KUWAIT CITY, Jan 20: Full cooperation between the legislative and executive authorities is vital in addressing the needs of the handicapped, National As-sembly Speaker Jassem Al-Khorafi said Wednesday.
Hoping for the passage of the handicapped draft bill on Thursday, Al-Khorafi disclosed he has been informed by the Special Needs Committee that its report was finalized after discussing the proposed amendments to the bill. He affirmed he took the measures agreed upon by the Parliament prior to the voting on the committee report in its first reading.
On the other hand, Committee Chairman Musallam Al-Barrak stated the handicapped people and their families have long been waiting for the passage of the bill. He appealed to his colleagues to ensure the success of the special session slated for Thursday in the interest of the handicapped.
“We hope the session will yield the desired results. The handicapped and their families have been waiting for the passage of the bill to address their humanitarian, medical, educational, counseling, employment, living and housing concerns,” Al-Barrak stressed.
Wishing that Thursday will be a historic day at the Parliament, Al-Barrak looks forward to the passage of the bill in its second reading. He also called on all the Cabinet members to attend the meeting, clarifying the discussion will focus on the amended articles, not the entire bill.
MP Dr Aseel Al-Awadhi emphasized the need for full coordination between the executive and legislature to pass the bill in its second reading on Thursday. She pointed out the two authorities must find effective solutions and agree on the controversial articles to protect the welfare of the handicapped people. She said the bill grants privileges and exemptions for the handicapped people. It also focuses on the educational needs of this group to facilitate procedures for merging them with the mainstream society, in addition to providing the best social and psychological care.
Al-Awadhi added she had earlier presented 31 amendments to the articles on the education and rehabilitation of the handicapped people to merge them with the mainstream society. She also commended the members of the Special Needs Committee, other concerned authorities, and the parents or guardians of the handicapped for their contributions to the handicapped draft bill.