The Disabled People’s Association of Solomon Islands (DPASI) recently led a workshop, with Australian support, to engage with government and reduce barriers for people with disabilities accessing social and economic opportunities.

Ministry focal points were provided with practical steps to implement the government’s National Disability Policy that aims to increase inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities.

Head of DPASI, Casper Fa’asala, said the concept of the rights and needs of people with disabilities was a new one for Solomon Islands.

“If we can make schools, clinics, markets and transport accessible for everyone, then people with disabilities have a wealth of skills and ideas to contribute to our community and improve their lives,” Fa’asala said.

“COVID-19 was a case study in how the lack of inclusion in planning and service provision impacted people with disabilities. During that time, many could not access vital medicines and medical care, and got very sick as a result,” he added.

“Effective inclusion requires not just policies, but a cultural shift within institutions that recognises the potential of every individual and creating pathways that allow everyone to contribute in meaningful ways.”

Fa’asala’s keynote presentation, The Win-Win of Disability Inclusion, emphasised the positive outcomes of diverse workspaces.

^{_{Australia’s Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program’s Senior Gender and Social Inclusion Coordinator Ella Hou (left) with inclusion workshop participants and Disabled People’s Association of Solomon Islands CEO Casper Fa’asala (front centre)}}

The training provided practical steps about how infrastructure and services can be made more accessible and inclusive for everyone, such as including ramps for disability access, making information accessible for people with vision impairments and providing non-discriminatory services.

Australian High Commissioner, Rod Hilton, said the training supported the government’s recent ratification of the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.

“The National Government is providing leadership that empowers people with disabilities to lead fulfilling and productive lives,” High Commissioner Hilton said.

“Through the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership, we’re pleased to be championing the rights and needs of people with disabilities in everything we do.”

“DPASI is doing great work, engaging with government, industry and communities about the needs and opportunities for people with disabilities in what we build, and the services we help provide.”

“With their support, Australia is paving the way for disability inclusion by talking with people with disabilities when designing infrastructure, ensuring all infrastructure is accessible, and supporting people with disabilities to gain construction industry skills and training.”

Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs Director, Morris Maitaki, said the training would support his department’s policy development process currently underway.

“It’s a challenge to make our policies more inclusive for people with disabilities, but this training opens the way and improves our understanding of what now needs to be done,” Maitaki said.

_{Source: Australian High Commision, Honiara.}