[Letters] Investing in disabled

Regarding an April 20 Op-Ed article, “An investment long overdue,” about raising the budget for people with disabilities, I believe that the government should raise the budget and invest in every sector of society to guarantee basic human rights for the disabled.

First of all, the government should provide equal educational opportunities for them. I’m positive that it can be realized through financial support, special devices and human resources like qualified helpers and specialized teachers. Opening a daycare center for the disabled will be the first step. Additionally, their rights to choose the nearest school from their home must be guaranteed.

The government also has to forbid discrimination against the disabled on the job. To secure job opportunities for them, the government must force the firms and governmental agencies to comply with the mandatory quota of employing the disabled, a 2-3 percent quota.

In addition, the government has to support local organizations such as sports facilities or leisure centers for the disabled.

Promoting greater awareness of people with disabilities would be more effective than enhancing the anti-discrimination law. Forming a cooperative atmosphere within the community will be more meaningful for everyone to live as a precious member of our healthy society.

Oh Young-sil,

a middle school teacher in Goyang, Gyeonggi