Lack of funding for people living with disabilities, equal access to education and being left out of decision-making processes at the community and national levels remain a challenge.

Participants at the training for the Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities made this known at the Tanoa Tusitala Convention Room on Monday.

Samuel Eneliko, an employee of the Loto Taumafai Association, said children with disabilities were deprived of resources.

“We lack resources, but we still try to provide the services they need. We don't have that much accessibility to wheelchairs, standing frames, walkers and corner chairs. We do not have enough resources for families with disabled children," he said.

"Some children don't have access to technology like special keyboards, especially those who are blind. Lack of funding has led to many disability services around the country not being implemented. Therefore, impacting the learning that must be provided for these children.”

Pacific Disability Forum's trainer Savaira Tinai said disability was diverse.

"When it comes to education, the Ministry of Education should need to know its role, which is to ensure an inclusive education approach to children with disability, and what support mechanisms are in place. What is the training needed for teachers or teacher aids to know the support rendered to persons with disability," she said. 

"Looking at disaster, with protection measures, looking at also how to ensure persons with disability are well kept and safely in an environment. When it comes to disaster, where does disability inclusion fall into that? And overall, disability does not and will not compromise only one ministry. 

"So when you look at sports, how sports development can facilitate inclusion in the space of those persons with disability who would like to participate in sports."

There were 38 representatives present from different government ministries and disability associations. After the five-day training sessions, a situation analysis is expected to be conducted, looking at other avenues that can be done to support and recognise the work of persons with disability in Samoa. 

There is also focus on including the voices of persons with disability at policy making levels.