EDITORIAL - Focus on abilities

Calling national attention to the problems of disabled persons is tough enough during calmer times. The task is nearly impossible in this period of political tumult. Many Philippine households, however, will benefit from any progress in efforts to promote the welfare of persons with disabilities, or PWDs. This week we are reminded once again of the plight of the disabled as the nation marks the 27th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week.

Illness, age, armed conflict and the vagaries of fate have rendered millions of people disabled around the world. Organizations working with PWDs estimate that more than half of the disabled are women. International agreements in the past have focused on assisting PWDs. These agreements have led to landmark legislation and changes that have made life easier for the disabled. People without disabilities may find nothing special about wheelchair ramps, special toilets and reserved parking for the disabled, but those things matter a lot to PWDs.

As the nation marks disability prevention and rehabilitation week, the new focus is on promoting the right of PWDs to participate fully in all aspects of national life, including giving them the same access to education, health care and employment opportunities enjoyed by non-disabled people.

Republic Act 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons provides for the rehabilitation of PWDs and development of their self-reliance so they can be integrated into the social mainstream. The law aims to end discrimination against PWDs. As in other laws in this country, enforcement of RA 7277 is spotty, and no one gets prosecuted for violating the decade-old Accessibility Law for the disabled. Still, much progress has been achieved in making life easier for PWDs.

There is also increasing focus on abilities rather than disabilities. The National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons estimates that up to eight million Filipinos suffer from some form of disability. Often their qualifications for jobs they want are not affected by their impairment. They are more than charity cases and can be full partners in national development.