A focus group is being trained under a programme by Nuanua O Le Alofa in ways to better address social issues and challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Samoa.
The training consists mostly of persons with disabilities, as NOLA believes the message they are trying to portray would echo a lot louder when it comes from those who have a disability of their own.
“Not only that, we hope the project would reach out to families who have people with disabilities, so they can implement these policies within their family environment and that is very important,” said Pei Iefata, NOLA counselor for the programme.
“So we have equipped these trainees with the skill and the knowledge for them to discuss social issues that affect them. Because some feel they are not affected by social issues. So it is important they acquire the knowledge to best handle these issues, while understanding their own disability,” he added.
Some of the most popular social issues Iefata was referring to, are the vocabulary addresses given to persons with disabilities. Using terms such as “a person with special needs” instead of “person with a disability”.
“Most of the issues that affect people with disabilities are buried and never addressed because they feel that their disabilities somehow acts as a barrier preventing them from speaking up,” he said.
“So if we give them the courage and the strength and support to come out and address these issues, that way the public would know what people with disabilities deal with beyond their limitations,” he added.
“Some if not most of those with disabilities are facing abuse within their homes, and yet they can’t speak up about it due to these limitations. So counseling is the first important issue for them, and that’s the focus for them who have disabilities,” he said.
There are a few with persons disabilities who have become iconic figures in Samoa though, making their names through music, the media, and even becoming ambassadors for people with disabilities. NOLA’s goal is to establish a network of understanding within people with disabilities and give them a voice.
Photo: Facebook/ Nuanua O Le Alofa