Today, December 3, is International Disability Day. There are several programmes and functions arranged across the city, to create awareness about the disabled and prove to the people that they, too, have a voice.

This is one day when the spotlight will be on the disabled, but, what the messages say is that we cannot reserve one day in a year when the disabled are actually on our radar. There has to be an increase in facilities for the handicapped, disabled or differently-abled. Buildings in the city, especially old ones, have little or no amenities for the disabled. There are no ramps for wheelchairs, doors are narrow, and, generally, the building is designed not be to disabled-friendly. There are so many places that are simply out of bounds for the disabled, because they cannot access them. Recreational facilities, public utilities and even places like shopping malls, many are out of bounds for the handicapped.