Our cities need inclusive streets

Around 11.8 lakh people with disabilities live in Tamil Nadu, many of whom struggle every day to access and navigate public spaces. Yet, our streets and other public infrastructure continue to exclude them. Even newly developed pedestrian plazas, such as Khader Nawaz Khan Road, suffer from design flaws that discourage people with disabilities from using these spaces. Seemingly minor design details are often overlooked, making public spaces inaccessible. This year, we ask the authorities to include experts on access in the design stages of development. If the streets are accessible for people with disabilities, they are safe for everyone.