Colombian National Institute for the Blind presents its 2002-2006 disability policy
Within this framework, we must mention the contribution made by the National Institute for the Blind of Colombia, acting as a consultant to the government. The Institute presented a proposal for the public policy covering persons with physical, mental, auditory and visual disabilities for the next four years (2002-2006).
This Institute has faculties to present rehabilitation, educational, work, and other disability related plans and programs to government authorities.
One of the objectives of this work is to provide a legal status for the Colombian System for Persons with Physical, Mental, Auditory or Visual Deficiencies. This System has been operating as a coordination network composed of public institutions and private bodies of Colombia. They have all the needed financial, administrative and human resources to address the needs for equalization of opportunities and to provide attention for persons with disabilities, without having to create big institutions or incurring additional bureaucracy or duplicity of services.
Yet, not withstanding the relative achievements presented by the Institute's Report for the diverse sectors studied, the attention and coverage rates regarding the needs of persons with disabilities are far below the corresponding indicators for the rest of the population of Colombia.
Similarly, there are still many complaints regarding the way in which the Colombian State provides services. The National Development Plan needs to include alternatives to improve the actions for achieving equal opportunities persons, by disability groups, and that the governmental efforts must be strengthen by implementing the Colombian System for Persons with Physical, Mental, Auditory or Visual Deficiencies.
For more information visit: Web site www.inci.gov.co.
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