A moment with Accessible and
Dysfunctional E-CORNER of SBI
Yes, we are a bit hurried about things, about
smells, about life around and inside us. Today I went to an ATM nearest to my
home, MVP COLONY, VISAKHAPATNAM… First ever Accessible ATM and E-corner by SBI
that’s been advertised in papers. As and when our car used to cross that I used
to see at that with lot of hope, that one day I can access that, without any
help of others, without someone always breathing behind my neck.
Hmmm.. Life of disability is so fun and
so irritating at times…!!
So finally I went there, parking is
already taken. the ramp is good. But still, someone needs to push it. Here, I
am talking about the angle of it. They have put tactile tiles, but no Braille
instructions anywhere. So you forget sign language instructions/interpreters.
They have put an assistant
there to help all of us (universally, including normal customers) who don’t
have any clue of anything happening.
Inside .. finally the server is down
and they think being on wheelchair, my mind is also gone and I don’t know
internet based issues…. They don’t know when it will be OK. And suggested me to
go to branch nearby which is in the upstairs. My husband’s face is dark with rage. They
just physically allowed me, not functionally. Still functional disability is
there for everyone. Here, i don’t blame one particular person. But the lack of
knowledge on what is called UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND ACCESS..I laughed at the irony
of birth of hackers like Julian Assengem, who were born out of exasperation and
revenge.. lol
while accessing the ramp, we had to
specifically ask people to remove fancy mat ( you can see that in picture) , so
that its easier for care giver to push my wheelchair. An extra person has to
open the door for me… hmmm.. long dead independent living in India..!!
Having said that, I have
enjoyed my so called bank (look alike) visit. Because its the first time, being
a finance professional I entered bank physically with just a single person,
rather than, someone lifting or I am using my smartness not to go to bank. It’s just that, people and system improves
the quality of ATM‘s and access … for many PHYSICALLY vulnerable people like me
, PREGNANT WOMAN, ELDERS, PERSONS WITH GAIT AND ORTHRITIC PROBLEMS AND PERSONS
WITH DISABILITIES EITHER VISIBLE OR HIDDEN.
NOW THAT THE NEW PERSONS WITH
DISABILITIES DRAFT BILL IS TABLED WITH ALL ITS FLAWS AND LIMITATIONS DESPITE
PROTEST FROM SEVERAL ACTIVISTS… THERE ARE CERTAIN ISSUES THAT GOVERNMENT NEEDS
TO FOCUS FOR ITS OWN BENEFIT
· Persons with disabilities and
vulnerabilities are way too bigger segment to NOT TO CATER.
· The quality of service, gets bettered
when banks involve persons with disabilities, not otherwise.
· DESIGN, ATTITUDE, RIGHT KNOWLEDGE IS
THE KEY TO UNIVERSAL ACCESS… THEY MAIN INGREDIENT OF SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS (
THOUGH IT’S A JIANT LIKE STATE BANK OF INDIA, ONE HOLE IS ENOUGH TO SINK A SHIP
)
while coming back , my husband
categorically said- “ why you hurry about every new thing that’s around the
corner , i know these people and i want to test before all these things .. in
order to save you the disappointment…hmmm
my unspoken answer to him is like this-
Yes, we disabled are
hurried … to experience life, to taste, smell, eat, wear, live, love … we never
know when this clock stops and our account closes.. !! Permanently ..!!
–Sai Padma
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