Story by Peter Chivhima
PARLIAMENTARIANS have been rallied to continue supporting and crafting inclusive development programmes that cater for people with special needs.
The call was made this Monday during a presentation before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, where representatives of people with special needs outlined the challenges they face daily.
“We are facing a number of challenges which includes transport so we feel that our Parliamentarians must look into the issues,” noted Disability Rights Advocate,
Mr Francis Dembetembe.
“We feel that we should have the same opportunities in employment which is accorded to groups such as the youths and some of the privileges given to the elderly because we suffer from similar problems, noted
Disability Rights Advocate, Mr Simbarashe Namusi.
The Portfolio Committee noted the raised concerns.
“What we have come to understand and indeed, what we have discovered is that much of what was expressed in their petitions and prayers is already reflected in the current provisions of the Disability Bill. However, there is one notable exception and that is their emphatic call for equity. We acknowledge and appreciate that call. It is a powerful reminder that beyond inclusion, we must ensure fairness and justice in how opportunities, services, and support are delivered,” explained Chairperson of Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Honourable Taurai Malinganiso.
Inclusive education, car rebates for people with special needs and implementation of the National Disability Policy are some of the steps being taken by government to cater for people with special needs.
