International Day of Persons with Disabilities -Persons with disabilities should not be seen as ‘lesser beings’ |03 December 2011

“Let us seriously consider what we need to do to include the children, young people and adults with disabilities in the mainstream of society – in the home as well as in education, employment and social and cultural life,” says the Minister for Social Development and Culture Bernard Shamlaye in his message on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities being celebrated today.

The full text of Mr Shamlaye’s message reads:
“December 3 is the International Day for Persons with Disabilities for which the United Nations has, this year, chosen the theme ‘Together for a better world for all: Including persons with disabilities in development’.  

“It is an occasion for us to reflect on what we need to do as a society to ensure that persons with disabilities can contribute fully to society and national development as well as to their own personal wellbeing and development.

We are invited to think of how we can, as a society, eliminate barriers and create the enabling environment that will facilitate the meaningful involvement of persons with disabilities.

“Persons with disabilities may be vulnerable and may need special attention. But they should not be dismissed as unable and lesser beings always requiring assistance or pity. Let us seriously consider what we need to do to include the children, young people and adults with disabilities in the mainstream of society – in the home as well as in education, employment and social and cultural life.

“Seychelles became a party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2009. A campaign of information and education on the Convention will be carried out in the coming months. As a society, we need to develop and strengthen the policies, measures and conditions as well as the attitudes and behaviours that will enable persons with disabilities to use their abilities and participate in personal and national development, alongside the non-disabled so that we all exercise our rights and responsibilities and uphold our dignity.  Together, we can all win for Seychelles! 

“I take the opportunity to thank all the organisations and individuals - those with disabilities and those non-disabled - who are working to promote the wellbeing and participation in development of persons with disabilities.  Let us all enjoy a happy and productive day!”