Time to end disability isolation – Prof Rossi
By Tony Nkhoma
GOVERNMENT must strengthen the implementation of disability-inclusive policies that address the special needs of children with disabilities.
Speaking during the Cheshire Homes Society regional and national annual general meeting in Lusaka yesterday, Prof Rossi said there was a need to end the isolation of children with disabilities through the full implementation of the Inclusive Education Policy.
He urged government to ensure the education system at all levels became disability-inclusive by providing enough trained staff and learning materials.
“We want to ensure the well-being and independence of children with disabilities through the provision of quality assistive devices by government, particularly through schemes such as the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA) and relevant line ministries,” Prof Rossi said.
He also appealed to government to allocate resources to all public orthopedic workshops across the country to enhance access to mobility and assistive devices.
Prof Rossi reaffirmed Cheshire Homes Society’s commitment to advocating the protection and full enjoyment of human rights for persons with disabilities, especially children, through continued collaboration with the Ministry of Community Development and Social Welfare and other stakeholders.
“Once these basics are done, we will begin to eliminate barriers that hinder children with disabilities from participating fully in society,” he said.
Prof Rossi noted that despite the challenges posed by climate change such as droughts and floods, the organisation remained steadfast in providing essential services to persons with disabilities.
“Through our concerted efforts, we can rise above these challenges and continue creating an enabling environment for children with disabilities to thrive and achieve their fullest potential,” he said.
Prof Rossi described 50 years of service to children with disabilities as a remarkable milestone for Cheshire Homes Society, saying the organisation had transformed hundreds of lives.
“Many persons with disabilities who have passed through Cheshire Services are now living independently and contributing meaningfully to the national development agenda,” Prof Rossi said.
