Programs on assistance to people with disabilities not to be canceled in Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Jemma Baghdasaryan said that the problems, which are currently faced by people with disabilities, should be solved by the state and society, i.e. through joint efforts.

The Ministry has drafted legislative amendments, which envisage providing people with disabilities with equal opportunities along with ordinary citizens, Baghdasaryan told a press conference on November 15.

“Relevant amendments, which envisage creation of equal opportunities for integrating people with disabilities into the society, have been drafted and submitted for discussion. They will be submitted to the government by the end of this year,” the Deputy Minister said.

She stressed that programs on assistance for integration of people with disabilities will not be canceled, despite the crisis.

AMD 1.060bln was envisaged by the 2010 state budget for the program of medical and social rehabilitation. “This amount will remain unchanged,” said Jemma Baghdasaryan.

Referring to problems of people with disabilities, Baghdasaryan said that buildings and sidewalks are not adapted for their needs in Armenia. “It is possible that fines will be applied for the absence of entry slip boards at newly constructed buildings soon,” said Jemma Baghdasaryan.

According to data of the RA Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, there are over 180,000 registered people with disabilities in Armenia.