Ramp opened at the Government Chancellery

The Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili opened the ribbon-cutting ceremony of a USAID-funded accessibility ramp for the persons with disabilities at the Chancellery of Government building on December 6.

The US Assistant Secretary Victoria Nuland, the US Ambassador Richard Norland, the Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Alasania and the Minister of Healthcare Davit Sergeenko also attended the ceremony.

Prime Minister Garibashvili said that opening the accessibility ramp is a great step forward for the full integration of our citizens, with disabilities.

Victoria Nuland encouraged the Georgian citizens with disabilities.  

 "Government image is measured how it takes care of its citizens with disabilities. Its governments duty to treat the people with disabilities and make opportunity for a respectful life. Its our duty to take care of veterans, who wounded in the war. They should continue life with dignity. We need their skills, their knowledge and experience, and their active participation in social life. said Irakli Garibashvili.

According to the PM, during the next five years all public buildings will be adequately equipped to ensure the adaptation of people with disabilities.

The event was attended by the persons with disabilities, including two soldiers who participated in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan.

"Thats a very important day for us, because this government wants to provide for citizens with disabilities, they want to change infrastructure and install the ramps. Unfortunately the other buildings such as the Ministry of Education and Presidents Palace in Avlabari, arent adaptable for the people with disabilities. This should be an example for us. said the citizen with disabilities, Nika Donjashvili, who attended the ramps presentation.

"I think this spectacular ramp is an important symbol of the governments commitment to all people with disabilities, said Victoria Nuland, the US Assistant Secretary. "This is something you could touch and see but it makes life easier for people with disabilities. US government is proud to support the public and private efforts in Georgia to overcome the physical and economic barriers for disabilities.

The government of Georgia announced 2013 as the year for disabled persons and together with several non-governmental organizations are preparing the action plan for 2014-1016 to protect the rights of disabled persons. The government is planning the ratification of the UN Convention for persons with disabilities before the end of this year.

Photos by N. Alavidze.