RECORDER REPORT

FAISALABAD: Speakers of NGOs Workshop have strongly demanded government to immediately remove multiple hurdles, faced by persons with disabilities in general and women with disabilities in specific to by-pass the disability registration process consequently persons with disabilities are unable to access the government’s reserved facilities for disabled persons.

Addressing a workshop of NGOs dealing with disabilities, which was arranged by the Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation (AWAM), Speakers mentioned that Sincere efforts are lacking by the concerned government departments to introduce new initiatives for empowerment of persons with disabilities as per the national policy 2002, national action plan 2006 along with international commitments.

Research scholar and executive Director Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation (AWAM), Nazia Sardar said, “parents avoid exposing their children with disabilities due to stigma associated with disability and state authorities are also avoiding putting efforts to break such stereotypes.” She called upon the government, “The law/policy maker must revisit the disability related statutes to harmonize them with international frameworks.”

Additional deputy commissioner revenue Tariq Niazi said, “The district administration is the only stakeholder that can bridge the gap between public and state institutes thus establishment of a strong coordination mechanism is imperative for an inclusive and equitable society.”

District Officer special education Chaudhry Abdul Hameed said, “The persons with disabilities are the important part of the society and the developmental goals cannot be achieved without their productive engagements in society.”