The Bhutanese Leading the way.
To enhance the livelihood of the disabled community, the Disabled People’s Organization of Bhutan (DPoB) launched the Disability Equality Training (DET) that aims to introduce real issues and challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
The training courses are designed and delivered by people who have experienced such conditions.
One of the participants, the Principal of Wangsel Institute for the Deaf, Dechen Tshering, said that such initiatives would play a vital role in making the public aware of situations of PwDs, and at the same time, acknowledge them.
He said, “We would be able to work towards supporting and enhancing the inclusion of the disabled community in society with equal opportunities.”
PwDs have been facing challenges, especially in terms of limited understanding of their realities, limited resources, geographical terrain, and inadequate support.
Research also shows that many public and private sector organizations supporting the disabled community have acknowledged that their current work practices and policies are inadequate in addressing their needs, rights, and aspirations.
Often times, society views disability as an exceptional occurrence requiring special or generally separate provisions. The current work plan is insufficient, and merely serves its duty to reinforce the gap in understanding between those who have a disability and those who don’t.
As a result, DPoB has launched proper Disability Equality Training which aims at understanding disabilities and identifying changes in behaviour, policies, and practices for inclusivity and accessibility.
The training will be conducted for 2 days and will include diverse methodologies focusing on key objectives, such as challenging some of the common myths and assumptions surrounding disability and PwDs.
Discussions will also include demonstrating equal opportunities for PwDs in work areas, equipping participants to recognize discriminatory language that causes inequality, recognizing gender-differentiated needs of PwDs, and identifying strategies to address them.
It will also include developing an action plan for constructive changes in work and personal lives considering PwDs differentiated needs.
The training will focus on introducing and building rapport between participants and trainers, and would outline various key elements, including design, facilitation techniques, and evaluation strategies.
It will emphasize the importance of regular review and updating of the manual, understanding the audience, and addressing discrimination against women and child with disabilities to ensure its relevancy and effectiveness towards the participants.
DET was launched during the National Disability Conference, by Dasho Kunzang Wangdi who is a member of the Royal Society for Senior Citizens, UNFPA Bhutan Head of Office Phuntsho Wangyel, Phurpa Wangchuk from UNDP, and Yonten Jamtsho DPoB on 3rd December 2024.
