Indonesia To Host High Level Meeting To Discuss Disability

JAKARTA - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini stated that Indonesia will host a high-level meeting at the ministerial level to discuss the problems of people with disabilities in the Asia Pacific.

Risma said the activity was planned to take place in October 2022.

"God willing, in October we will host the High Level Meeting, so that it is at the ministerial level to discuss disability in the Asia Pacific," said Social Minister Risma as quoted by Antara, Tuesday, June 21.

This, according to Social Minister Risma, is a step forward, considering that the Ministry of Social Affairs strongly supports the independence program for persons with disabilities. One of them is the Hearing Indonesia program for the deaf.

In addition, the Ministry of Social Affairs spawned a number of other innovations, namely providing three-wheeled vehicle support tools for people with disabilities in order to form economic independence. The Ministry of Social Affairs also provides adaptive sticks for the blind.

"In some halls we also use or accommodate disabled workers. Even those who make and assemble equipment for the disabled," said Social Minister Risma.

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) of the United Nations Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana said the high-level meeting discussed a number of priorities such as accessibility, employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, social security protection, and social rehabilitation program.

Countries that will participate in the negotiations will conduct a final review, dealing with COVID-19 for people with disabilities, technological advances and innovations that can help.

"Of course we hope that Indonesia is also the host, hopefully it can also be an example for other countries in achieving this and innovations related to programs for disability," said Armida.