In view of several recent protests against the insensitive approach of security personnel at airports while checking persons with disabilities, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on Wednesday convened a meeting with representatives of the disability sector for inputs on Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure that persons with disabilities are not humiliated and traumatised.

The sector was represented by Samarthyam, National Centre for Accessible Environment, executive director Anjlee Agarwal and National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) assistant convener Muralidharan.

“It was pointed out that there were several instances in the recent past where persons using artificial legs, wheelchairs, and those with visual impairments, etc., had to undergo indignity merely due to lack of awareness, training and sensitivity of the personnel and agencies concerned. There are no clear rules/procedures for security checks of persons with disabilities at the airports in the Civil Aviation Rules [CAR],” said Ms. Agarwal.

The activists said the procedures have to be so devised that security checks of persons with disabilities are done in a manner which is both dignified and does not intrude on their privacy.

They urged that a system be put in place where prosthesis and wheelchair users, and those using braces, crutches and other assistive devices undergo search without removing of the artificial limb or transferring them from their wheelchairs. These suggested procedures are as per international best practices.

The issue of hidden disabilities like hearing impairment, autism, etc., and medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, etc., was also taken up and it was emphasised that security personnel need to be sensitised to the diverse needs of persons with disabilities.

“The fact that two persons using similar kind of assistive devices do not have similar needs should be borne in mind while carrying out security checks,” Ms. Agarwal said.

A wheelchair user, she also demonstrated assisted wheelchair transfer to highlight that it is extremely cumbersome and unsafe to transfer a person with disability to a wheelchair other than the one prescribed and customised for use. Also, it was pointed out that due to security reasons the wheelchairs provided by airlines have four small wheels, which makes it impossible to move independently and use basic services like washrooms and eatable counters.

A YouTube video on prosthetic aids was also shown at the meeting to raise awareness among BCAS decision-makers on how difficult and undignified it is to take off prosthetic limb for the sake of passing it through the X-ray machine.

Based on inputs received from several organisations and individuals working in the sector, such as Amba Salekar of Inclusive Planet, and Suranjana Ghosh, Rajesh Bhatia, Smiti Bhatia and Nilesh Singit, detailed suggestions from the perspective of persons with diverse disabilities were also submitted to illustrate the manner in which each specific medical condition has to be approached with respect to screening and security.

The participants are hopeful that the BCAS will adopt an SOP to make air travel comfortable, safe and dignified for all, including persons with disabilities.

Source: The Hindu