Discounts for people with disability sought

The National Council for the Welfare of the Disabled People (NCWDP) sought yesterday the granting of discount to people with disability (PWDs) to enable them to cope with the rising cost of living in the country.

NCWDP executive director Catalina Fermin said the privilege would only be similar to that being given to senior citizens or those above 60 years old.

Fermin noted that they deem it necessary for PWDs to get economic relief because of their condition.

Under the Republic Act 9257 or Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003, elders are entitled to a 20 percent discount in pharmaceutical stores, food outlets, public transportation, recreation centers and medical facilities.

But in the Republic Act 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, PWDs are not accorded similar discount.

With the Department of Health (DOH) on the lead, the government started last Tuesday the registration of PWDs at barangay health centers to get a clear picture of the population of PWDs.

The registry would be used as a guide in coming up with health programs that would suit their needs. It will last until Aug. 13.

According to Fermin, there is also a need for the government to strictly implement the provision in the Magna Carta concerning the accessibility of government offices and business establishments for PWDs.

She added that only a few of these facilities comply with the law, depriving the PWDs of their rights to move around.

The NCWDP is particularly concerned over the inaccessibility of transportation facilities and government agencies that should lead in implementing laws.

The law mandates such establishments should provide ramps and elevators to make them accessible to PWDs.

It also requires transportation companies to allocate seats or a section in their vehicles for people with disability.