Paralympian and world champion Ekta Bhyan emphasized that societal attitudes pose a greater challenge to accessibility than physical infrastructure, often keeping people with disabilities isolated at home. She advocated for extending accessibility efforts to include elderly individuals during a session at the Kerala for All conclave focused on inclusive tourism.
Voices from the Road: Realities of Diverse Travelers
Speaking at the session titled ‘Voices from the Road: Lived Realities of Diverse Travellers,’ organized by Kerala Tourism, Bhyan described accessibility as an elusive goal in India. “You may not have a person with a disability in your family, but if you have an elderly member at home, you will surely understand how crucial accessibility to public infrastructure and public transportation is,” she stated.
Breaking Down Invisible Barriers
Divyanshu Ganatra, founder of the Adventures Beyond Barriers Foundation, attributed the invisibility of people with disabilities to limited societal interaction. “This lack of contact breeds bias and perpetuates it,” he observed, urging a shift away from viewing accessibility through a charitable lens toward systemic reforms.
Ganatra highlighted sports as a powerful tool for change. “Sports is an ideal route for achieving this, as it speaks the same language to everyone. It helps push the concept of accessibility through spirit and intention,” he explained.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite existing laws promoting accessibility, Ganatra pointed out persistent shortcomings in execution. “It is not that we lack legislation to promote accessibility. It is on the implementation side that we are falling behind,” he added.
Indian para-athlete and champion arm wrestler Joby Mathew from Kerala shared personal experiences of barriers in public spaces, even after notable sporting successes. “Even when measures such as ramps are provided, we are often not allowed to use them independently and require the support of a volunteer in India. This is not the case in many foreign countries,” he noted.
The session, moderated by sports editor K.C. Vijaya Kumar, underscored the need for broader societal engagement to foster true inclusivity in travel and public life.
