope in disabled people from institutions who are largely left out of the process.’
