Moving about freely and using facilities in various offices, institutes, and schools have always been one of the major challenges faced by people with disabilities. This has affected them to realise their potentials and excluded them from participating fully and effectively in society as well.
However, unlike other government and private infrastructure, the office of the United Nations Bhutan, in Thimphu has been recently converted into a barrier-free environment.
A barrier-free environment is one that enables people with disabilities to move about safely and freely and use all facilities within the built environment, roads, parks, gardens, and other places.
“We face difficulties wherever we go. For instance, if we go to hospital and banks, it’s difficult for us. I cannot see properly, I can’t read small letters, so it’s very inconvenient for me to get the information,” said Dorji Phuntsho, a person with low vision.
The Office has recently installed ramps, elevators, railings and handrails, designated restrooms, and wide-open entrances to cater to a person with various disabilities.
“A big part of what the UN is doing is making sure that we are an efficient organisation. Today we are also showing many people we want to be very positive to those persons with disabilities. So, we have implemented several things to help people who are blind or people who have handicaps have easier access to the united nations,” said Gerald Daly, the Resident Coordinator of UN house.
He added the UN Bhutan will also make conscious efforts to encourage and hire staff without any discrimination based on a person’s disability.
Acknowledging the move, the Disabled People’s Organisation also urged other offices and institutions to make their campus a barrier-free environment.
“For instance, if there is a vacancy, even if persons with disabilities want to apply, they don’t get the opportunity. Likewise, If the office where he or she is going to work is not located on the ground floor and the building doesn’t have a working elevator, a person who relies on a wheelchair cannot work there. Even if he qualifies for the job, because of the environment he lands up not getting the job. Here at UN house, it’s very convenient and a good opportunity for all the persons with disabilities,” said Yonten Jamtsho, the Program Officer of Disabled People’s Organisation.
According to the Population and Housing Census of Bhutan 2017, there are around 16,000 people living with a disability.
Meanwhile, considering the importance of the environment, the UN house also launched an 83 KW solar rooftop recently. The solar rooftop will allow the UN to generate its own electricity and save more than Nu 500,000 in bills annually. Today, 30 per cent of vehicles in UN house are electric vehicles
Pema Seldon Tshering
