MP Misiekaba pleads for better provisions for people with a disability

“The government must create more possibilities for people with a disability,” said MP Andre Misiekaba on Monday. The legislator pointed out that more attention must be paid to preparing students with a disability for the labor market. MP Misiekaba explained that all schools must be organized in a way which will make it possible for students with a disability to access the classrooms. “A wheelchair must have access to all education institutes in Suriname. It is a big operation but the government must start somewhere,” said MP Misiekaba who added that the government must also provide special transport for people with a disability.

The chairman of Wang Okasi, Aniel Koendjbiharie, applauded the plans of MP Misiekaba. “I hope that the words will be put into action,” said Koendjbiharie who added that people must remain serious if they want to actualize these plans. He pointed out that people with a disability must also be coached. Teachers must also be prepared so that they know how to handle students with a disability. He also pointed out that the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) states that persons with disabilities must have access to everything. “This means that they must also have access to the university for example. People with disabilities must also get a chance at being given a scholarship. What was deemed a disability in the past no longer has to be deemed as such because the technology keeps changing,” said the chairman of the foundation that advocates the rights of persons with disabilities. Article 9 of the CRPD

is aimed at enabling persons with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life. It clearly states that “States Parties shall take appropriate measures to ensure to persons with disabilities access, on an equal basis with others, to the physical environment, to transportation, to information and communications, including information and communications technologies and systems, and to other facilities and services open or provided to the public, both in urban and in rural areas.”