I'm posting here a Report by your classmate, Carlos. Feel free to post your reports in the comment section.
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A report: ‘Access for disabled people in Spain’
Introduction
The aim of this report is to describe the situation of accessibility in Spain and to point out those weak points that do not allow disabled people to move with the same opportunities as the able-bodied majority.
Present-day situation
The current Accessibility Law specifies the requirements needed to guarantee the accessibility and use of goods by all people and, particularly, by disabled ones. The law is obeyed in all new constructions and also in public buildings restorations. Nevertheless, in some old protected architectural treasures, some areas will be unavoidably always blocked to them.
In main cities, the kerbs of sidewalks are adapted and provide clear way for all around zebra crossing. However, it is really easy to find a car blocking the way for pedestrians.
Old buses have been phased out and replaced by modern ones which are supplied with ramps allowing access to wheelchair users. Sometimes, the ramp opening takes some drivers some annoying minutes which causes an uncomfortable feeling in the disabled user.
Suggestions
Great achievements have been reached in accessibility but we have a lot of things to improve: more investment, more licence control and more pressure to adapt old buildings and out of phase public service vehicles. But the main target must be the people: social conscience has to be developed if we want principles to be more than some words in a text called ‘law’.
Overall opinion
The able-bodied majority’s habitual behaviour casts doubt on the suitable education received and moves us away from the social achievements of more advanced countries.
1 comment:
Carmen Palomar NA2/Curso 2009-10
The purpose of this report is to make a reflection on the current situation of disabled people in our country.
Is there actually any real social interest in improving the situation for these persons? Are authorities really involved in giving them any convenient answers in order to get a better standard of living? Or, on the contrary, do they confine themselves to observe the enforcement of the law?
The situation of this issue is not that optimistic as we could expect, above all for affected people and their families.
It is true that a lot improvement has been done in the last few years. Physical architectural barriers are being eliminated in our towns for people with some mobility impairment, specially regarding access to public buldings, airports, underground, trains, buses,... by means of ramps and elevators.
As far as visually impaired persons are concerned, we can remark the Braille writing into some lifts and museums.
As for hearing impared people, they can watch subtitled programmes on television and, sometimes, they can follow certain emissions from the Spanish Parliament including the language of sings.
Concerning people with mental disabilities, the Spanish Education System guarantees their compulsory studies. They go to Primary and Secondary School with the able-bodied majority. It is clear that they have extra support, including adapted programmes, to get their integration.
However, in spite of these improvements and the use of a political correct language, it is not enough for these minorities. They yet find not only physical barriers, but also psychological ones if compared to the able-bodied majority.
So, what could we do in order not to forget them and to improve their standard of living?
Firstly, make sure we contribute so that handicapped people get a better social reward. Consider voting for political parties with good social policies regarding them. Most important, make a point of respecting and appreciating disabled people.
A society involved with minorities will contribute to build a better society for everyone.
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