There is a need to do more in terms of developing targeted programmes to enhance employability for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the country. This is according to persons with disabilities who say are often seen as incapable of working and leading an independent life. According to the Bhutan Foundation, more than 14,000 people are living with some form of disability.
Bhutan Foundation in collaboration with AIMS media recently trained youth with disabilities on multimedia to strengthen inclusion.
According to the parents, besides Draktsho, there aren’t many programs that are available for children with disabilities. They added that a programme such as this provides them with essential skills.
“She is very particular in the way she does things. She keeps everything in order and she is also interested in dancing and singing. However, being disabled, it’s difficult for her. If the government could provide more opportunities such as these, it would be helpful,” said Tandin Wangmo, the mother of one of the participants.
“As a parent of a disabled child, I’m worried about his future. In our country, there are hardly any jobs for the disabled that complement their skills. Such training held by VTOB if the government provides it in other fields as well would benefit the children in the future. Right now, we only have nine students, but if it can be done in various fields it will benefit many children,” added Sigay Dema, another mother.
Similarly, 20-year-old Bikash who has cerebral palsy is currently interning at the Ability Bhutan Society, a public benefit organization. The second -year student at the Royal Thimphu College said small initiatives such as this will only encourage and uplift the lives of persons with disabilities. It will also help in the elimination of stigma, discrimination and exclusion facing them.
According to the Bhutan Vulnerability Baseline Assessment 2016, stigma, discrimination and exclusion remains major challenge facing persons with disabilities.
“Persons with disabilities, if they’re given more opportunities then they will surely achieve many things. We look into things like making the environment accessible for them, we can adjust the curriculum and in that way, they will also get motivated to study hard. If they are taught skills of daily living like cooking, washing dishes and all, they will also get empowered to do more things and they will become more independent in the future,” said Bikash Mishra.
Likewise, the Executive Director for Ability Bhutan Society said although the National Policy for Persons with disabilities was implemented in 2019, the country has yet to see changes in terms of accessible infrastructure and employment opportunities.
“Institutions do take in the persons with disabilities for either employment or for educating them, but they are hesitant due to lack of trained professionals. The main issue at the moment however is the lack of trained professionals and accessibility and infrastructure suitable for the persons with disabilities,” said Kunzang N. Tshering, the Executive Director of Ability Bhutan Society.
In the meantime, the Ministry of Industry Commerce and Employment has been offering courses in skill development, entrepreneurship, digital marketing and tailoring for persons with disabilities.
As of now, they have facilitated the employment of 16 of them through the program.
“We are governed by a guideline which clearly indicates we give important stress to persons with disabilities. One of the main supports we are rendering as of now is if there are employers wishing to employ people with disabilities, normally they’ll not have to undergo all the rigorous processes that we have in the guidelines,” said Rigden Wangchuk, the Chief Program Officer of Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship.
He added that a new set of curricula specifically designed for persons with disabilities will be completed soon.
Tshering Deki
Edited by Sonam Pem
