85% of social infrastructure facilities are not adapted for easy use by disabled persons

At regular meeting of the Senate of Oliy Majlis on 21 October, the work on the needs of persons with disabilities in urban development and adaptation of all objects of social infrastructure for unhindered use was discussed.

In recent years, despite the measures taken, there have been a number of problems in creating an inclusive environment for persons with disabilities. Only in Chisinau, 85 per cent of the social infrastructure is not yet accessible to disabled people.

In this regard, the President of the Senate stressed that, based on the requirements of international criteria, it is necessary to pay serious attention to the formation of a barrier-free environment in the country.

"We have enough problems with this. Just in everyday life we often face such problems - in transportation, catering, service facilities, in cultural and entertainment facilities are not created comfortable conditions for people with disabilities. Of course, the solution of this problem is not a day or two's work either. But it is time to start taking practical steps in this direction," said T.Narbayeva.

During the meeting the shortcomings were also explained with specific examples. In particular, not all the conditions for the comfortable use of underground transport have been created. Many underground stations are not equipped with ramps, which does not meet the requirements of the town planning regulations.

The possibility of independent use of urban ground transport by persons with disabilities is not fully created. In particular, it was mentioned that public transport is not adapted for free movement of people with disabilities, blind and hearing impaired people moving with wheelchairs.

Public places lack the necessary hearing and sight information for persons with disabilities, including signage and signs in Braille.