B’ville launches disability policy

PEOPLE living with disabilities in Bougainville witnessed the launching of a disability policy on Friday, the International Day of Disabled Persons.
It was launched by the Autonomous Bougainville Government Minister for Community Development Thompson Gitovea.
Ruth Tohaka of the Carteret Islands, Atolls District, said the policy was important.
“We will be recognised as people with special needs and our needs will be addressed,” Tohaka said. The policy aims to create awareness and promote better community participation for disabled persons.
The disability policy was drafted by the Department of Community Development in partnership with the Bougainville Disabled Persons Organisation.
The consultations and technical development of the policy were supported by the Australian and New Zealand governments.