By Martha Louis – EM TV News, Lae
Having access to facilities and services in the country is still an issue for people with disabilities.
President of the Morobe Disabled Agency, Benedict Hipom, said many of the buildings are not designed for people with special needs.
He says because of these barriers, people with disabilities are not able to access services.
“Every day is a struggle,” says Hipom.
Buildings in the city are not designed for people with special needs.
And the design of the transport systems doesn’t take into account people with a disability. The roads and pathways are also too risky for them.
Hipom said another problem is communication. Children with disabilities are not able to use school materials.
For years, advocates have been calling on the government to recognise the need for accessibility for people with disability. But there has been very little attention given.
Hipom is calling on the national government to look at the barriers facing people with a disability.
He says the national government needs to be serious about this issue.
Danny Nema, a person with a disability, wants the national government to assist persons with disabilities. This year the national government has launched the national policy for disability.
It now needs to focus more on accessibility so that changes can happen. Hipom said that is the way the society will become inclusive and people with disability can also be involved in decision making.
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