Wheelchair users are faced with a litany of challenges in their daily maneuvers where they encounter barriers that affect their livelihoods.
This was highlighted by some of the wheelchair users recently at this year’s International Wheelchair Day organised by Tshidilo Stimulation Centre in collaboration with Botswana Council for the disabled (BCD).
The day was commemorated to reflect on special recognition and remembrance of community members who find themselves wheelchair bound due to various circumstances, under the theme, ‘Empowering Mobility & Access for All.’
Speaking at the event, Olorato Diile who is wheelchair bound said that a wheelchair increases mobility and independence for the user however it gets to be repaired several times due to the bad terrains. Diile added that they are put in danger whenever they cross the road as roads are not wheelchair user friendly.
She said this prevents them from accessing the roads and pavements especially when they cross the road, which either forces them to take longer, more dangerous routes back to safety or leaves them stranded. in the middle of traffic.
Diile also mentioned that using public transport is another major challenge as the bus conductors have to carry her in and out of the bus, adding that as she is carried, her disability increases because they pull her limbs with so much pressure and force.
Another wheelchair user who is also an officer at the Botswana Correctional services Keorapetse Radihepi said that even though there are some challenges faced when using a wheelchair like entering buildings with small doorways or corridors, and having to park cars at parking lots that very difficult to maneuver through, wheelchairs have made life easier. He added that loving and accepting oneself is key.
He further encouraged small wins as a powerful way to build confidence in wheelchair users. “When setting goals, it’s important to make them achievable and realistic, as this can help individuals with a sense of accomplishment and progress towards larger goals,” Radihepi said.
Meanwhile the Executive Director for Botswana Council for the Disabled Louis Moffat said that there are still some disabled people especially in remote areas who are still being pushed in wheelbarrows because they do not have wheelchairs. He further pleaded for organisations and other stakeholders to continue donating wheelchairs to them as they are very helpful.
Member of Parliament for Maun East Goretetse Kekgonegile said it is important to embrace government’s efforts towards building an inclusive society especially with regards to issue of people with disabilities.
“We believe the efforts will drive the country to a place were taking care of people living with disability comes naturally and not through constant advocacy, riots, hostility and endless demonstrations,” he said.
He further encouraged community support groups, parastatals and business community at large to join hands in being intentional about helping persons with disabilities and any other needy members of our societies.
