Arba Minch University’s 30 physically-challenged students have participated in the ‘World Disability Day’ program which was jointly observed by the Regional Labor Affairs office of South Nationals, Nationalities Peoples’ Region and Regional Organization for Handicapped People at Omo Hall, Secha on December 3, 2013.

This year the program’s theme was, ‘‘Break barriers, open doors: For an inclusive society for all.’’

AMU has 30 physically-challenged students in all its five campuses. This 30-member team was led by the university’s Special Need Office Coordinator, Mr Zelalem Getachew.

Participating in a panel discussion, students said, they are still deprived of the special rights accorded to them in the Government’s proclamation. ‘‘There are special privileges meant for us but outside world still doesn’t acknowledge them,’’ they rued.

They also wanted Arba Minch University to tailor-made some basic facilities required for the daily life in its huge infrastructure i.e. special toilets, bathroom and pathway, said Mr Zelalem.

The organizing body having gathered feedbacks from the gathering assured to convey them to the concerned authority. AMU was one of the sponsors of the program.

By Philips Joseph