Nalchik has no conditions for disabled, activists of "Accessible Environment" assert

Nalchik is not equipped for wheelchair invalids, state members of the NGO "Republic Is Common Cause" after holding an action "Accessible Environment", during which they tried to drive along city streets in their wheelchairs. Activists intend to draw authorities to setting up proper conditions for people with disabilities, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

The action took place on November 16 and 17: healthy residents of Nalchik got into wheelchairs to check how their city is fit for people with disabilities.

Later, they noted that the main obstacle for wheelchairs was in high curbs, which are impossible to conquer without external help. Most social facilities, shops, post offices, polyclinics and hospitals are mot equipped with special ramps; and where the ramps are built, an invalid is unable to climb them, activists assert.

"The aim of our action was to help people, who have to move in wheelchairs, do not be cut off from the world, but to be socially active and socially helpful," said Khadzhimurat Khakuashev, a board member of the above NGO.

According to Albert Tyubeev, the Minister of Labour and Social Development of the KBR, it was only recently that the society got worried about invalids' problems.

According to his Ministry, about 4000 wheelchair invalids live in the KBR.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.