Disabled must be given a chance: Tubal

DISABLED people living in rural communities throughout the country do not receive enough public exposure so that they can be referred for specialised care and treatment.
Many of these people are disabled and are handicapped because of their apparent or inherent disabilities and unfortunately are not heard – they are forgotten.
This was the message from East New Britain administrator Akuila Tubal, who also said because of their lack of status and voices, people were not conscious of their presence nor consider their well-being.
Tubal, who is also chairman of the East New Britain disabled board, called on both the national and provincial levels of government to address the needs of this special group of people through education, health and other social issues.
Tubal said people with disabilities had not been given considerations for employment, nil support for rehabilitation and care and participation in the development of society.
In ENB, service to people with disabilities is provided by the Nason Paulias Disabled Project, the Callan Services and the physiotherapy departments of the Nonga and Vunapope Hospitals.
The Nason Paulias Disabled Project is a project under the provincial administration’s health division.
Although the services provided under the project has not been to its fullest extent, Tubal said the administration had plans in place to provide logistical support for the service to people living with disabilities.
At present, the project has been dealing with the issues of collecting data that would help to fully understand the extent and distribution of services amongst disabled people in ENB.
The project has also been involved in public awareness, on the knowledge and skills to diagnose and deal with disabilities in people and to present disabilities amongst healthy people.
Callan Services is also providing services under its inclusive education programme especially to children, while other services are also provided to adults with eye and ear problems and other disabilities alike.