Government to establish Coordinating Office to address all matters pertaining to people with disabilities.

source: Republic of Botswana (18/6/09): TAUTONA TIMES no 16 of 2009
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"

C2) 17/6/09: Government to establish Coordinating Office to address all matters pertaining to people with disabilities.

Government has decided to establish a Coordinating Office within the Office of the President, to coordinate all matters pertaining to people with disabilities. The move is in recognition of the fact that currently various components of the National Policy on care for people with disabilities are assigned to different ministries.

In addition, the Botswana Council for the Disabled has been making representations to government, asking for improved coordination of activities pertaining to their care and welfare.

The establishment of a focal point at national level is expected to address the challenges faced by people with disabilities, in a holistic manner.

The plan is to have the office functioning by August 2009, and it is the desire of Government, that such an office be led by a suitably qualified person from amongst the disabled community.

M. B. R. Palai, Acting Permanent Secretary to the President