Chronicle Editor
Ashley Phiri/Amos Mpofu, Chronicle Writers
GOVERNMENT should establish an inclusive education policy to ensure that people with disabilities access quality education up to tertiary level in order to access equal opportunities, participants at the Disability Bill hearings in Bulawayo have said.
Participants at the National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and the Senate’s Thematic Committee on Human Rights in Bulawayo on Wednesday, said there is need to review the new Disability Bill as some issues affecting people with disabilities (PWDs) remain unaddressed.
They said government should enact laws that support people with disabilities, taking their unique circumstances into account.
Mr Nkosilathi Dube who was representing Vendors with Disability called for schemes such as the Basic Education Assistance Model (BEAM) to extend as far as tertiary level and for Government to support children born to parents with disabilities.
Participants advocated for the establishment of an independent board to exclusively address their needs and well-being.
“There is a crucial need for clarity regarding the specifications of disabled groups. I’ve observed that individuals with albinism are sometimes overlooked in discussions about disabilities. However, people with albinism constitute a vulnerable group requiring special attention, especially considering their sight-related complications. It’s essential to provide them with the necessary aids and ensure accountability for their well-being,” said Noble Hand Zimbabwe Trust communications and public relations manager Ms Marvelous Tshuma.
Another participant, Mr Mehluli Ndlovu said access to justice is difficult for those who use sign language to communicate.
“We urge for the implementation of training programmes for sign language interpreters across all organisations. For example, if someone who uses sign language is apprehended, the issue of accessing justice starts with the police. This can also mean sign language should be compulsory in schools,” he said.
Mr Ndlovu said rape kits should be used religiously to ensure the identification of DNA evidence in cases of sexual assault against disabled individuals, particularly emphasising its significance for the visually impaired.
“Educational facilitators for disabled individuals must undergo rigorous professional testing to qualify based on knowledge and competency, rather than privilege. It’s crucial that they possess both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of their roles. Furthermore, the under-representation of disabled individuals in politics remains a significant concern. We aspire to witness disabled legislators and leaders making meaningful contributions in governance and decision-making processes,” he said.
Participants said there was need to establish an independent disability commission staffed by permanent and trained professionals with a fundamental understanding of disability and respectful language usage.
They emphasised the necessity for the commission to operate from dedicated offices, free from organisational influence, and called on the allocation of special government funds to support the needs of disabled individuals.
Participants said schools catering to disabled individuals should be easily accessible, equipped with necessary learning resources, and staffed by teachers proficient in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
“There is a pressing need for a disability grant, given the alarming statistics indicating that disabled individuals are among the most impoverished. According to ZimStat’s previous findings, 74,1 percent of disabled individuals struggle to make a living, compared to 69,9 percent of non-disabled individuals. Introducing a disability grant could significantly support disabled individuals in starting their own businesses, leading them towards self-sufficiency,” said Mrs Sukoluhle Mahlangu, a participant.
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