India has a long way to go in creating an inclusive environment for people with disabilities, as emphasised in a recent post shedding light on the challenges they encounter while searching for suitable housing. In a post shared on the micro-blogging site ‘X’, user @mrunmaiy shared her ongoing struggle to find an accessible apartment that meets her wheelchair-related requirements. From narrow bathrooms to tiny elevators, she went on to underscore the issues inherent in a ‘typical’ Indian apartment in Bengaluru, which offers little or no comfort to those using wheelchairs.
“So few weeks back my landlord informed us that we need to vacate the apartment where we have been living since I moved to Bangalore,” she began. She went on to describe how, for the past six years, she had lived in a residential apartment within her workplace campus, which catered to her needs and provided convenience.
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She detailed how life had been seamless, with no need to navigate the city streets or arrange for special transportation. However, her situation took a sharp turn when she had to leave her apartment, prompting her to delve into the intricate difficulties she faced.
“It’s alarming to know that many brokers and homeowners think that a couple of steps can be passed off as accessible” she revealed. “In many Indian apartments, the door of the bathroom is extremely narrow,” she further explained. She pointed out issues such as bathrooms with a washbasin right at the entrance and others with the toilet blocking the doorway. In some cases, a massive wardrobe stands just outside the bathroom, making it challenging to maneuver inside.
“In some apartments the lift/ elevator was so small that it could not accommodate me + my wheelchair and my caretaker together,” she added. It was at this point that @mrunmaiy made an appeal for a spacious, gated community on the platform.
Subsequently, the post gained widespread attention, prompting reactions from the public who had never considered the intricacies of living spaces that overlook the needs of people with disabilities.
“Puts things into perspective… would never have thought about bathroom layout as such a huge hindrance – something that one takes for granted. Hope you find something suitable soon. Reach out if you need some contacts,” one user expressed. Another commented, “Never thought the bathroom layout would be a big stop. An eye opener regarding accessibility.”
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Summing it up, a third user said, “Your post has been an eye opener.”
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