A national data collection survey will be conducted by the Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons to determine the number of disabled persons living in Fiji next year.
Executive Director Doctor Sitiveni Yanuyanutawa says the council has already carried out a baseline survey in 2009 which was released in 2010.
Yanuyanutawa says they need to quantify this data through a national survey to determine the challenges disabled persons are facing.
He says the council should have consolidated data on disability in Fiji by 2017.
He also says that the council aims to establish a Disability Center in the Western Division similar to one in the North to boost training and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The Executive Director says they are also looking to the partnership with government and non‑government organisation to build a residential care and accommodation facility for persons with disabilities.
Yanuyanutawa says this facility will cater for the persons with disabilities who may be uncared for or neglect in their society.
Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons has been allocated $390,000 from the 2016 national budget for next year.
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