Equal Opportunities For the Disabled

Equal Opportunities For the Disabled

In efforts to empower people living with disabilities in the Western Division, AusAID’s Fiji Community Development Program (FCDP) and the Western Disabled Peoples’ Association have joined hands to reduce the dependence disabled persons have on their relatives and others to meet their day to day financial and other special needs.

Close to 50 disabled persons, their care givers, vocational therapists and others interested in the welfare and support of persons with disabilities will participate in a two day workshop from 25 to 27 June 2013 at the Returned Service's League Hotel - R.S L Hotel, in Lautoka.

This workshop will aim to enable people with disabilities gain the skills and motivation they need to take full advantage of the training opportunities and other resources they have at their disposal

At the same time vocational therapists will be provided with new information on the special training needs and problems people with disabilities have as well as provide vocational learning opportunities for those persons interested in their welfare.

The workshop will assist to realise the principles espoused in Development for All: Towards a Disability- Inclusive Australian Aid Program 2009-2014, which ensures that people living with disabilities are included and supported in improving their quality of life.

FCDP’s Equity and Inclusion Strategy outlines how the Program works to extend the benefits of development to all, promote the dignity and well-being of people with disability, promote active participation of people with disability, acknowledge the interaction of gender and disability, and strengthen people-to-people links and partnerships involving people with disability.

FCDP began operating in Fiji in June 2012 and was officially launched in October 2012. The Program succeeds Australia’s previous support to Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) through the Australian Civil Society Support Program (ACSSP). Through the FCDP, AusAID will support CSOs to provide services to mitigate social and economic hardship faced by poor, disadvantaged and marginalised communities in Fiji.

ENDS

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