Disability is not Inability

:: Security issues in a Conference for the Blind....

For those with visual impairments security is an extra important in a conference setting even more important. Many people take advantage of visual challenges to steal or risk the life of a blind person.

Security here therefore includes giving false information on direction to a patron for the purpose of taking advantage. This is quite an issue especially when the rate of sexual abuse is so high. How do you feel when you loose a laptop a day to an improtant presentation in an international conference?

The general rule is to always be with someone you trust who can help within the areas of my handicap. A fellow participant, a close friend or even a guide comes in handy to fill in on the risks related to your stay. Who is carrying your bag from or to the reception? Who is serving your room? who is leading you to your room?

Security in accomodation

The number one challenge of accomodation in a conference for perosn with visual impairments is handling personal security while at the hotel. Keys are number one challenge. Apart from where some form of biometric Card is used to open doors, keys remain the main access manager to any room. A patron need to be able to identify his/her key. This is an important security matter even where there are serveillance cameras managing hotel corridors.

There are three ways to ensure keys are not lost or used by another person. Have braille inscriptions on the key indicating room numbers. This helps the patron know his/her key from a set. Have it that the door cannot close without the key.

Security in restaurants

The main risk here is in access and food issues. Many are particular about what they will eat. Make sure people are served whith exactly what they asked for. In this era of medications its also important to ensure support for medications are known in advance and provided.

Ensure they are cut in the right sizes. Explain if the pices are too big or need to be eaten using a fork or hands. Eating cultures also vary and its good to find out what a patron prefers. Those who are vegetarians or those who do not eat particular foods need to be identified ealy. I have this friend who never takes milk and is always overlooked whenever we dine.

Security in conference settings

Over 60% of participants had either a laptop or some electronic gadget that facilitated participation in the conference. Some even had several and would forget their important equipments somewhere in an effort to pursue another matter. The rooms were equally full of treasured equipments.

With the increase in the number of information Communication technology equipments (ICTs) its important to facilitate security measures that ensure participants log in their equipments. This helps alot so that nobody will walk out with another persons laptop.

Patrons should always cooperate with security arrangements for our own good. In many cases it can be cumbersome and time wasting but until you loose that bag you will never know the difference.

With the increase in the number of information Communication technology equipments (ICTs) its important to facilitate security measures that ensure participants log in their equipments

General rules...

At the conference beginning its always good for the participants during the first briefing session to set and agree on general rules including security issues. Its good to have general rules on electronic equipments and their safety. When we go out to town and who we leave our keys. Rules should also include etiquettes for the support staff their identifications and their mandate.

DISABILITYKENYA.