Employment policy crucial for people with disabilities – Federation
Mr Yaw Ofori Debrah, President of the Ghana Federation for the Disabled (GFD) has called on government to roll-out a disability employment policy to ensure that People With Disability (PWD) have equal access to the job market.
Mr Debrah made the call at the celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities at the University of Ghana (UG), Legon, Accra.
The global commemoration was on the theme: “Access and Empowerment for people of all abilities that seeks to reduce inequalities and remove barriers to equal participation for persons with disabilities in society.”
Citing Niger as an example of a country with disability policy, Mr Debrah noted that five per cent of all employment sectors recruit persons with disability and that is what Ghana must also do to give PWDs a brighter prospect.
He urged private sectors to employ PWDs instead of the occasional donations they doll out to disability groups.
”We need their understanding not their sympathy, their help, not pity and we want equity and equality not consideration since we all have equal right as citizens of the country,” he said.
He said the GFD has mapped out some advocacy plans to change the mindset of employers and the conservative nature of Ghanaians towards persons with disabilities.
Dr Awo Mana Asiedu, Coordinator of the Office Students with Special Needs of the UG, appealed to the University authorities to do more for those with physical and medical disabilities, since the focus has mainly been on students with visual impairment, and to some degree, those with hearing impairment.
She suggested that these factors must urgently be considered which includes: resource persons dedicated to students with physical and medical/psychological disabilities.
She said there is the need for more disability friendly buildings for students with various disabilities and a policy document on disability with more vigorous advocacy for the inclusion of persons with disability in all sectors of the economy.
Professor Samuel Kwame Ofei, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Students Affairs at the UG said all new buildings would be fixed with lifts to carry disability people to the top floors.
He said the University is in discussion with stakeholders including NGOs to improve service delivery.
Mr Gilbert Asamoah, President of Campus Association of Students with Special Needs, acknowledged the work of the University in creating enabling environment for students with special needs.
He appealed to the University officials to make available signage on their roads to indicate the passage for persons with disabilities.
Source: GNA