When it comes to building an inclusive community, it is vital to make sure that all public sectors are made accessible to everyone, including people living with a disability.
Last week, the Vanuatu Society for People with Disability (VSPD) were fortunate to witness the launching of upgraded improvements installed in the Fare Matmatuaranga Port Vila Public Library.
The new adjustments which included an elevated wheelchair ramp built at the entryway and toilet renovations, designed by the Ministry of Justice, were made to allow people with disability to access the library.
Chief Librarian of the Vanuatu National Library and Port Vila Public Library, Margaret Terry was behind this successful initiative and commented that the disability access was an outcome of a training funded by the Australian Government through the Vanuatu Australia Policing and Justice Program called – Stretem Rod Blo Jastis mo Sefti (Paving a way for Justice and Safety).
“The training I attended is a project management training called Building Inclusive Community Partnership Program,” said Mrs. Terry
“It was during this training that the Vanuatu Society for People with Disability shared their experiences thus giving birth to this initiative.”
Mrs. Terry stated that she has developed a comprehensive project proposal called Info4All, the first part of the project was the construction of the disability renovations to meet the special needs for people with disability when accessing the library.
The other part of Info4All project is to develop and run literacy programs and for this the Cultural Centre has applied, to the Australian Volunteer program, for a volunteer to establish a Literacy Program for adults and children with disabilities to be commenced in February 2020.
SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST
