Persons with disabilities continue to face issues of discrimination from the public and this is becoming a serious concern.
The National Council for Persons with Disabilities says they receive reports of such incidences on a daily basis.
Council’s Executive Director, Dr. Sitiveni Yanuyanutawa says these include discriminatory remarks from society to not having access in public transport.
“Almost week in- week out we’ve been receiving issues relating to people with disability. Even the public transport like buses. A lot of person with disability although they are given the red card, they won’t be able to board the bus.”
Dr. Yanuyanutawa says they are working with other disability resource centers in creating awareness on this issue, so Fijians can better understand the situation and circumstances of those living with disabilities.
“To try and eradicate the social attitude, or the social stigma of any ordinary person that are living whether in urban, peri-urban or rural areas. But it will take a lot of education from us and creating awareness and making person with disability to be put on a level playing field with other abled body individual.”
He also hopes they will be able to change the mindsets of people in various communities in order to create a conducive environment for people with special needs.
