LEBANESE PHYSICAL HANDICAPPED UNION

Who is Lebanese Physical Handicapped Union ? A nationwide non sectarian NGO of people with physical disability, promotes the concept of inclusion of disability issues within civil society in partnership with relevant stakeholders in public and private sectors.

Introduction : The twenty-first century has witnessed great technological advancements that have made people ’ s lives easier by leaps and bounds, including persons with disability.

This progress has meant that many of the factors that inhibit those with a disability from complete inclusivity are lessened or completely removed. More specifically emerging technologies have given access to services and information to vulnerable segments of the population previously unexposed to such benefits.

Lebanon has been part of this technological wave on many levels yet still finds itself grossly unequipped to deal with the special needs of disabled persons. Furthermore, the use of technology as a tool to ensure accessibility to vulnerable groups has been largely neglected.

In reality, persons with disability still face obstacles on many levels, whether it be in education, employment or social life. Despite the existence of Law 220/2000, protecting the rights of the disabled persons, its implementation remains elusive.

Difficulties The reality remains a stark one for the Lebanese citizen when it comes to any official or unofficial administrative service on a local and national level. The tools or mechanisms to perform such tasks or procedures are outdated and in constant need of maintenance and upkeep (often through a third party). Two major contributing factors to this reality are accessible communication and guidance systems.

Another obstacle specifically to persons with disability is physical access to available services. The geographic centrality of state and non- state service providers and the lack of proper distribution among different regions leaves many unable to properly access services.

Due to the specific and additional needs of the Disabled persons, a sizable 10% of the overall population of Lebanon, these difficulties are magnified and often insurmountable. An example of this is the renewal of the disability card, a process requiring the applicant to be present at the Ministry of Social Affairs, to face a long waiting period and finally dealwith architectural inaccessibility.

Therefore, despite the technological progress witnessed in Lebanon, along with the capacity for more advancements, these developments have in no way made access to information and services more accessible. An example of how these hardships can be eased is the SMS messaging system, whereby mobile phone companies offer updates and relevant information through phone messages.

This easily implementable system can be applied to other more pressing needs and through various other methods (phone services, internet registration to universities without having to move trough long distances).

Even with the availability of these services, other difficulties for persons with disabilities need to be taken into account. Inability to utilize these services properly by those with a disability can be attributed to a lack of education (reading, writing or computer illiteracy). Specific equipment for persons that are speech, sight or hearing impaired is also a possible hindrance to wide ranging accessibility.

The high levels of poverty, illustrated by a staggering 83% unemployment rate for persons with a disability, prohibits access to disabled persons to expensive adequate technologies to take advantage of available services. Even physically, as in the case of post offices not being accessible, services like passport renewal are often not respectful to special needs because of a lack of adherence to architectural standards.

Role of Civil Society In the midst of the current state where persons with disability find themselves in, a reality that is neglected and often contributed to by the various government ministries, civil society is playing a supporting role to the group in question. Several organizations are doing their part In fighting for inclusion as well as accessibility on all levels, LPHU and YAB among others doing their part in this effort.

In LPHU ’ s case, one of our projects, an employment center is preparing an information and communication system aimed at easing coordination with the private sector and beneficiaries of the program. This system which includes a website will be used to post job openings as well as include announcements dealing with the project with the aim of raising awareness.

Recommendations ● Easing of administrative inefficiency when it comes to service providing. ● Publishing a booklet outlining all administrative procedures and requirements and making this information electronically accessible. ● Coordination between government bodies and civil society.

Coordination between the telecommunication and technology sectors and the government pertaining to the issue of disability. Enhancing studies on the subject of service providing and technology, specifically in the Arabic language. Training persons with disability on using technology to their benefit. ● Coordination between the telecommunication and technology sectors and the government pertaining to the issue of disability. ● Enhancing studies on the subject of service providing and technology, specifically in the Arabic language. ● Training persons with disability on using technology to their benefit.

Adopting inclusive standards on everything manufactured or built in order to ensure accessibility for all. Encouraging vocational training centers and educational institutions to conduct more studies on service providing for persons with disability and relaying these studies to civil society actors dealing with this issue. Partnerships with private sector and international organizations to implement systems enhancing inclusivity and accessibility. National strategy on the issue of service providing for persons with disability ● Adopting inclusive standards on everything manufactured or built in order to ensure accessibility for all. ● Encouraging vocational training centers and educational institutions to conduct more studies on service providing for persons with disability and relaying these studies to civil society actors dealing with this issue. ● Partnerships with private sector and international organizations to implement systems enhancing inclusivity and accessibility. ● National strategy on the issue of service providing for persons with disability

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