By Fabian Hakalits – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Access for people living with special needs in Papua New Guinea is still a worrying problem, due to a lack of support.
Executive members of the Assemblies of Disabled Persons raised this concern saying it’s a threat to their members.
‘Inclusion Matters, Access and Empowerment of All People With Abilities’ was the theme for this year’s National Disabled Day, which was commemorated Tuesday.
Benso Tegia, a man with special needs, told EMTV News that one of the biggest challenges is support.
“Government at different levels must make decisions that will benefit and cater for the needs of different people. Access to buildings, information etc,” he said
Inclusion matters are a real concern for persons with special needs in order for them to participate in the mainstream.
Another person with special needs, Tole Wia, said that although it has become visible with the little support by the national government, one of the biggest challenge is that infrastructure is inaccessible.
“Which group of people are these infrastructure representing, If it’s going to serve human needs of people in all walks of life, then we are excluded,” Wia said.
Given the current scenario, Wia says there are still exclusions, discrimination and stigmatisation with the current infrastructure.
“Make facilities accessible, road, airport, schools etc.,” Wia added.
They have called on authorities to consult organisations dealing with people with special needs for there views, to make Papua New Guinea are barrier free, accessible and inclusive society.
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