The monthly benefits to individuals with disabilities through the Samoa National Provident Fund (S.N.P.F.) start this month making distribution more efficient and reliable.

S.N.P.F. clarified that the funds originate from the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development’s (M.W.C.S.D.) budget, and their role is solely to administer distribution through their established system.

This adjustment was specified in the National Provident Fund Amendment Bill 2023, presented and debated in Parliament in June of the preceding year.

The proposed changes suggest that funds designated for individuals with disabilities in Samoa will be distributed using the same system used by S.N.P.F. for disbursing pensions to Samoan citizens aged 65 and above.

They will receive $100 monthly, with the government providing these funds to S.N.P.F. for distribution among registered citizens using their established pension distribution system.

This is some relief to those living with disabilities as they are not privy to most opportunities. The social benefit is not bad but more can be done to ensure inclusivity for the disabled. Hopefully, there are monitoring mechanisms to ensure that the benefits are being rolled out to the individual who is disabled and not a family member.

There have been instances where other family members have been lifting the monthly payouts with the intended individual unaware that the government even has such a benefit. This is where the district councils and village mayors can be of assistance. They are the link between the government and the community. They should already be doing this.

While social benefits via SNPF will roll out, the government needs to do more for people with disability. The Commonwealth Secretariat has already said that one of the key issues to be discussed at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting would be disability.

One of the most difficult tasks for CHOGM preparation would be making the venues accessible for the disabled. This in itself shows how less the disabled have been considered when it comes to infrastructure.

The parliamentary sessions that are live on TV and social media, do not feature sign language interpreters. An indication of how the disabled are being left out of national legislative matters or when drafting laws.

Education and employment opportunities remain the most urgent considerations the government should consider. It is worrying to note that persons with disabilities are five times more likely to have never attended school in Samoa compared to persons without disabilities. We are trying to live in a world of inclusion where equal opportunities should be for everyone. Why is there a disparity especially when it comes to children and education?

We need to ensure that no one is left behind and to change the mindset of those who feel that a disability is a hindrance to life. There is a need to articulate a system at the national level that would support the sustainability of inclusive education at both village school and community levels. This should start with having sign language during government events including parliament.

There is a need to have in place a set of guidelines for school design that would allow easy access for people with physical disabilities, including those who are blind. The government’s primary goal should be to develop a sustainable community-based system of support for school communities that includes children with disabilities.

Allowing the children opportunities in life is something that can be done immediately even without having to change the laws. The government surely needs to be more active, so does the church and society itself.

The deaf population can learn to read and write and they achieve higher education and contribute to Samoa in more ways than one.

The fact that 75 per cent of deaf people in Samoa cannot read or write is a very sad thing. It shows how they have been denied their human and constitutional right and what is even more alarming is that 50 per cent have not been given the chance to study formal sign language which is the universal language of people with hearing disability.

How do we expect this part of the population to understand policies, laws and other things that impact them? At the world stage, Samoa is smart to send its representatives to paint a picture that so much is being done to have an inclusive education and that so much is being done to grant equal rights to people with disabilities but the reality on the ground is quite the opposite.

Please remember that disability is not inability. The government and elected leaders can do more.