Kozhikode: Kozhikode is set to become the first district in the state to become disabled-friendly. The project ‘Barrier-Free Kozhikode’ aims at converting public places and buildings in the district into disabled- friendly by establishing facilities.
The social justice department has taken up the project and is planning to implement it state-wide. It is being taken up in the district under the umbrella project of ‘Compassionate Kozhikode.’
The initiative includes easy access for people with disabilities in government offices, public places like roads, bus stands, railway stations etc.
It also envisages encouraging buildings in both public and private sectors to be barrier-free and to adopt Universal Design (UD) principles. This is to facilitate a friendly environment that caters to persons with disabilities, elderly and families.
The provisions for persons with physical disabilities will be incorporated into the building control regulations also.
“The state is taking it up at a time when most people have still no clue what is a barrier-free city concept,” said Fr Paul Nedumchalil, director, Kerala Rehabilitation Institute for the Physically Affected.
The district administration is discussing the implementation with various stakeholders.
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