Accessibility woes hinder persons with disabilities at government's inclusive event in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: The International Day of Persons with Disabilities event at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium, which intended to promote inclusion, failed to do so as attendees with disabilities struggled with accessing their seats and getting around the venue.

The physically challenged participants complained of difficulties in navigating the venue due to a lack of ramps, lifts, adequate seating arrangements and assistance.

Despite reserving seats for persons with disabilities, several able-bodied attendees occupied those seats, forcing many persons with disabilities to climb several flights of stairs to reach the gallery, with some even crawling or being carried by companions. “I had to go around the stadium before finally finding a seat in the gallery. They didn’t allow us through the main entrance, as the ministers were about to come. So, I had to climb several stairs. It is exhausting both mentally and physically,” said Suhasini, a disabled attendee.  

A police officer later told DH that there was another entrance to the arena. However, there was nobody to redirect them to the other entrance.

Although 30 wheelchairs were available to facilitate movement for the physically disabled, volunteers said they were insufficient for the crowd. Assistance was provided only at the main entrance, leaving those directed to alternative entrances without any support.  

In addition to seating issues, the washrooms were not disability-friendly. Temporary toilets installed outside the stadium were hard to access, forcing many to use crowded stadium facilities with the help of companions.  

Several attendees said that this was the situation everywhere they went. “It is very hard to spot a building which is accessible for the disabled. We face most problems at government offices, with very few people having the attitude to help,” said Dinesh.

This lack of basic amenities at the venue sparked criticism from attendees, highlighting the gap between the event’s inclusive vision and its execution.