Femili PNG outreach team in commemoration of the “International Day of Persons Living with Disability” (PLWD) raised awareness in promoting human rights, empowerment and safety for people living with disability on Thursday, 5 December at the Benong Lutheran Parish in Lae.
The aim was to encourage and inform people with disabilities that there are services available for them to seek help when they experience abuse and violence.
“Femili PNG provides inclusive case management services that encompasses People Living with Disabilities. Femili PNG ensure that access to its services are without discrimination,” says Bernard Nulai – Femili PNG Community and Outreach Officer.
In line with Femili PNG’s Disability Inclusion Policy, Bernard urged caretakers and families of People with Disabilities (PWDs) to understand that Femili PNG case management services includes them. They have the rights to access services without fear and discrimination. He encouraged them to report to Femili PNG’s office if they happen to be perpetrated with abuse and violence.
According to Benong Disability Self Help Group Program Manager, Dalina Bakine, the Benong Disability centre started its operations in 2009 purposely to accommodate PLWD’s and help them access services they need. Most of the PLWD admitted have multiple impairment.
Dalina reaffirmed Femili PNG’s support to help people with disabilities and said that FPNG is currently establishing safe environment for survivors of family and sexual violence who are living with disabilities. “I went to their office and saw a huge container transported to their office to set up a separate and convenient facility for PWD’s,” Dalina said.
Whilst acknowledging FPNG’s support toward this special event, Dalina thanked FPNG for their support and participation to make this day a success and more importantly make PLWDs feel that there are organizations who cares and supports them.
Femili PNG acknowledges the ongoing support of the Australian Government through PNG AUS Partnership to help the organization continue working with partners to increase understanding and knowledge of disability and the rights of PWD’s, including advocacy to service providers, help PWD’s to gain access to services and facilities that they need.
