Cities offer a wealth of opportunities, both in terms of jobs and accessibility. However, some of those same cities don’t have easily accessible sidewalks, transportation, or office buildings. Although there have been great improvements in accessibility, some cities still have many steps they can take to be more livable and convenient. 

Public spaces should mean just that – locations meant for everyone. This considered it essential that public spaces factor in accessibility requirements in their design and the amenities which they offer. In this blog, we look at why. Reduced mobility can affect any number of people, at any time of their lives. 

For this reason, accessibility is of vital importance in public areas. This is particularly relevant for meeting the needs of people with disabilities and those with mobility issues. For everyone to have an opportunity to play an active role in the community, we should continue to break down the barriers that poor accessibility can present. 

In India, though there are government rules to ensure public transport, buildings, and others are accessible to all, their implementation is poor. 

Here are some ways that public spaces can be disability-friendly

Restaurants - A simple way that city restaurants can offer more accessibility to their patrons is by having enough space between tables so that people with wheelchairs can navigate between tables. It’s also important for restaurants to have wheelchair-accessible bathroom stalls. 

Public Toilets - Many people with disabilities may choose not to go out because they have no access to usable toilets. Cities need to provide accessible bathrooms with accessible stalls and toilets. Cities that wish to become more accessible should plan for a certain number of accessible bathrooms in every area of the city. 

Transportation - Most public transport requires space for a wheelchair, and a ramp to board the transport. They also require reserved seats that are easy to sit down on, have handles on the sides to hold and are larger for extra space. 

Making India accessible  

OYO, the global hospitality technology company announced the inauguration of ramps at Galleria Market in Gurugram to help people with disabilities access the commercial establishment. These ramps will enable persons with disabilities to access commercial establishments within the market such as salons, eateries, post offices, ATMs, banks and medical shops without any hassle. 

Portable ramps are made of steel and equipped with adjustable legs making it easier to remove and reinstall them as per the requirement. Anti-skid surfaces and reflective tapes on the border make them safer for people. They can carry up to 300 kgs of weight at a time. In addition to this, shop employees have also been trained to assist wheelchair users over the ramp. 

OYO has taken this initiative in collaboration with RampMyCity and Enable India Foundation. Under this initiative, OYO has contributed to the installation of 25 ramps in the market.