Three wheeler MODIFICATIONS for drivers with disabilities
The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon, The LEED (Local Empowerment through Economic Development) Project with the support of the ILO took another initiative to bring drivers with disabilities back to work. Research done by the EFC team showed that it is important to modify the vehicles of persons with physical disabilities and wheel chair users. There was a very big demand from the drivers to modify their vehicles so that they can be back on the road smart as ever. The EFC team selected 12 drivers with disabilities which included drivers with physical disabilities and wheel chair users to modify their three wheelers. A garage owner was selected to do these modifications for 12 three wheelers (tuktuks). Brake pads and seat adjustments were made to the tuktuks. In September 2015 these modified three wheelers were handed over to a happy bunch of drivers with disabilities at a function organized by The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon at Nellystar Hotel in Vavuniya. At the function, the welcome note was delivered by ManiqueGunaratne and Sonali De Silva explained how the vehicle modification was done. Ms. ManiqueGunaratne, Ms. Sonali De Silva and Mr. A. Kirushanthan handed over the modified three wheelers (tuktuks) to the benificiaries. One beneficiary spoke on how he benefited from the modification which was an eye opener for the rest of the community. The EFC team made a field visit to thank the garage owner who did an excellent job in modifying the vehicles. The drivers were really happy so that now they can drive safely, earn their living and also expand their small businesses. Some drivers have already started their three wheeler hires and school hires. It was a happy moment for the EFC team to see the smiling faces of these persons with disabilities.
Picture descriptions:
1 Garage owner with the garage which modified the three wheelers.
2 Group photograph of the three wheeler benificiaries
3 Happy driver with a disability driving the modified three wheeler
4 Participants at the programme
5 Manique welcoming the participants at the programme
ManiqueGunaratne
Vice Chair Person – South Asian Disability Forum
