Paving the way for inclusion and equality for people with disabilities, the Disability Inclusive Programme is driving awareness and empowering private sectors, government agencies and organisations to create accessible workplaces.

The initiative seeks to create a more accessible environment for individuals with disabilities or impairments, enabling them to gain access to public places and essential services.

The programme was coordinated between Te Tango Akarangatira Ora’anga (Ministry of Internal Affairs), Cook Islands National Disability Council and the Ombudsman’s Office.

It is supported by the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities  (UNPRPD) Joint Programme (Strengthening our work together) which is facilitated by a contract Project Coordinator, Akaiti Maoate.

Maoate said this pilot training is to support the advancement of disability, move disability awareness and move actions for disabilities right across and that includes the Pa Enua.

“Internationally, we are one of 23 countries who has completed a situational analysis to assess the current status of disabilities within the Cook Islands.

“The purpose is to get out there and to get people to be aware of what they need to change, adapt or modify in their work place to allow accessibility to happen for people with impairments,” said Maoate.

The first workshop was held with Government agencies, the second with the Non-Government-Organisations (NGO’s), Civil Society Organisation (CSO’s) & Organizations with Persons with Disability, and the third with the private sector recently.   

Challenges that have been raised during these workshops include the lack of accessibility and reasonable accommodation to allow people to get into places e.g. Ministry of Justice (who are currently building a lift), and the meagre emergency systems in place.

Some advice passed on was, to contact the office or service you require ahead of time if you have an impairment or disability and you need assistance.

“It can be a cultural thing, some people are shy, don’t be, you need to let people know, it’s about receiving the support that you need,” said Maoate.

The new concrete footpath at the main road in town (Trader Jacks) which has wheelchair access was mentioned - this allows a safer pathway for persons with disabilities to use in such a busy area, and blocks out parked cars from driving straight out onto the road.

Maoate acknowledged that the issue on raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities is ongoing and has been discussed for so many years.

“Who is responsible for that monitoring and accountability?” she said.

“The training is to put an action plan in place, to help upskill our private sector to be disability inclusive in our day to day lives, including our workplace.”

By highlighting the importance of disability awareness and encouraging modifications in workplaces, the programme paves the way for a more inclusive society.

“We are also doing an accreditation system with Cook Islands Tourism which ticks off what makes your place accessible,” Maoate said.