devices to compensate for their disabilities and limit their disadvantages, thus
making life easier to live. As a result of their vulnerability, they have become
poorer and are viewed as being non-productive.
Right to Education
462.
Most PWDs have a lower level of education compared with other citizens, because they lack access to good educational institutions that would cater for their
needs. Even though primary education has been made available to all children,
the reality for young PWDs is that conventional education does not meet their
special learning needs, and there are few schools catering for such needs.
Employment
463.
Access to formal employment is harder for PWDs, given their low literacy
levels. Even those who are reasonably or well educated are discriminated
against in the employment sector. Most employees are reluctant to employ
PWDs, even when they have the capacity to work, which leads to their poor
social welfare. Most disabled employees occupy lowly positions and receive
the minimum wage.
464.
Those disabled by the war, who previously made a living from agriculture, are
now unable to do so. There are few training centres where PWDs can engage
in alternative gainful forms of economic employment. PWDs reported to the
CRM that they lack a structural space for engaging in dialogue over their problems, and that the MMAS does not consult them on their priorities in order to
include these in its budgets or strategic plans.
Accessibility
465.
There are several limitations to PWDs’ mobility and communication. The physical infrastructure does not allow them to access public institutions and in most
buildings structures such as elevators and washrooms are not PWD friendly.
Freedom of movement for PWDs is severely limited for those with mobility
disabilities. According to the Constitution, sign language development is to be
spearheaded by the state, but has not been well developed, nor has awareness of its value been raised in the media. This limits the ability of PWDs with
hearing disabilities to receive and impart communication.
466.
The private sector in Mozambique has not invested much towards improving
facilities for PWD. Public transport is not disability friendly and the public road
system in most areas does not have even basic markers, such as zebra crossings, to allow PWDs using wheelchairs to cross roads safely. Even the placement of ATM machines restricts access by PWDs.
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