National Policy on Disability
FOREWORD by the previous Minister for Community Development - Dame Carol Kidu
The policy was first discussed at a workshop of disability stakeholders held at the Department of Community Development, Waigani, from 16-17 May, 2005 and further developed at a series of workshops held in nine Provinces over August, September and October 2005. This document represents the conclusions reached through many consultation processes both at the national and provincial levels as well as with our development partners. Many people with disabilities from around PNG have contributed to the policy as well as service providing organisations such as Callan Services, Education Resource Centres, Cheshire Homes, health and education professionals and Provincial Community Development officers, representatives of church agencies, NGOs and community organisations, representatives of the PNG National Board for the Disabled Person and the National Assembly of Disabled People as well as families of children with disabilities.
People with disabilities in recent times have been totally invisible in all areas and at all levels of the development processes of this country. They appear to be the most discriminated group of the marginalised sector of our population. It is time we changed our values and understandings with respect to those who are disabled. Whether the disability is psychological, physiological or whether it is a function of accidents or genetics, people with disabilities are people first and they deserve the same set of rights as every citizen of this country.
The alliance between government and the non-governmental sector, including churches and the private sector, will be crucial if we are to make good progress in creating a rights-based, fully inclusive and barrier-free society.
I hope this policy, together with the action plan, provide a framework and guide for all government and non-governmental agencies, individuals, families and communities throughout Papua New Guinea, so that we can all work together towards creating a society that reflects the deepest respect for human life. I hope that we can build a society that demonstrates that respect by dismantling barriers and building institutions and structures that are inclusive and allow all people to participate fully and equally.
My deep appreciation goes to those individuals and development partners who have contributed to the success of this Policy.
Dame Carol Kidu, MP, Minister
The policy was first discussed at a workshop of disability stakeholders held at the Department of Community Development, Waigani, from 16-17 May, 2005 and further developed at a series of workshops held in nine Provinces over August, September and October 2005. This document represents the conclusions reached through many consultation processes both at the national and provincial levels as well as with our development partners. Many people with disabilities from around PNG have contributed to the policy as well as service providing organisations such as Callan Services, Education Resource Centres, Cheshire Homes, health and education professionals and Provincial Community Development officers, representatives of church agencies, NGOs and community organisations, representatives of the PNG National Board for the Disabled Person and the National Assembly of Disabled People as well as families of children with disabilities.
People with disabilities in recent times have been totally invisible in all areas and at all levels of the development processes of this country. They appear to be the most discriminated group of the marginalised sector of our population. It is time we changed our values and understandings with respect to those who are disabled. Whether the disability is psychological, physiological or whether it is a function of accidents or genetics, people with disabilities are people first and they deserve the same set of rights as every citizen of this country.
The alliance between government and the non-governmental sector, including churches and the private sector, will be crucial if we are to make good progress in creating a rights-based, fully inclusive and barrier-free society.
I hope this policy, together with the action plan, provide a framework and guide for all government and non-governmental agencies, individuals, families and communities throughout Papua New Guinea, so that we can all work together towards creating a society that reflects the deepest respect for human life. I hope that we can build a society that demonstrates that respect by dismantling barriers and building institutions and structures that are inclusive and allow all people to participate fully and equally.
My deep appreciation goes to those individuals and development partners who have contributed to the success of this Policy.
Dame Carol Kidu, MP, Minister
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