VODIN APPEALS FOR REGIONAL DISTRICT OFFICES (JUNE 27, PAGE 25)

From Tim Dzamboe, Ho

An association of disabled organisations in the Volta Region, the Volta Disability Network (VODIN), has called for the establishment of regional and district offices of the National Council on Persons with Disabilities, in accordance with section 49 of the Disability Act 715.
It also called for free education for people with disability and commitment of more resources to the council to enable it perform its role effectively.
This was contained in a press release signed by the acting Chairman, Mr Francis Ansong, in connection with the third anniversary of the passage of the Persons with Disability Act which provided a legal framework to enable people with disabilities to also fully participate in activities of mainstream society.
The release reminded the government and civil society groups that the core aim of the disability act could only be achieved if there was the political will and total commitment by Ghanaians to work towards its implementation.
It, therefore, said that was the essence of VODIN, working to improve the socio-economic lives of people with disabilities through awareness about disability issues, lobbying, campaigning, advocacy for rights of people with disabilities and self-help initiatives, leading to their integration into the mainstream society.
“It is encouraging to note that with proper education and training, people with disabilities are able to lead a fulfilling and self-sustaining life with better job prospects,” it stated.
The release further stated that VODIN was urging municipal and district assemblies in the Volta Region to set up a process with the involvement of people with disabilities on how groups of people with disabilities could access Common Fund as well as other resources from district assemblies, adding “there should be nothing about us without us”.
It also called on local government agencies, banks, schools, churches and other public places to make those places accessible to people with disability by fixing appropriate facilities such as access ramps as well as sign language and Braille.
VODIN comprised of Care and Concern Action Group (CCAG), Ghana Association of the Blind (GAB), Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled (GSPD), Parents Association of Children with Intellectual Disability (PACID), Volta Regional Association of the Deaf (VRAD) and Voice of People With Disabilities in Ghana (VOICE).