Disability. A pacific experience.

Abstract

This paper is a personal perspective about the disability issues within the Cook Islands. It looks at how the needs of children and adults with disabilities have been addressed over the years and the vision of many people who have worked towards building an inclusive society, starting with mainstreaming in the schools to full inclusion. It discusses the challenges along the way and the challenges that continue. This paper hopes to convey a message to all readers which promotes inclusion in the Cook Islands and that with inclusion a strong base can be developed in all individuals about acceptance and understanding of one another's needs. To achieve this, one needs to be exposed to people's differences and to value people's differences. However, for this to be successful, the appropriate supports need to be in place and it is vital that all work towards the same vision.