Disability Accessible Facilities at Public Library and Transport Should Be Installed
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) recommended that public library and transport should accommodate their facilities to ensure equal access for people with disabilities.
Ms. Choi (age 30) submitted a complaint to the NHRCK in July 2010, alleging that people with physical disabilities using wheelchair were not able to access to the basement and first floor above as an elevator was not installed in “A” Municipal Library.
The NHRCK found, after investigation, that people with physical disabilities were inhibited from accessing full resources at “A” Library in the absence of the elevator and it was discriminatory against people with disabilities in the access to cultural activities. It assessed that “A” Library neglected its duty to provide facilities to ensure reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities, stipulated in Article 24 of the Disability Discrimination Act. Thus, the NHRCK recommended the Director of “A” Library, the Head of local government and Superintendent of the relevant district public schools to install elevators as soon as possible.
Furthermore, the NHRCK recommended the Minister of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs to ensure providing tactile guidance surfaces for persons with visual impairment, through making relevant regulations, supporting community and city bus companies, and strengthening the guideline and supervision.
