Namibia to Undertake Disability Census in 2001
The government of Namibia is planning to undertake a disability census later this year. In February a preparatory meeting was held to review the findings of a pilot study on people living with disabilities in the Katatura section of the capitol city, Windhoek.
The pilot study reviewed the survey that targeted approximately 500 households and involved extensive interviews with 113 disabled people over the course of three weeks. The survey was developed under the direction of Dr. Ben Fuller, Senior Research Fellow of the University of Namibia.
Findings from the survey included:
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1.8% of those interviewed attributed their disabilities to witchcraft
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a similar percent blamed alcohol, snake and spider bites
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30% said they were born disabled
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17% said their disabilities were caused by polio
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and 3.5% reported they were disabled through violence
The survey also covered types of employment disabled Namibians are involved in and replies included: domestic, gardening, self-employment, needlework, driver, woodworkers, bookbinding, cleaning, rehabilitation instruction, data clerk, bottle washer, car washer and photography. Details: www.Namibian.com.na/2001/February/news/01D7660B87.html
National Disability Day Celebrated
National Disability Day was celebrated in Namibia on June 10 with the official launch of the African Decade of Disabled Persons 2000-2009. Prime Minister Hage Geingob opened the celebration, noting that "Vulnerable people were only vulnerable because they have not received opportunities." He also reported that his office was being made accessible and that soon "We are going to make it compulsory that all buildings must have a ramp." Geingob has proposed the establishment of a board that would help draft disability related legislation and would develop public education programs to raise disability awareness through the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation.
Leading the activities for Disability Day were Gerson Mutendere and Ombudswoman Bience Gawanas, respectively chairperson and patron of the National Federation of People with Disabilities in Namibia. Details: www.Namibian.com.na/2001/June/news/01F71732C6.html.
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