Driving and disabilities

Telangana has become the first state to introduce a logo for vehicles driven by persons with hearing impairment. The logo was finalised by the TS Transport Department on May 10, and carries a ‘hearing impaired’ mark along with the text “Driver is deaf — Please watch out.”

The Centre had earlier allowed the grant of licences to hearing-impaired persons if they passed regular driving tests.

We talk to people with disabilities about what they think of this move and what they think are other ways that can help make roads (and transport) more accessible for people with disabilities.

‘Speed management is of absolute importance when initiatives like this are implemented’
Shajan Samuel, Social worker
The initiative is a much-needed shot in the arm, and must be calibrated with safe zones meant only for the crossing of disabled and vulnerable people. Speed management is of absolute importance when initiatives like this are implemented.

Implement this by employing traffic force in special uniforms to help navigate the smooth movement for disabled people.

‘Ensures safety for disabled drivers and others’
Visakan Rajendiran, Businessman
I think this is a great initiative that ensures safety for disabled drivers and others. If you ask me about if there are other ways to make roads (and transport) more accessible for the disabled, I would say that the RTOs and its officers should be well-informed about granting licences.

For physically challenged people like us, the licence is classified as ‘invalid carriage’ but the process (of acquiring it) is too taxing as some officers are not aware about the methods. So we are left with no option but to look for other RTOs that grant the licence without a hassle. Apart from this, I’ve seen many disabled people driving without a licence; they should also be made aware equally.  

‘Government must streamline licences’
Atul Satya Koushik, theatre director
This is a commendable move but, there needs to be awareness regarding it. People should know what that logo stands for. Indians have a generally poor driving sense, so it is important that people know that the vehicle with this logo has to be treated differently. Moreover, the government should not discourage people with disability from driving their own vehicles. I've had my cars modified so that all the functions are done with my hands as I can't move my legs, but I had to face a lot of struggle in getting the licence because the officials said the hands-only drive is not recognised. So, the government must not create hassles for the differently-abled and should rather streamline such procedures of licensing.

‘We need sensitisation and technological upgradation’
Ram Kamal, Consultant to Accessible Cities and Executive Director, Chakshumathi Assistive Technology
A logo system for physically challenged people behind the wheels has long been in existence. We need two more things to make it extensive: sensitisation and technological upgradation. Other motorists and pedestrians should be made aware of the requirements of the physically challenged person and the discipline they need to follow on the road. Technology has advanced so much. Apps can convert voice into text. For instance, honking can be absorbed with the help of an app, converted to text and a signal be sent to the hearing impaired person who is driving. Now, there are measures to make public offices and tourist destinations disabled friendly, they can be emulated on roads also.

‘Getting back to normal life is like a dream come true’
Neeta Thadani, web designer
When I lost my ability to hear seven years ago, I felt like my life came to a standstill became depressing. But, with this move, the Telangana Government is granting driving licences to the deaf people and an opportunity to drive on the roads normally like everyone. Driving and getting back to normal life is like a dream come true and the end of a big nightmare. Feels like the whole world has opened up again and I will soon have wings to fly. I am sure each one of us (deaf people) will be experiencing the same feeling and gearing up to hit the road.

‘Situation of deaf people driving without licence will be averted’
Javed Abidi, chairperson the Disabled People’s International
It’s a very positive step. When we earlier ran an advocacy for this campaign, politicians would say that those with hearing disabilities wouldn’t be able to hear the horns. But, driving has nothing to do with hearing disabilities, but with vision. The process of getting this campaign approved took nearly seven years. Sometimes deaf people were forced to break laws and drive without a licence. That situation can now be averted. The logo could draw the attention of those driving around the deaf person and allow them to understand why they are unable to hear the horns. Telangana should be given a lot of credit for taking this step. It’s not a question of roads as much as of pedestrian crossings. India hardly has pedestrian crossing and people barely follow the rules. There are also some auditory indication for those who are blind, as they can't see the traffic light turning red and the walking signal turning green. Cities such as New Delhi still do not have auditory indications.