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[SANA’A, 30 October 2007] – The children began day 2 of the consultation on disability in Yemen by splitting into four groups to talk about violence against children with disabilities in four settings: the home, in schools, institutions, and in the community. The aim of this session was to come up with recommendations for governments and others who have the power to help stop violence against children. Comments from the discussions Schools Yusuf: Children with disabilities are not welcome in the morning in schools because the school day always begins with an exercise session and they cannot join in. Ramzi: There is no coordination between the school and organisations which work with children with disabilities. Muna: We want equal recognition, but what we get from teachers is just pity. I can do things on my own, but I get sympathy from others. Ramzi: We are not allowed to participate. Institutions Afaf: People with severe disabilities need a lot of special attention but this is mostly not available Waheeb: we need special schools for children with disabilities which concentrate on our needs. Waheeb: We want to participate in international events such as the Olympics, as we have seen this on TV, but there are no facilities. Yusuf: There is a lot of discrimination against children with disabilities in public places, people make fun. Waheeb: We are treated like beggars and this hurts our feelings. The Interior Minister has recommended that families with children with disabilities are given benefits every three months. We need financial resources, but we need money grants through official grants, we should not have to beg in the street. Yusuf: Many teachers are unprofessional, they do not have experience of working with children with disabilities. Community and the street Aishi: we want the government to provide jobs. Home Samia: Their needs are not fulfilled at home, there is no easy physical access to anything. There is always tension at home. The worst thing we face is discrimination.
Muna: Schools do not provide special teachers who are trained to deal with children with disabilities and have a good understanding. At break times, they cannot find assistants to take them to the cafeteria etc. The hallways are not built for children with disabilities. Some special schools have a budget for children with disabilities, but in reality this is so low that they still cannot provide everything we need.
Yusuf: things like wheelchairs are not available.
Osama: Our families and organisations are responsible for solving problems.
Mohammed: We suffer psychological abuse and are beaten, our opinions are not taken seriously. Children with disabilities are not given an allowance.