BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Naomi Tai of People with Disability Solomon Islands (PWDSI) has expressed optimism about the organization’s collaboration with stakeholders in addressing climate change.
She stated that PWDSI is working with the Australian Humanitarian Program (AHP) to enhance disaster preparedness through community outreach and engagement initiatives.
“Our current efforts involve collaboration with key stakeholders from the Solomon Islands Government and various NGOs. These entities play a crucial role in ensuring that their initiatives effectively reach individuals with disabilities, allowing them to benefit.
“It is highly beneficial, as these stakeholders have established actions and best practices aimed at including individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable groups during disaster situations. We are working closely with six AHP partners in the Solomon Islands,” Miss Tai said.
“Our team also provides training to partners on disability inclusion, disaster risk reduction, preconditions for disability, and conducting access audits,” she added.
Miss Tai described the access audit as a method that enables individuals with disabilities to assess evacuation facilities.
“We focus on ensuring that centers are accessible for people with disabilities. In terms of advocacy, PWDSI collaborates closely with key government stakeholders, particularly the Meteorological Service and the Climate Change Division,” she said.
She further noted that since the organization’s expansion, PWDSI has been involved in agricultural initiatives related to food security, in partnership with Kastom Garden and PWDSI affiliates.
“Given that we are a scattered island nation, individuals with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to climate-related issues. Additionally, environmental conditions hinder accessibility within communities, preventing individuals with disabilities from accessing essential services,” she concluded.
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