By Lucky Khumalo

Mthatha - The Eastern Cape government says all public places in the province must be accessible to all people living with disabilities, MEC for Social Development Neo Moerane-Mamase said here on Friday.

Ms Moerane-Mamase was speaking during International Day of Disabled Persons held in an open field at the University of Transkei (UNITRA).

The decision to commemorate the day in an open field had come from the disabled persons who had come for the event, who complained that the university's hall was inaccessible to them.

There was also no provision for sign language within the institution.

Ms Mamase emphasised that the disabled should have access to all institutions of learning including the infrastructure in the same manner as those available to able bodied persons.

The MEC encouraged the people to take part in learnership programmes spearheaded by the provincial government in the office of the Premier.

According to the MEC by 2009 disabled persons should have access to all infrastructural developments in the province.

"There will be an introduction of sign language in our curriculum for everyone whether disabled or not."

The MEC added that disabled people should be protected, have comfort and security and not become victims of criminals.

"We understand that there are many challenges facing the disabled, but we want to restore dignity to them. All the stakeholders and community at large should ask themselves what they have done for the disabled in the last decade," said the MEC.

However, she said people living with disabilities should take charge of their lives and participate in municipal structures, including the development of bylaws and ordinances.

For example, she said, public toilets should be user-friendly for the disabled as well. - BuaNews