persons with disabilities

About 10 percent of that statistic have not been to school while 37 percent have received education.

Of the total population of persons with disabilities, only 38 percent can read while 35 percent can write.

Over 50 percent of people with disabilities are unable to employ anywhere else due to their disabilities.

These statistics were highlighted at the National Disability Week held recently.

Minister of Women, Community and Social Development, Leota Laki Lamositele-Sio delivered the keynote address and emphasized the National Disability Policy.

The discussion is a lead up event to next year’s Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.

Samoa recently ratified the CRPD giving more support, and putting the spotlight on the support and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Samoa.

Nuanua O le Alofa’s Office Manager, Mataafa Faatino Masana Utumapu says the ratification is only the beginning.

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.

The chief executive of the Pacific Disability Forum says one in five people estimated to be living with some form of disability in the Pacific face many entrenched cultural and physical barriers to full participation.

Setareki Macanawai says at least 16 countries in the region have signed or ratified the UN convention on the rights of persons with disabilities but he says there is still a lack of action on the ground.