“Channel PNU” had a face-to-face interview with the  on May 30th, starting with checking the barriers at Pusan National University (PNU) Busan campus. BDAF, which was established in 1987, continues their activities in connection with institutions, such as organizations for the disabled, related institutions, and schools for rehabilitation and independence of the disabled and development of welfare. 

Q. As far as we know, BADF is carrying out various projects to guarantee the right of movement for the disabled, such as “Wheel Share,” “Special Traffic Support Vehicle,” “Narae Bus,” and so on.

A. BADF was established to guarantee the human rights of the disabled and their right to movement. By implementing various projects, they have emphasized the “right of movement,” which is the most necessary right for the disabled. A representative project was the campaign to allow the disabled to get a Class 1 driver’s license in 1992. From September 1st, 1994, people with disabilities were permitted to obtain a Class 1 license.

Q. Although the revision of the “Act on Promotion of the Transportation Convenience of Mobility Disadvantage Persons” passed the plenary session of the National Assembly on December 31st, 2021, there are voices that say it is not enough to guarantee the right to the movement for the disabled.

A. The main contents of the revision of the “Act on Promotion of the Transportation Convenience of Mobility Disadvantage Persons” are as follows:

1. Introducing low-floor buses is mandatory when replacing old public town buses and city buses.
2. Resolving the interregional transfer of special transportation (Call a taxi for people with disabilities).
3. Adding cable cars and monorails to target the convenience of mobility for disabled people.

No law is perfect. As times and the environment change, the law should continue to adjust accordingly. Some things are not included in this revision, but I think the passage of this amendment is of great significance.

This one-time amendment cannot wholly resolve the inconvenience of the disabled. When the revised bill is applied in practice, it should be seen whether it works or not. We must monitor this bill continuously. The parts that need to be corrected should be revised, and the new necessary parts should be additionally enacted. 

Q. There are “barriers” at PNU Busan Campus that interfere with movement. There was an inconvenience in moving even if using an electric wheelchair. What do you think about this? 

A. The electric wheelchair may compensate for the shortcomings of the manual wheelchair to provide convenience for the movement of the disabled. However, moving is always challenging for the disabled using a manual wheelchair. The boundary block that divides the sidewalk from the road becomes a high barrier, grid-shaped sidewalk blocks and damaged sidewalk blocks cause accidents, and places with severe uphill are like trees that cannot be climbed. As a result, the disabled who use wheelchairs use the edge of the roadway, increasing the risk of accidents.

In the late 1990s, universities implemented special admissions for disabled students. The universities have set up convenience facilities for the disabled only in buildings with departments that select disabled students through special admission. Therefore, disabled students could not enjoy the atmosphere or romance of college on campus outside the building. 

Now, twenty years later, I wonder what parts have changed from the past, but I don’t think there will be much change. In order for disabled students to feel “barrier-free” in school, additional installation of elevators and toilets for the disabled and operation of low-floor circulation buses are required.

Q. What are the first parts that need to be improved for “barrier-free”?

A. The top priority is establishing infrastructures that can guarantee the right to the movement for the disabled. Removing obstacles by reorganizing the sidewalk, reducing the offset, installing roads for electric wheelchairs, and operating low-floor buses is necessary. In addition to establishing such infrastructures, it is essential to improve the perception of the members of society.

Q. Lastly, what do you want to say?

A. If we care about the problem of the disabled and try to help them, I believe that all members of our society will be able to live in harmony without discrimination. I think the “barrier-free” world will come soon. 

Reporter Kim Hyeon-Hee

Translated by Seo Hae-Seong