Study: Address transport woes (disabilities in Fiji)

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Study: Address transport woes

http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=81269

Equal access to public transport for people with disabilities in Fiji

is one key area that needs to be addressed with more gravity, a

research has shown.

A thesis conducted for the Pacific study program revealed there was a

need to bring recommendations within the legislation into every day

reality for people with disabilities.

In a recent study by University of the South Pacific student, Tui

Clery, she said the financial cost of transport for people with

disabilities meant their mobility and freedom were impaired.

She said the cost and inaccessibility of transport was in itself

disabling.

Ms Clery said her thesis took five months to complete and during this

time she spoke to various participants through talanoa (conversation)

and not questions and answer method.

" One participant described his mother's determination in carrying him

to and from school on a daily basis because there was no accessible

or affordable transport available, " she said.

" If equal access to education is to be offered to children with

disabilities, government needs to take direct responsibility in terms

of transport. "

Ms Clery raised other issues that needed urgent attention in

education.

" The need for increased disability awareness was identified across

areas where policy recommendations and suggestions were made, " she

said.