Access for all at thalawa pradeshiya sabha

 People with disabilities are more likely than the general population to suffer anxiety, discomfort, and animosity. To a significant measure, such attitudes arise from a lack of understanding of disability and what it's like to live in a world with individuals who do not share that experience. As a result, in Sri Lanka, collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Union (EU) and the Employers' Federation of Ceylon (EFC), Specialised Training & #Disability Resource Centre took the initiative to implement a project to provide recommendations on Disability #Accessibility and Capacity Building of Local Government Authorities in Sri Lanka. The team from EFC led by #Manique Gunaratne which included persons with diverse disabilities did an disability accessibility checking to give recommendations at Thalawa Pradeshiya Sabha, in Anuradhapura district,  in North Central Province in November 2021 to give recommendations on how to make the Thalawa Pradeshiya Sabha access for all. 2 Advocacy Group discussions were held with persons with disabilities belonging to Thalawa Pradeshiya Sabha and staff members (persons with non-disabilities) of the Pradeshiya Sabha on how to have an inclusive approach when providing services which already exists.

 

This image shows a group of eight people posing outdoors in front of a red sign that reads “තලාව ප්‍රදේශීය සභාව / TALAWA PRADESHIYA SABHA.” The group includes both men and women, all wearing face masks and name tags, suggesting they are attending an official or professional event. One man in the front is seated in a wheelchair, while the others stand behind him. They appear to be in a shaded area beside a road, surrounded by trees and greenery, giving the setting a calm, rural feel. The overall atmosphere seems friendly and cooperative.

A group of people outdoors in a park-like setting, surrounded by greenery and paved walkways. One person in a blue wheelchair, wearing a pink shirt, is stretching out to measure or tie something with a yellow cord that is being held by another man in a brown shirt. Three other individuals, two men and one woman, stand nearby watching, all wearing name badges and face masks, suggesting a professional or educational activity. Another person in the background, wearing a long skirt and head covering, appears to be walking away or observing. The atmosphere is bright, and the scene looks like teamwork or a practical outdoor exercise.

This picture appears to show an indoor meeting or gathering, likely in an office or institutional setting, with people practicing social distancing and wearing face masks. ​Here is a detailed description: ​Setting: The scene is an interior space, possibly a large open area, hallway, or waiting area. The walls are painted a light color (white/cream) with a prominent blue trim/border on pillars and wall sections. Large windows or glass partitions with vertical red/maroon and white stripes on the blinds/curtains are visible on the left. ​People: There are at least seven people visible. ​In the foreground, on the left, a woman wearing a pink top and a blue surgical mask is seated in a wooden armchair, facing toward the center-right. She has a pink bag on her lap/beside her. ​Behind her and slightly to the right, an older man wearing a patterned white and black shirt and a mask is seated. ​Further back, other individuals are seated, also wearing masks. ​On the right, two women are seated at a wooden desk/table, seemingly engaged in a discussion or administrative task. One woman is wearing a red top, and the other a navy blue top. Both are wearing face masks. There are papers and a pen on the table. ​Furniture: The seating consists mainly of traditional-style wooden armchairs with woven cane or simple wooden seats and backs. A large, solid wooden desk or table is prominent on the right. ​Atmosphere: The overall feeling is one of a formal or semi-formal gathering, possibly a waiting area or a meeting that respects current health protocols (masks, distance). The space is bright and seems relatively spacious. ​Background Elements: In the background, past an open doorway/glass partition, a glimpse of what looks like a religious statue (possibly Buddhist) can be seen, suggesting the setting might be a community center, a branch office, or a similar facility.

This picture appears to show an indoor meeting or gathering, likely in an office or institutional setting, with people practicing social distancing and wearing face masks. ​Here is a detailed description: ​Setting: The scene is an interior space, possibly a large open area, hallway, or waiting area. The walls are painted a light color (white/cream) with a prominent blue trim/border on pillars and wall sections. Large windows or glass partitions with vertical red/maroon and white stripes on the blinds/curtains are visible on the left. ​People: There are at least seven people visible. ​In the foreground, on the left, a woman wearing a pink top and a blue surgical mask is seated in a wooden armchair, facing toward the center-right. She has a pink bag on her lap/beside her. ​Behind her and slightly to the right, an older man wearing a patterned white and black shirt and a mask is seated. ​Further back, other individuals are seated, also wearing masks. ​On the right, two women are seated at a wooden desk/table, seemingly engaged in a discussion or administrative task. One woman is wearing a red top, and the other a navy blue top. Both are wearing face masks. There are papers and a pen on the table. ​Furniture: The seating consists mainly of traditional-style wooden armchairs with woven cane or simple wooden seats and backs. A large, solid wooden desk or table is prominent on the right. ​Atmosphere: The overall feeling is one of a formal or semi-formal gathering, possibly a waiting area or a meeting that respects current health protocols (masks, distance). The space is bright and seems relatively spacious. ​Background Elements: In the background, past an open doorway/glass partition, a glimpse of what looks like a religious statue (possibly Buddhist) can be seen, suggesting the setting might be a community center, a branch office, or a similar facility.


#Manique Gunaratne

Advisory Board Member – 18+ Alliance for Care Leavers (SOS Children’s Village)


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