THE Department for Community Development and Religion (DfCDR) has launched a nationwide survey that is expected to form the basis for the review of the national disability policy to make Papua New Guinea a happier and safer place for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
It is estimated that up to 12 percent of PNG’s population— live with disabilities of various types due to chronic diseases, injuries, violence, infectious diseases, malnutrition and other causes. They frequently encounter a myriad of physical and social obstacles. Often, PWDs lack the opportunities of the mainstream population and are usually among the most marginalized in societies. This number is increasing with a high number of PWDs coming from low-income communities with limited or no access to basic services including rehabilitation facilities.
Secretary for DfCDR, Anna Solomon said the review is vital to ensure that the national policy promotes equal opportunities, basic rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
“It is important that the new policy must address human rights principles, reduce vulnerability and risks and improve access to services such as care, support and partnership opportunities for persons with disability,” she said
Ms Solomon said the current policy was developed in 2005 and launched in 2009; the actual implementation began in 2010 and a review is therefore needed.
The objectives of the review apart from improving the quality of lives of PWDs, needs to ensure the policy is:
DfCDR having a crucial role as the main government agency coordinating the National Disability Policy, was given $AUD 100,000 as part of the Australian Government $3 million Disability Inclusive Development package to Papua New Guinea made available through the Strongim Pipol Strongim Nesen Program.
DfCDR is therefore collaborating with relevant stakeholders such as Disability Persons organisations that have been established in provinces, services providers and others to conduct the policy review.
A questionnaire has now been sent to 21 provinces to capture new and up to date information and data on Disability Services in PNG. This is where public opinion and feedback from PWDs, caregivers, key stakeholders, and communities is crucial. Ms Solomon has appealed to groups and individuals to be part of this important process.
Please see the Division of Community Development and Special Education Resource Centre (SERC Office) in your province to obtain a copy of the questionnaire before the August 31, 2013.
The department is also launched a media campaign promoting public participation in the survey.
It is estimated that up to 12 percent of PNG’s population— live with disabilities of various types due to chronic diseases, injuries, violence, infectious diseases, malnutrition and other causes. They frequently encounter a myriad of physical and social obstacles. Often, PWDs lack the opportunities of the mainstream population and are usually among the most marginalized in societies. This number is increasing with a high number of PWDs coming from low-income communities with limited or no access to basic services including rehabilitation facilities.
Secretary for DfCDR, Anna Solomon said the review is vital to ensure that the national policy promotes equal opportunities, basic rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
“It is important that the new policy must address human rights principles, reduce vulnerability and risks and improve access to services such as care, support and partnership opportunities for persons with disability,” she said
Ms Solomon said the current policy was developed in 2005 and launched in 2009; the actual implementation began in 2010 and a review is therefore needed.
The objectives of the review apart from improving the quality of lives of PWDs, needs to ensure the policy is:
- Relevant and reflects the current PNG context:
- Practical in nature and able to be implemented and will work for communities, families and individuals, government, churches, non-government organisations, private sector and education institutions at all levels;
- Aligned with the PNG Vision 2050, Pacific Regional Policy on Disability, the New Community Based Rehabilitation Guidelines (CBR) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
DfCDR having a crucial role as the main government agency coordinating the National Disability Policy, was given $AUD 100,000 as part of the Australian Government $3 million Disability Inclusive Development package to Papua New Guinea made available through the Strongim Pipol Strongim Nesen Program.
DfCDR is therefore collaborating with relevant stakeholders such as Disability Persons organisations that have been established in provinces, services providers and others to conduct the policy review.
A questionnaire has now been sent to 21 provinces to capture new and up to date information and data on Disability Services in PNG. This is where public opinion and feedback from PWDs, caregivers, key stakeholders, and communities is crucial. Ms Solomon has appealed to groups and individuals to be part of this important process.
Please see the Division of Community Development and Special Education Resource Centre (SERC Office) in your province to obtain a copy of the questionnaire before the August 31, 2013.
The department is also launched a media campaign promoting public participation in the survey.
For more information contact the division for Disability & Elderly on telephone: 325 5727/ 325 4405 or email: Konio Doko - kdoko@dfcd.gov.pg or Ben Theodore - Ben.Theodore@spsnpng.com
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