ISLAMABAD, July 18: The Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education has formulated a national policy for persons with disabilities in consultation with the concerned ministries, departments and NGOs. According to official sources, the ministry has taken various steps to provide required facilities and services to persons with disabilities in addition to institution-based services.

They said the ministry had also prepared a 10-year perspective plan of special education approved by the Planning Commission.

‘Telephone Helpline Services’ had also be established for dissemination of information about services/facilities in special education field at federal and provincial level.

Similarly, steps have also been taken to promote games and sports activities among disabled persons for their physical and intellectual development through their participation in national and international events.

The ministry also proposed amendment in the ‘Disabled Persons (Employment and Rehabilitation) Ordinance 1981’ to make it more effective.

Besides these projects, the ministry has set up computer lab in the National Training Centre for special persons in the federal capital with the cooperation of a local NGO.

Similarly, Islamabad and four provincial capitals have also been declared disability-friendly city.—APP