KARACHI -  Dr Shaista Naz, Assistant professor, Department of Special Education, University of Karachi said that disabled people face a lot of societal barriers that includes lack of accessible public transportation. Today, 650 million at least are disabled in the world. 400 million disabled people live in and around Asia Pacific region. Around 70 million people in the world need a wheelchair while on 5 to 15 percent have access to one while 360 million people have moderate to profound hearing loss.

She was addressing at the 2 days seminar on International Day for Persons with Disability entitled “Awareness in Action towards resilient society” organised by Department of Special Education, University of Karachi( KU) at Arts Auditorium, KU.

The day when we will be realising what amount of frustration and difficulties, a disabled person faces living his daily life, we will be able to grant them the equal status in our society. It’s our societal responsibility to play our positive role in providing them adequate facilities and assistance in performing their day to day functions.

Chairperson, Department of Special Education KU Dr Humera Aziz said that financial problems are very common among disabled people because employment opportunities are very low for them. Even if they are employed, they face enormous difficulties in commuting since there is no public transport system favorable for disabled people.

Welfare states not only give immense facilities to its normal citizens but also take special care of its disabled people. Ramps are made in every educational institution, hospital and important places so that they can commute easily and not become a burden on others like unfortunately; they do become one in our society.