Persons with Disabilities are still being left behind despite policies

Despite policies, conventions, declarations and public commitments, too many Persons with Disabilities in Fiji are being left behind.

Opposition Member of Parliament Hem Chand raised the issue in Parliament on Thursday, highlighting the growing gap between what is written on paper and the realities families are experiencing on the ground.

While the country proudly embraces the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2018, the National Disability Inclusive Development Policy, and is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Mr Chand said many parents of children with disabilities are still struggling silently.

“Those parents are not asking for sympathy, they are asking for support, accessible transport, proper therapy services, financial assistance that reflects the real cost of disability care and inclusion that is real,” he said during his end-of-day speech.

Among the major issues Mr Chand raised were repeated calls by families for accessible transport, the lack of adequate financial support for families caring for Persons with Disabilities, the pressure faced by teachers in special schools because of limited staffing, specialist support and resources, as well as the growing shortage of allied health services available to children with disabilities.

“We must now move urgently towards enforcing accessibility standards for public transport, public buildings, footpaths, crossings and public infrastructure across Fiji because inclusion cannot exist where physical barriers still remain,” he said.

The former Divisional Director of Education also called for improved national data collection and planning, and for policies to be properly implemented if Fiji is to achieve meaningful change and greater inclusivity.