Thursday, 3 December 2009
Address by the President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Trajko Veljanoski on the Occasion of the International Day of Disabled People
Distinguished Rector of the”Ss. Cyril and Methodius” University,
Distinguished Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy,
Distinguished Minister,
Distinguished Head of the Institute for Defectology,
Professors and Students,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Since 1992, in accordance with the UN decision, the 3rd of December is marked as the International Day of Disabled People. Today, the world marks this day with different events, but the main purpose is to remind our citizens once again that our disabled citizens are here, among us, equal with the other citizens, and we have the obligation to secure for them special conditions for normal life and for inclusion in every area of the social life.
Unfortunately, in the history of humanity there were times when the disabled people faced discrimination of the harshest kind. This is why the United Nations and other international organizations and associations have adopted a series of international documents (conventions and resolutions), requiring full equality for these people, which are today part of the legal system in almost every country in the world, including in the Republic of Macedonia.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The legal regulations alone are not enough. If we like to fully include our citizens in the normal life and in every field of the society, we can do this through the educational system, which will provide the knowledge necessary for their equal representation in our everyday life. The Institute for Defectology in particular is the institution which educates the people that are directly included in the clinical and educational process and in the rehabilitation of the disabled people in our country.
My sincere opinion is that your profession - defectologist, is one of the most grateful professions. During your everyday work you work with our youngest citizens who need to master the curricula at the very beginning, and you must give them confidence that their disability is not an obstacle to finish the highest schools or to learn a profession through which they will be fully included in everyday life, and they will have a high quality life and give their contribution in the society.
During these 15 years the Institute for Defectology, through its work, has grown into an important educational and scientific institution which gives a unique contribution to the overall processes of the social, cultural and the economic integration of the disabled people in our society. I am convinced that you will continue in this direction, educating personnel about the latest scientific achievements in the field of work with disabled children.
Of course, the country and the state intuitions, including the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, have their responsibility for full integration of the disabled people. I would like to remind you that we recently adopted the Law on the Use of the Sign Language, which facilitates the everyday communication of the people with impaired hearing with the state institutions, and in their everyday life. Surely, we cannot forget the role of the NGO sector working in this field.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The International Day of Disabled People is also called the Day of Open Smiles, Sincere Feelings, Love and Care. I say that we should make this day last 365 days. I am convinced that we all need these values.
Thank you.