WHEN I went to pay my utility bills at the Port Dickson post office a few days ago, I saw a car parked right in front of the building. I saw the driver waving his hand but I just ignored it.
After spending about 30 minutes paying my bills, I came out from the post office and saw that the car was still there. The man was still trying to get the attention of passers-by.
Out of curiosity I approached the car and asked him what was wrong and whether he needed any help. I was surprised when he said that he needed assistance to pay his bills because he is handicapped and there was no access ramp for people like him to reach the post office.
After looking around I realised that the post office was not disabled-friendly.
First, the post office is a stand alone building surrounded by a pavement four to six inches higher than the road.
Second, when a disabled person manages to get onto the pavement, he or she has to use a flight of stairs.
And thirdly, after climbing up the stairs there is a glass door that needs a bit of force to push it open. An able-bodied person will not have a problem with the pavement, stairs and door, but for a person in a wheelchair it’s like climbing Mount Kinabalu.
I hope the authorities will look into this. I urge the local council to make the town disabled-friendly. Port Dickson is a tourist destination and every bit will help.
Lionel Perera
Port Dickson
After spending about 30 minutes paying my bills, I came out from the post office and saw that the car was still there. The man was still trying to get the attention of passers-by.
Out of curiosity I approached the car and asked him what was wrong and whether he needed any help. I was surprised when he said that he needed assistance to pay his bills because he is handicapped and there was no access ramp for people like him to reach the post office.
After looking around I realised that the post office was not disabled-friendly.
First, the post office is a stand alone building surrounded by a pavement four to six inches higher than the road.
Second, when a disabled person manages to get onto the pavement, he or she has to use a flight of stairs.
And thirdly, after climbing up the stairs there is a glass door that needs a bit of force to push it open. An able-bodied person will not have a problem with the pavement, stairs and door, but for a person in a wheelchair it’s like climbing Mount Kinabalu.
I hope the authorities will look into this. I urge the local council to make the town disabled-friendly. Port Dickson is a tourist destination and every bit will help.
Lionel Perera
Port Dickson