To enhance support for individuals with disabilities in social and educational settings, the Disabled People’s Organisation of Bhutan has released a Bhutanese version of the Disability Equality Training manual. The manual was released during the two-day National Disability Conference on Tuesday. Marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the initiative responds to growing demand for such training as public and private organisations recognise gaps in policies and practices.
Disability Equality Training courses are developed by individuals with lived experience. It introduces participants to real issues and challenges faced by persons with disabilities to foster behavioural and practical change.
“Our country is developing. When we use manuals developed by developed countries, it is not relevant as their manuals are based on their situation. For a country like ours, we are taking baby steps to create awareness among the public as not many have adequate knowledge. Therefore, we have come up with our version,” said Yonten Jamtsho, programme officer at the Disabled People’s Organisation of Bhutan.
Duptho Zangmo, with experience in training taxi drivers, local leaders and focal persons, said there is a need for proper manuals to make training more effective.
As a visually impaired woman herself, she shared her personal challenges to improve the training.
“After giving DIT training to people without disabilities, they are comfortable in socialising with the persons with disabilities. They know how to guide, they know how to react with people with disabilities, and they know the problems and challenges. So, that makes it easier for us to socialise, and we do not face much discrimination after we give training to the local people, the higher government officials and drivers, especially the taxi drivers.”
While limited trainers have hindered awareness efforts, the new manual aims to standardise education and awareness.
“We have policies in place, but it needs to be reviewed; it needs to be restructured. So, if we do not observe these types of events or days, we cannot raise our voices and solve problems easily. We must join hands, cooperate and try to bring awareness, advocate for people and make sure that our voices are heard,” said Duptho Zangmo, a lecturer at Traditional Performing Arts and Music Division.
So far, the Disabled Person’s Organisation has trained over 2,000 service providers and frontline workers to enhance public understanding and support.
Devika Pradhan
Edited by Sonam Pem
