At least I will enjoy walking safely on the streets, and I will be able to take the bus without being pushed by other commuters. Although efforts have been made to improve pension plans in Egypt, almost nothing has been done to allow the elderly to walk safely on streets. El-Tanani, who has a minor walking disability, has experienced the great difficulties encountered by handicapped pedestrians, and has been galvanised into fighting for their rights. One of her major achievements was convincing the Ministry of Interior to establish a ground-floor office where the disabled can have their paperwork done. We are simply pushed aside.
Pavements are so high, and ramps are never provided in schools, cinemas, theatres, or anywhere.
There is no way the disabled can take the bus or the train, or even cross the street safely. No toilets are provided for the disabled, even in five-star hotels. Signs are rarely provided for the deaf. Zakariya Fahim, the chairman of a non-profit association, Friends of the Blind, agrees wholeheartedly. Fahim manufactures and distributes white sticks, designed to help the blind walk independently, for free.