Many say they were refused bank loans, ill-treated during air travel.
Even as a young physically challenged girl Sweta Mantri was given a raw deal at a popular city pub, many say that this is not the only case. From being denied entry at night clubs to being refused bank loans and ill-treatment at airports, the differently abled people in Pune have had their share of ordeals.
Shantanu Lankad, a 25-year-old student of computer management, said that he was also refused entry at a popular pub about three years ago.
“I just wanted to experience what it felt like in a pub. So I went to a pub. But the bouncers at the entrance stopped me. They said that since I am visually challenged, I cannot go inside. I asked them if I will be allowed entry if I get an escort. But they refused,” he said.
Hurt, Lankad has never been to a pub or night club since then.
Visually challenged professor Mahesh Deokar who heads the Pali department at University of Pune (UoP) recalled how he was refused a bank loan because of his disability.
“It was very shocking when they expressed lack of confidence on my financial health. I hold a good job and yet I was advised to take the loan on my wife’s name. I felt insulted,” said Deokar.
Conferred with the National Role Model Award in 2011 by the then President Pratibha Patil, Dhananjay Bole said that he faced a similar situation three years ago.
Bole acts as co-ordinator of Advanced Technology Blind Student’s Learning Centre (ATBSLC) at UoP. “I bought a flat in Pimple Saudagar and when I approached banks for loans, most turned me down.
In fact, this isn’t the only situation. “Once when I flew by a private airline, I asked for an escort. Instead they brought me a wheelchair, I told them I am not invalid. They said policy said handicapped persons be given a wheelchair. I felt it was insulting. Why should they treat me as an invalid?” questioned Bole.
Chairman of two pharmaceutical companies, Dr Ravindra Nandedkar who is physically and visually challenged said that he has had to use his clout many times to help other differently abled people.
“In many cases, I had to step in and speak to bank managers and give them personal assurance on granting loans to such people. A common problem I face is during air-travel. I feel airline companies need to be sensitised to the needs of differently abled persons and also their attitude,” he said.
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