Stakeholders discuss empowerment and rights of persons with disabilities |12 December 2015

Caregivers, parents, teachers and other people concerned with the welfare, education and well-being of persons with disabilities and some of the disabled themselves met in a day-long discussion session yesterday during which they were updated on numerous aspects related to the empowerment and rights of people living with disabilities.

The executive secretary of the National Council for the Disabled (NCFD), Celine Fanchette, said it is important for the disabled and other people who are involved in their welfare and wellbeing to always be updated on what is being done nationally to improve the lives and empower people with disabilities.

In a message to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, the Minister for Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports Vincent Meriton said:

“It is a fact that persons with disabilities continue to face physical, social, economic and attitudinal barriers that exclude them from participating fully and effectively as equal members of society. This is a situation that we must change to ensure that the rights of disabled persons are fully realised across the world. As we reflect on this year’s theme, ‘Inclusion matters: Access and empowerment of people of all abilities’, we are reminded that every human being, no matter what their physical, health or mental condition, is born with their own unique abilities.” 

Reflecting on this theme in remarks to launch yesterday’s discussions, Marcus Simeon, the chief executive of the Welfare Agency, called on all groups, associations and individuals representing people with different forms of disabilities not to work in isolation but to unite their forces and join the NCFD to work together to improve the lives and advance the cause of people living with disabilities.

Marie-May Leon, a special education needs coordinator, made a presentation on Inclusive Education and talked about a new policy to promote Inclusive Education which was launched by the Ministry of Education earlier this year.

It aims to change and strengthen the education system so it can allow children with disabilities and special needs to study alongside their peers who do not have disabilities in normal classroom settings.

“We have to reorganise and adapt the environment to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities to ensure they succeed and are not left behind in whatever they do,” Mrs Leon pointed out.

The chairperson of the ‘Health of Our Nation’ committee, Patricia Rene, also made a presentation on the health responsibilities of disabled persons.

The discussion session yesterday also formed part of activities to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.