Coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities yesterday, the first-ever National Policy for Persons with Disabilities was launched. It is also transcribed in Braille.
The day is observed on December 3 every year to encourage a better understanding of people affected by disabilities.
The national policy is expected to benefit persons with disabilities in terms of their equal participation in mainstream society. It is also to reduce issues and challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
“This policy would provide the opportunity for people with disabilities to take part in all the activities and also become an active member and contribute in the economic development,” said Ugyen Wangchuk, the Executive Director of Ability Bhutan Society.
The policy will address and reduce physical barriers, and attitudinal barriers faced by persons with disabilities and their families in accessing services. The policy is one of the most comprehensive policies for persons with disabilities in the region and covers almost all issues and concerns related to them.
Today, there are more than 15,000 people with one or more forms of disabilities and face these barriers on a day to day basis.
Choni Dema
