Kosrae Disability Day 2024

Kosrae Disability Day 2024 Insight: The 𝐊𝐨𝐬𝐫𝐚𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐜𝐭 (𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝟏𝟗𝟏) was enacted on December 3, 2021, by the Kosrae State Legislature in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). This landmark legislation underscores Kosrae's commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, aligning with FSM's ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2016. Following the enactment of the Act, the Kosrae State Government developed the 𝐊𝐨𝐬𝐫𝐚𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦, an implementation plan designed to operationalize the law's provisions. This program includes practical measures to ensure accessibility, inclusive education, equal employment opportunities, and supportive social services for persons with disabilities. The passage of the Kosrae Disability Act was significantly influenced by advocacy from the 𝐊𝐨𝐬𝐫𝐚𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 (𝐊𝐒𝐏𝐍), a civil society organization comprising parents of children with disabilities. Their efforts, supported by the Pacific Community’s (SPC) Human Rights and Social Development Division and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), were instrumental in lobbying for the legislation and raising public awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities. This legislative advancement marks a pivotal step toward inclusivity and equality in Kosrae, setting a precedent for other states within FSM to enhance protections and opportunities for persons with disabilities. Video: Kalpana Nikhat Nizarat | Air On Kosrae #DisabilityAwareness #disabilityinclusion #disabilityrights #disabilityadvocate #disabilitypride #inclusion #humanrights #kosraemicronesia #kosrae2024