Thread by @DisabilityIndia

Thread on uninformed policymaking & PLCP.

So @DGCAIndia has proposed an addition to the CAR (Civil Aviation Rules) related to air travel passengers with disabilities after the #IndigoIncident at @aaiRanchiApt - comments by 2nd July to [e-mail]

dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal/

First off, thanks to @DGCAIndia for obliging with a month for comments as per the PLCP (pre legislative consultation process) guidelines - some 100+ pages policy documents give barely a week.
But as a policy on disability, the amendment formatting can't be read by blind citizens!

Strikethrough formatting can be interpreted as cancelled text only by sighted. And grey highlighted text (signifying new clause here) isn't distinguished by default by screenreading software used by blind to access electronic text.

GIGW compliance is required since 15 June 2019

So yes, ensure your communication is accessible for all @mygovindia - the web accessibility deadline required by the disability act is long over. Check bit.ly/design4diversi… for compliance info.

Now, for the content.

The @DGCAIndia proposes addition of a fresh clause 4.1.36

4.1.36 Airline shall not refuse carriage of any person on the basis of disability.
However, in case, an airline perceives that the health of such a passenger may
deteriorate in-flight, the said passenger will have to be examined by a Doctor- who
shall categorically state ...

... the medical condition and whether the passenger is fit to fly
or not. After obtaining the medical opinion, the Airline shall take the appropriate call."

Why single out disabled passengers for medical clearance when screening ALL could be equal opportunity discrimination!

So the airline whose staff flags a passenger for medical clearance, can still finally overrule the (presumably quick but still categorical!) diagnosis and opinion of the doctor?
What is this?! Phone a friend / expert on Kaun Banega Crorepati?!

And medicalising disability again?

This move is nothing short of a witch hunt against India's neurodivergent citizens.

If you're in the 10% of those with Tourettes and involuntarily blurt out something 'inappropriate', you will be singled out for scrutiny. Ditto if you look or talk different or happen to drool.

Please do not presume to decide who is fit to fly. We do not presume to decide your fitness to fly with us as co-travellers despite the obvious lack of an inclusive education.

Why not administer breathalyser tests instead for all passengers? Or require ECGs for anyone sweating?

Disabled people can decide for themselves thank you very much. If we do not feel up to travelling, we will not. And unless passenger is inebriated or semi-conscious, no doctor should decide who is fit to fly.
Stop targetting disability. Start accepting diversity. Remember Jeeja!

Also remember Salim P.K..

Disability is normal. Atypical behaviour is normal. Diversity is normal.

Expecting inflexible, rigid homogeneity and robotic predictability - that's not normal.

Adjust.
Adapt.
Accept.

dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/arti…

Clipped wings - Context, back story and related ranting into the Twittervoid :

“DGCA & The Indigo Incident” - @DisabilityIndia
twitter.com/DisabilityIndi…